Shopping with kids during the holidays

By now you and the kids are probably in the frenzied last days of the holiday shopping for that special someone. But amid all the chaos it's easy to lose track of your child. Here are a few tips on keeping track of those little tykes.

KEEP SALE ITEMS CLOSE, AND YOUR CHILD CLOSER.

Merchandise can be returned, but your child might not be if someone snatches him or her. Never allow children to wander off in the store, mall or the parking lot alone, and never leave them in the car while shopping. Teach children to stay close to you at all times, and don't allow them to go into public restrooms alone.

IF YOU LOSE YOUR CHILD, GET HELP LOOKING FOR HIM OR HER. Immediately ask a clerk or manager to help you find your child. Say you have been separated from your child and you need help finding him or her. Most malls, department and grocery stores have a procedure that allows them to secure their area until your child is found.

HAVE A PLAN. When shopping with children, make certain there is a plan. Have them stay put if lost or meet at a predetermined location. Make sure they know their full name, address and telephone number. Smaller children should also know how to ask a store clerk, security guard or police officer for help if needed.

SHARE A SECRET CODE WORD. You and your child should have a code word that is easy to remember. This way, ff anyone tries to get your child to come with him by saying you're somewhere looking for him or her or that you were hurt and asking for him or her, your child can ask for the code word. If the stranger is really a friend, he'll know the code word. If he doesn't, have your child get away as fast as possible.

WEAR A WIRE. It is the technology age; if your child is old (and responsible) enough, supply him or her with a two-way radio as you shop. This way you can keep in constant contact while covering more shopping ground.

TWIST, SCREAM AND SHOUT. Instruct your children that if anyone--be they man, woman or another child--tries to take them somewhere when you're not looking, it's alright for them to scream and try to get away.

FIND A SITTER. Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to avoid one. If the object is to move fast, strike fast and leave fast while power shopping, then you might want to consider leaving your child with a relative or a sitter. This will allow you to move more freely, and cuts down on restroom visits.

For more tips on shopping safety with children visit www.fbi.gov/ kids/k5th/safety4.htm or www.safechild.net.