Last week we urged residents to do their holiday shopping in our local stores to save time and stress as well as supporting the merchants who support our town.

For those who still have some more presents to buy, why not make the day a family outing, and plan to stop at one of our great restaurants for a cup of hot chocolate or a lunch out with the kids?

If you do plan to shop with your children, here are some guidelines issued by the Nassau County Police Department to help keep them safe:

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping.

They should always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.

2. Make a plan in case you become separated. *Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot. Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store - a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.

3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.

4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it

can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video

arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.

6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher