| As a parent, you may not ever expect anything | | | | common word, like "hot" or "cold", since that may |
| to happen to you, but it could. If it did, what | | | | or may not be meant as the code in various |
| would happen to your child? That's a question that | | | | situations. |
| you need to explore from both short-term and | | | | The point of the code word system is to be able |
| long-term perspectives. | | | | to give it to anyone that you need to call to pick |
| In the short term, let's say that you have a | | | | up your child or check on them in an emergency |
| business meeting that's running late. You won't be | | | | situation. The child will know that you sent that |
| able to pick your child up at school. Who do you | | | | person and be able to trust that person's |
| call to pick them up for you? Many parents make | | | | directions. |
| sure that they choose someone to care for their | | | | Just remember, the pass code should be unique, |
| child in the long-term, but don't necessarily have | | | | but memorable. For younger kids, it should |
| clear short-term emergency plans for such | | | | probably be short, so that they don't forget it. |
| situations. | | | | You should also remind them of it on a regular |
| It's hard to know who you'll be able to get a hold | | | | basis. Also, you need to be careful not to discuss |
| of in an emergency. So, the next best thing is to | | | | the pass code in public places. You may even |
| set up a code word, or pass code. Talk to your | | | | want to change it from time to time and notify |
| child about it and come up with a word or phrase | | | | anyone involved, just to make sure it stays |
| that would be easy for both of you to remember | | | | secure. |
| and unique to you. Make sure that it's not a | | | | |