children. For the naturally high-strung, or just plain excited child, busy roads, sidewalks and stores, can get them separated from parents or cause accidents. And while the most convenient thing is to leave the kids at home, if one follows the advice Egleston Children's Hospital Maryann Johnston, the experience can be, if not pleasureable, at least less than traumatic. "An excited young child can spot a fun toy or holiday display and wander away in an instant,'' said Ms Johnston, a registered emergency center nurse and specialist in child safety. "And even older children who know not to talk to strangers can be tempted to trust characters in costumes.'' There's always a chance you and your children will become separated during shopping trips.

Teach your children to approach a properly identified store clerk if they become lost; tell them to remain with the clerk until security personnel makes contact. Also, warn them against trusting an unidentified stranger in holiday costume, who may not be the friendly Santa employed at the store. You can't really keep track of children when you've got "package overload,'' so make frequent trips back to the car to unload, Ms Johnston says. "That way, parents can free their hands and have better control of children.'' Some other tips: Tell children not to play on escalators. Untied shoelaces, scarves, mittens and even fingers can become trapped in the escalator mechanism. Teach them to face forward and hold the handrail.

If you bring your toddler, bring a stroller and use the lap and crotch straps.

Never walk away from the stroller, even for a second.

Follow safety instructions on shopping carts. Use safety straps provided, and never allow children to stand in the back of the cart, which could cause it to tip over.

If your children become bored, take a few minutes to tour the toy or pet store they want to see. Briefly yielding to their agenda will lessen the temptation for them to go exploring alone.

When returning to the Kid safety full to hold your children's hands. Before stepping into the lot, make sure all of you look in every direction.

Put all packages in the trunk if you can. Anything that must be carried in the passenger compartment should be secured so it won't become a dangerous missile in the event of a sudden stop.