Keeping Kids Close: Safety Strategies for Families

For parents and caregivers, nothing is more important than keeping children safe. One behavior that can cause a lot of anxiety—especially in toddlers or children with special needs—is wandering. Whether it’s during a walk, in a crowded store, or even from a classroom or home, wandering can happen in an instant and lead to dangerous situations.

But with the right strategies and awareness, you can reduce the risk and keep your child safe while still supporting their natural curiosity and independence.

 Why Do Children Wander?

Wandering—also known as “elopement”—often happens because young children are still developing impulse control and safety awareness. Some common reasons children may wander include:

• Curiosity or desire to explore
• Seeking out a favorite object, place, or person
• Avoiding overstimulating environments
• Difficulty communicating needs
• Lack of awareness of danger

For children with autism or other developmental delays, wandering may occur more frequently and require specialized safety planning.

 Tips to Help Prevent Wandering

Here are some proactive, family-friendly strategies that can help reduce the risk:

1. Establish Clear Boundaries

Teach your child where it’s safe to go and where it’s not. Use simple language and repeat often.
 Example: “We stay on the sidewalk with grown-ups.”

2. Practice Stop and Wait Games

Play games like “Red Light, Green Light” to reinforce stopping when told. Praise your child when they respond quickly to safety commands.

3. Use Visuals or Social Stories

For children who respond well to visuals, create social stories about staying close in public or at home. Pictures can help make expectations clear.

4. Secure Your Environment

• Use childproof locks and alarms on doors and gates
• Set up visual cues like stop signs near exits
• Consider wearable GPS devices for children at high risk

5. Increase Supervision During Transitions

Wandering often happens when moving between activities or environments. Be especially watchful during pick-ups, drop-offs, or outdoor play.

6. Teach Name, Address, and Phone Number

As your child develops language, help them learn key information. Practice it often in a fun, non-stressful way.
 Tip: For nonverbal children, consider ID bracelets or tags with emergency contact info.

 Partnering with Caregivers and Teachers

If your child attends child care or school, share any concerns about wandering and work together to create a safety plan. This may include:

• Assigned adult supervision
• Extra support during transitions or outdoor time
• Use of visual schedules and boundaries
• A clearly defined response plan if a child is missing

 What to Do If Your Child Wanders

Despite your best efforts, it can still happen. If it does:

1. Stay calm and act quickly
2. Search familiar or favorite places first
3. Call emergency services if your child cannot be found within a few minutes
4. Once reunited, reconnect with love and comfort, then reflect on what happened and how to improve safety going forward

 Final Thoughts

Wandering can feel scary, but it’s not uncommon—and you’re not alone. By staying aware, creating safe routines, and working with others who care for your child, you can create an environment where your child can explore and grow safely.

It’s all about finding that balance between freedom and protection, one small step at a time.