Having to prepare your child in the event of a dire situation such as their abduction is difficult on both the child and parent. However, it is the responsibility of all parents to prepare their child or children for various situations that they may face during their life. The following suggestions might be helpful for parents who face the threat of having their child abducted and wrongfully retained by a spouse or former spouse. 

1.       Parental and Non-parental child abduction is a growing and real threat to children everywhere. Make sure to speak openly and carefully to your child about child abduction and other forms of abuse, including any communication with strangers (in person or on the Internet).

2.       Make sure that your child knows your home phone number, your cell phone number, and your office phone number. Make sure that there are no incoming collect-call restrictions placed on your lines, including calls from overseas. If financially possible, install a toll-free number in your home that can be forwarded to wherever you are - and make sure your child has memorized that number.

3.       Make sure that your child has an email account, knows how to operate email, and knows and has saved your email address.

4.       Make sure your child knows the contact phone number of at least one other family relative biologically related to you (such as one of your siblings, parents, of close friends) in the event they need to reach you and are unable to.

5.       Make sure your child understands that in the event that are taken, to call for help in public places filled with other people.

6.       Create a child identification kit that includes updated clear photographs, foot and fingerprints, birth certificate, medical history, passport, dental records, X-rays, child's name and description including location of scars, birthmarks and any other identifiable data (glasses, braces, earrings, etc.). Try to keep recent video of your child.

7.       Provide your child with a cell phone without any international restrictions.

8.       Openly talk to your child, and explain that if he or she is ever about to board an airplane without you speaking about their trip first, that they must under all circumstances demand from the other parent to speak with you. Make sure that they understand that if the other parent does not allow them to do this, they are to tell any authority figure, including a flight attendant, that they are traveling without their other parent knowing - and that they need help. This is one of the more difficult tasks you will need to discuss with your child; however, it is critically important.