I know that teaching my kids about personal safety is so important, but there seems to be a fine line between preparing kids for emergencies and scaring them about Things That Could Happen. Like all parents, I definitely don’t want to tell them more than they need to hear. But lately we’ve been getting our talks just right with the help of reading When Lyla Got Lost (and Found), the latest in The Mother Company’s new series of safety books for kids. Thanks to authors Abbie Schiller and Samantha Kurtzman-Counter, my kids are learning some great safety strategies that will work for them in the real world, even while they think they’re just reading a story with great illustrations.
The book focuses on a little girl who gets lost in a store, and through the narrative, provides tips for what to do to stay safe, and what to do if you’re separated from your caregiver. Don’t worry, there’s a happy ending. Plus it’s leading to some good conversations about personal safety — which is the most important part, in my opinion.
I have to admit, I’m a bit relieved that my my rambunctious five-year-old, A.K.A. the kid I’m most likely to lose in a store, has grabbed this book a few times this week and asked me to read it to him. We’ve had good talks about what he should do next time he gets lost (that’s right, next time), and he’s finally learned my phone number. Progress!
This is also a great one to pass onto a preschool teacher so she can read it with the rest of the kids in the class. It’s really that good.
You can pre-order When Lyla Got Lost (and Found) at The Mother Company website our our affiliate Amazon. While you’re there, check out other titles in the safety series, like Miles is the Boss of His Body. which can help parents take on tough topics. Now, stay close and hold my hand!
