School trips Natalee Holloway didn’t leave for her school trip with the intention of having her name known in every household around the country. But, a few days after embarking on her school trip, she vanished into thin air. It was every parents’ worst nightmare. Not only did this teen vanish, but she vanished in another country. Her mysterious disappearance has made parents and school faculty members take a closer glance at keeping our children safe during school trips and outings. As parents, we worry constantly about how we can keep our children safe. We teach them to hold our hands when crossing the street, to not talk to strangers and to not open the door unless they know who is on the other side. We worry when they’re out of our sight and we place our trust in the hands of the other adults who are watching over our children when we are apart. We put faith in the school teachers, bus drivers, daycare providers – anyone who comes into contact with our children each day. Typically, we don’t think about safety and taking precautions in regards to school trips. Unfortunately, there is more of a need today than every before. Not all of our children will have the opportunity to take such a wonderful vacation like the one that Natalee Holloway took. Most school trips will be to local museums or places of historical interest. However, danger can lurk around even the most boring of corners and there is never a bad time to teach our children to be cautious about their surroundings. At any age, children should always have a buddy or remain in a group when on school trips. A child who wanders off on their own is more likely to vanish or get lost from their own misdirection. Staying in a group is a deterrent for anyone who is looking for a victim. Even if the group of kids gets lost, there is still safety in numbers. Though we think that only younger children need to learn how to avoid strangers, older children and teenagers can fall prey to someone who approaches them as well. Talk to your children and teens about strangers who may approach them on school trips trying to get some information or recruit them to help find a lost child or pet. It may sound silly and a bit paranoid, but many teens have fallen victim to the simplest of cons. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the school trips. Question the teachers about the amount of chaperones that will be accompanying the kids. Ask them about any safety precautions that are in place. The more you ask and the more knowledge that you have, the more comfortable you can be about your child’s well-being. There is no harm in always be prepared and informed. Even the most well planned school trip can become a nightmare for the unprepared. Be the prepared one. Summary School trips can cause parents worry, especially if they are being held in a foreign country. Museums and day trips are not as much a concern from the parents point of view. Be sure to talk to your kids about strangers and what to do if they feel threatened by someone. Better safe than sorry. Related Articles Field Trips For Home Schooled Children Related Sites