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.

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 security officer, a store salesperson with a nametag 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. 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.

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 separated with all the sights, sounds and crowds of holiday shopping. So maybe this is a time that you need to enjoy by yourself.