Shopping with children can be an overwhelming experience and in the blink of an eye, they could get lost in the crowds of people.

Police offered the following tips on how to keep your children safe in crowded places:

• Talk to your kids before a family outing.

Make a rule that you must always be able to see your children and they must always be able to see you.

It may sound simple, but keep reminding them periodically, especially if you think they are getting restless.

• Use the “two giant steps” rule: your kids can never be more than two giant steps away from you.

It is a fun and easy way for young children to remember not to wander away.

• Teach your kids that if they ever become separated from you, they should look for a “safe stranger” for help.

Examples of a safe stranger include a mum with kids or a person at the cash register.

With older children, agree on a meeting place ahead of time, in case you become separated.

• Tell your children never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you, no matter what anyone tells them.

Remind your children that you would never leave until you were reunited.

• Dress your children in brightly colored clothes to make them easy to spot.

Be sure to remember what they are wearing.

• Establish the “check first” rule with older children.

They must always check first with you before going anywhere in a public place, including another store, play area, or even the restroom.

• Don’t treat public facilities as a “convenient babysitter.”

Do not leave your children alone at video arcades, movie theatres, play areas, or other public places. Predators are known to look for unsupervised kids.

• Always bring young children into the restroom with you.

Look for well-lit restrooms in high traffic areas, whenever possible.

• Make sure your child knows your cellphone number.