Staying safe

Let's face it. Moms are usually focused on one thing... their kids. Don't forget to keep yourself and your children safe by being aware of your surroundings at all times. Here are some ways to help you stay safe.

When you're in a parking lot, be alert. Know who's around you. Get the kids in and go. Also, always keep your purse on you or in your car. Don't leave it in the grocery cart while you put in the kids. It's a quick, easy target.

On vacation, wear your purse across your body or keep your money in a purse that attached to your body. Don't pull your money out in public. If you know you'll be spending $5 for a coffee at a street vendor, keep the money in a separate place.

While driving, keep your doors locked. Speaking of locked doors, keep your doors at home locked too. This keeps little ones in and strangers out. If you are driving and see a note on your windshield, or even if someone bumps into you, make sure you're in a safe place before you get out of your car. Drive to a well-lit, populated area before getting out to check - especially if your kids are in the car.

Don't be paranoid, just be alert. Criminals tend to steer clear of alert, confident people. Don't make yourself look like a target.