Readers share tips to help lost children

Dear Readers: We recently printed a letter from a reader about her child getting lost and asking a “grandma” for help. Here are a couple of comments from readers on this subject:

P.C., via e-mail, says: “Here is what I taught my kids to do if they were lost. I told them to freeze as soon as they realized we were separated, then call my name (first name — Heloise) as loud as they could for at least five minutes. After that, they were to look for a store worker and ask to have me paged, and, of course, never to go in the back room or ever leave the premises, no matter what. To this day, they will call me by my first name if we are in a crowd and I’m not responding. It works great.”

Jody, via e-mail, says: “It’s also important for the child to know as much contact information as possible. Ever since our daughter was old enough to remember rhymes and poems, we used them to teach her our names, address and phone number. Our information fits a pattern pretty well. Other, longer addresses might not, but it should be possible to play with the phrasing to come up with something a younger child can remember.” Heloise

Dear Heloise: Before going overseas, check with your bank- or credit-card issuer to see if it has ATMs in countries you will be visiting. If there are, make sure you can use your card to get cash — and ask what fees are charged, if any. Frankie Ellen in Arkansas

Dear Readers: When someone gives me his business card, I take a few minutes to write on the back of the card info that will help me remember the person later — the date, where we met, “a friend of,” “married with three kids,” etc. Trust me, this will help later. I have some cards that are 10 years old, and I can instantly place the person. If you do a lot of networking, this really can make a difference. Heloise

Dear Heloise: A flood, fire or natural disaster easily can destroy the photographic memories in your home. Help truly preserve family photographs by taking the time to scan them into a computer and then burn several CDs. Put one in a safety-deposit box, and give a copy to each of your children or to close family members. Jackie Greer, Madison, Wis.

Dear Heloise: I keep track of appointments for my family by using a different-color pen or marker for each person. I write the time in the appropriate square and circle the date for easy reference. If I was given an appointment card, I staple it to the bottom of the month. Justin A., Seguin, Texas

King Features Syndicate