While it's impossible for you to be with your kids 24/7, you still can't help but worry about them anyway. Given the high crime rate in the country, it's perfectly natural for you to fear for their safety. Unfortunately, outside influences are beyond your control. You can't choose which streets your kids will cross or where they'll have dinner with their friends. What you can do, however, is make sure that your kids grow up street-smart. Encourage critical thinking at home and get them to practice common sense.

To keep your kids safe, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

(First published as "Are You Safe in the Mall?" in the "Smart Parenting" section of Good Housekeeping Philippines' July 2002 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network. Screencap of The Vampire Diaries courtesy of The CW.)