Does your child know his phone number in case of emergency?

Question

My husband and I went out for coffee this afternoon and there was alittle boy there maybe 5 with his very drunk mother . The poor little thing was scared to death. He kept saying mummy wake up..she was slurring her words and falling asleep at the table.
The little boy got up and ran into a busy music store.His mum did not even notice. I called the security over and quickly they told me there was nothing they could do about her being drunk . I pointed out the child who I went over and spoke to .

He did NOT know his home number or where his dad worked. The police were called but this poor little boy. He told them his mum was sick ( bless the young ) she reeked of beer. The boy is safe now at least with the police. Before I left he told me "mum is sick alot " :( ....

What would you have done ? Shouldn't a child be taught an emercency number ? He did not even know where he lived

Its 000 in Australia ... and I highly doubt that any woman who heard a child cry out the way that little boy did would have turned their back. Plus running into a music store well children are abducted from lesser places
I do agree that there was / is alot more problems in that family.
The little that I did by talking with the child till the police came and making sure the guards where watching him was the least I could do for him.
My son knew his phone number from an early age also.. I was shocked to hear that this one did not

Answer 1

That's a good thing to remind people of. Thanks. Thumbs up to you!!

Answer 2

Sesame Street did a wonderful little story called "Big Bird Gets Lost" where the character Maria has a little song that kids can stick their own phone number into and learn it that way.

I was suprised that even my 3 year old was able to learn her phone number using that song. Gives me a bit of reassurance to know she can tell the cops her number with no problem.

Of course it also helps that our last name is unusual, and my husband has a one-of-a-kind first name too .... and both my kids know our names.

Answer 3

My oldest daughter learnt our phone number pretty quickly.

Our youngest was not so savvy. Took her longer to get it.

This mother is too "sick" to think about the consequenses of her actions. I hope she learnt something today and I thank you for being there to make a difference.

Just a side note, when we are in a crowd with out children, I always write my mobile phone number on my kids arm. That way if they get lost, they can get security to call me. Simple, but effective.

Answer 4

911

Answer 5

when u intend sending ur son or daughter out side so the first thing he or she should spell before the name of their parents is their phone number cuz u can not be sure what is going to happen
and as advice write down the phone number on the back of their books and every where so any body can help them when they are at school or at street

Answer 6

When I was a young child I knew my number and address without even being told by my parents. I don't have kids yet...closest thing is those white things with tails in my coinpurse.

Answer 7

My older son knew his ph # at the age of 4 and on. He's 16 now and carries a cell phone.

Answer 8

Yes mine does. I would have called 911

Answer 9

I think you did the right thing hopefully the child will not be put back in that home

Answer 10

he needs 2 be placed in a better home because this is a clear case of child neglect and possible abuse

Answer 11

yes along with passwords secretones and to never believe your mom said for me to pick u up stay where u are