Prepared or paranoid parenting?

When you become a parent, you automatically become critical of other parents. Some you deem too lenient or lazy. Others you say are overprotective or paranoid. Of course, like Goldilocks, your parenting is "just right". But is it? No doubt, you've often questioned if you are being caring enough or too neurotic. Where is the real line? Is there one?

Definitely not. Apparently this is what makes a horse race...but when it comes to children's safety, is it better to be overly careful than neglectful? Perhaps yes. It is a good idea to know the potential dangers of SIDs, shaken baby syndrome, and other such medical circumstances and how to minimize them. We childproof our houses so our children are safe around stairs, ovens, and fireplaces. As they grow, we protect them from the Internet and strangers. No doubt, having access to information these days helps us be sometimes overly aware.

However, one of the areas that is not so well publicized is that of getting lost. Why? Because people don't want to admit it happens. Its embarrassing. It makes us feel irresponsible and out of the ordinary. You never want to admit losing your child to your spouse or heaven forbid your own mother! So we assume it doesn't happen and it can't and won't happen to us.

WRONG. Over 2000 kids get lost every day. 90% of families will experience it at least once. Chances are, if you haven't already, you will lose a child in a public place - in fact, its even more likely than getting a cold this year.

So ironically, its the responsible parent who is prepared and knows what to do to avoid a child getting lost - and then knows what to do when it does happen. Do you ever get in your car without putting on a seat belt? Do you expect to get into an accident? Certainly not...however, in the slight case that you will get into an accident, you prepare yourself and your kids and take that extra a second to put on the belt so you are prepared.

You can be as quickly prepared for when you go out in public places. Its not being paranoid, its being smart. Put safe ID on your kids and carry a recent photo...read through the Center's tips to find other easy ways to be a good parent.