Every parent's worst nightmare is that their child will go missing or be kidnapped.  Thankfully, it doesn't happen that often, and despite what you see on the news, most children who are kidnapped are taken by a family member and are returned to their family safely.  However, there are people out there that take people with the intention of hurting them.  It's not something that parents want to think about, but it's important to be prepared in the event that something should ever happen. 

Here are some simple child safety tips that will help you if your child is ever abducted. 

1. Teach your child your home phone number and address as soon as they are old enough to remember it. 

2.  Have a secret code word with your child that anyone who you would send to pick them up would know.  Practice different scenario's with your child so that they know what to do in the event that something happens.  

3. Talk to your children about stranger safety. Ask them what they would do in different scenarios. For example, ask them what the would do if a stranger wanted to show them their kittens.  Then ask what they would do if a stranger told them that they had toys in their car.  Go over different scenarios to prepare your child in case something happens.  

4.  Tell your children to never go up to anyone's car who they do not know. If someone tries to entice your child to their car, tell your child to run.  

5. Children are taught to comply with adults, which makes it easy for kidnappers to take them.  Tell your child to scream if someone tries to take them against their will.  

6. Purchase a child ID kit and keep it up-to-date. There are many available on the market.  

7. Label all of your children's belongings with permanent marker, so they could be easily identified if needed. 

8. Place a card with all of your contact information in your child's backpack so they have it with them. 

9. Always have current photos of your child. Some of my friends think that I'm a little of the wall, but I take pictures of my children in every new outfit that I buy for them.  With a digital camera, it is easy to do and you can store lots of pictures on your computer. If the worst happens and your child is abducted, you can give police lots of pictures. 

10. If your child is abducted, or is missing, call the police immediately. Understand that you would immediately become a suspect so be willing to comply with the police completely so they can rule you out and get to the matter of finding your child.  Seconds count when a child is missing - so make sure that you notify police as soon as you realize that your child is missing.