Mom Jess Martini knows how it feels to lose a child in public because she went through the same experience with her three young boys, and she is sharing some helpful tips for other parents who might find themselves in this situation.
In a post on TikTok, Martini shared that she's making a public service announcement because many children go missing at the zoo, amusement park, or even the shopping centers. The mom advocates for never looking at lost kids in silence because being loud as possible will inform the people of the parent's predicament.
Despite how embarrassing this may look for some parents, Martini said that shouting the child's description in public will bring the "best-case scenario" as someone will likely find the child and return them to the parents.
She also believes that shouting the child's description, such as the hair, the clothes, age, or height, will fend off any abductor and let go of the child. The point is to make a commotion as the consequences could be worse otherwise.
@jesmartini PSA that I feel can save kids and I've used- if your child goes missing in public #momsoftiktok #PSA #nojudgement #fyp #4up #besafe #parentsoftiktok ♬ original sound - Jess martini
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Better to Look Stupid than Sorry
Martini went on to say that she understands if some parents might feel very stupid as they holler for their child. However, this is the best option than feeling sorry if something bad has actually happened. Her tip has helped a parent in Australia whose son went missing in Kmart. Per Metro, the mom remembered Martini's TikTok video and started shouting for her 2-year-old boy, Nathan. It took 10 minutes for her and the Kmart staffers to locate Nathan, but she was glad and relieved he was safe. Martini also posted a second TikTok video as a follow-up to her first tip. This time, she told parents to let their children wear brightly colored clothes if they visit a public place, making it easier to find them. She also said that parents should take photos of their children for that outing, just in case they get lost.
@jesmartini This is a MUST watch for any parent or caregiver- What to do if your child ever goes missing in a public place #momsoftiktok #psa #staysafe #safety #f ♬ original sound - Jess martini
The mom added that the kids should have their parents' names and numbers with them. She also reiterated for parents to "never look in silence" if they lose a child in public.
"You need people to understand you loud and clear," Martini said, adding that all the other adults who heard the parent will be on the alert and search for the child as well.
Adopt Preventive Measures
Some preventive measures will also help parents avoid this bad experience. For instance, parents can train their kids early on to learn their parents' name, home address, or hotel name, as well as their parents' contact numbers. The family should also plan to go to a certain place if they are separated from the group, such as a customer service area or a famous restaurant, and wait for their parents there.
If a child can be taught to memorize some details, they could also be taught to seek help from a policeman, security guard, or an employee of a store or amusement park. Instruct your kids on what to say to these adults if they are lost.
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