Holiday shopping with small children can be fun, but also stressful and potentially dangerous. So here are just a few ideas to think about before you start out for a busy day at the mall.

When in a Shopping center make an extra effort to supervise excited children. ALWAYS accompany your children TO and IN the restroom. Make certain your children know to stay with you at all times while shopping.

If children become separated from you, teach them to look for people who can be sources of help within the store. For example, a uniformed law-enforcement or security officer, store salesperson with a nametag, person with a nametag who is working at the information booth, or a mother with children. They should not leave the area, and they should NEVER leave the mall or store and go to the parking lot to try and find their car.

Make visits to the mall creating opportunities for your children to practice "safe shopping" skills. Teach them how to use a public telephone and locate sources of help or a meeting place if you become separated.

Leave clothing with your children's names displayed at home, as it can bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

If you allow your older children to go to the mall without you, they need to TAKE A FRIEND. It's more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Make certain a clear plan is in place to pick them up including where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans. Cell phones are not always reliable in a large crowded area.

Nothing ever takes the place of your supervision when you are in a public place with your children. If you are going holiday shopping and feel that you will be distracted, make other arrangements for the care of your children. It's so easy for you and your children to get distracted with all the sights, sounds and crowds of holiday shopping. So maybe this is a time that you need to enjoy by yourself.