The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and gatherings of family and friends. Yet, it also brings larger crowds, heavier shopping traffic, and an increased risk of children or vulnerable loved ones becoming separated. In these moments, a clear family safety plan can mean the difference between panic and protection.
The Power of a Conversation: A Father’s Story About Holiday Safety
When my youngest son AJ was about seven years old, we took a trip to New York City to visit family. Like so many families do around the holidays, we went to Times Square. If you’ve ever been there, you know what I mean when I say there were thousands of people—tourists from all over the world, locals out shopping, families enjoying the Christmas lights, and plenty of people just having fun. But here’s something I always remind parents: in every crowd, there are people there for the wrong reasons. Some are hunting right where others are shopping.
Before we even left the car that night, I had a conversation with AJ. I told him:
“If we get separated, that means I’m not holding your hand and you’re not holding mine, I need you to immediately sit down. Don’t let anybody touch you. If someone tries to help, I want you to say loud and clear: ‘You’re not my dad!’”
We practiced it a few times right there, before walking into the crowd. That practice wasn’t just words. It was preparation, and it was a plan.
It was about 7:00 p.m. when I finally found a parking spot. We were with five members of one family and four from another, moving together through Times Square. We saw the ice skaters, the giant Christmas tree lit up, and the endless neon lights. But the crowd was thick, pressing in from every direction.
At one point, as I held AJ’s hand and tried to move our group forward, we got separated. Just for a few seconds
—but if you’ve ever been in a sea of strangers, you know a few seconds is all it takes for panic to set in.
I immediately stopped walking. I didn’t push forward. I didn’t let fear take over. I turned in a slow circle, scanning. Then I noticed something unusual—people ahead of me were walking around something, parting like a stream around a rock. I made my way closer.
And there he was. AJ. Sitting calmly on the floor, just like we had talked about. He was waiting patiently for me to find him, surrounded by strangers but untouched, because he knew what to do.
Later, on the long drive back from New York to Fayetteville, NC, I thought about what might have happened if we hadn’t had that conversation. What if we hadn’t practiced? What if AJ panicked and ran, or trusted the wrong person? I might have searched in the wrong direction. Minutes could have stretched into hours. Fear could have replaced calm. And that happy ending we had might have turned out very differently.
That’s why I share this story with you. Not to scare you, but to remind you of the power of a simple, honest conversation with your children before you go out into the world. Having a plan doesn’t take away the fun of the holidays—it ensures that the fun doesn’t get stolen by fear.
This is just one example of how a small conversation can keep your family safe. In my upcoming webinar, I’ll share more stories, more strategies, and practical steps you can put in place tonight to protect your loved ones. Because when it comes to family safety, preparation is love in action.
Why Family Plans Matter
In the chaos of holiday shopping or travel, children can easily become distracted. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), over 2,300 children go missing every day in the United States for reasons ranging from misunderstandings to abductions (https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/isyourchildmissing). Many are quickly reunited, but preparation is the key to minimizing risk and fear.
The Five Essential Facts Every Child Should Know
- At home, parents should rehearse the five core facts that empower children:
- Parents’ full names
- Parents’ mobile numbers
- Home address (city, state, zip)
- Parents’ place of work
- Name of a trusted adult friend
Ask yourself: Could your child answer all five without hesitation right now? If not, begin practicing in small, consistent sessions.
Practicing Without Fear
It’s important to frame these exercises positively. Use games, songs, or role play. For example, quiz your child while in the car or before bed. Reinforce their progress with encouragement. This builds confidence and reduces fear if they are ever separated.
When families establish clear protocols and children know their essential facts, they transform uncertainty into empowerment. The holidays may be busy, but with preparation, they don’t have to be dangerous.
Looking For More Ways To Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Holiday Season?
Join our free online webinar session on December 17 at 11:00 a.m. CT where Dave Young will expand on these concepts and share actionable holiday safety practices.
