Rest assured, the chances that your child will go through life without a successful or even attempted abduction are very high. In fact, the majority of children do not ever experience this terrifying event. According to Kids Health (www.kidshealth.org), of the average 2100 missing child reports filed everyday in the United States, most of them are from children running away or the result of a parent/child misunderstanding of where the child is supposed to be. Of the children who actually are abducted, only 25% of them are taken by strangers. Even so, parents everywhere worry that their children could become victims of this horrifying crime.

There are some things you can do to help prevent your children from being victims of abduction and also things you can do to help find your children faster if they are abducted. First of all, have ID-like photos taken of your children every six months. That way, police and other search agents will have an accurate description to go from while searching. You should also have your child fingerprinted so they are on record.

Of course, in an ideal world you would supervise your children at all times, but in reality we know that it is not possible to keep our eyes on our children every second of the day. Thats why youll want to teach your children their address, phone number and parents names in case they ever do become lost or feel like they are in danger. Tell them who it is safe to ask for help from such as police officers and security workers.

Another option you have would be to enroll your children in a martial arts class that teaches self-defense and safety. Classes such as these teach children confidence (which make them less likely to become a victim), awareness to help them avoid potentially dangerous situations and the ability to defend themselves if the need arises.

If youre children are old enough to surf the internet with direct adult supervision, youll also want to set up rules about what they are allowed to do on the internet and teach them about the dangers of divulging too much information to strangers while online.

If you suspect that your child has been abducted, contact the law enforcement in your area immediately. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your child including when you last saw him or her and what he or she was wearing.

Sources: Kids Health (www.kidshealth.org)

Tips to Help You Protect Your Children

1. Avoid dressing your children in clothing with their name on it. They are much more likely to trust a stranger who calls them by name.

2. Set up a secret family word. Instruct your children that they are not allowed to go anywhere with anyone who does not know the secret word.

3. Teach your children what to do if they are approached by a stranger. Role-play different scenarios until they are comfortable with the routine.