Mardi Gras safety for parents

Sister of Mount Carmel Mary Ellen Wheelahan, safe environment coordinator of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond offer the following tips to parents to keep their children safe during the Mardi Gras season:

Never leave your child unattended on a parade route. Identify the law enforcement officers in the area in case your child is separated from you. Teach your child your cell phone number in case he/she may need it.

Talk to your child about saying “No” to any unwanted talk or contact with others while at the parades. Notice anyone in the crowd who may try to pay a great deal of attention to your child.

Keep your child a safe distance from the floats and movement of the actual parade. Be attentive also to the noise level for younger children.

Take a picture of your child on your cell phone the day of the parade – you will have a picture of exactly what your child is wearing in case he/she gets separated from you.

 Supervise your child when he/she has to go to a restroom.

 Remember that your child depends on you for his/her safety. Children are gifts given to us by a loving God and they are deserving of the time and effort it takes for us to protect them.