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Let me tell you a story—a moment of sheer panic that turned into one of the most important parenting lessons I’ve learned.

It was Halloween night in Los Angeles. The sun was setting, kids were running everywhere, dry ice smoke curled out of glowing pumpkins, and the clowns? Let’s just say they were scarier than ever. My kids were ecstatic, darting from house to house in their costumes, their candy bags filling up fast.

Then, it happened.

I lost sight of them.

One second, they were just ahead of me, and the next, they were gone. Not across the street. Not on the sidewalk we’d been walking on. Nowhere.

I ran back to the backyard where the pre-party at my sister’s friend’s house had been. Maybe they’d doubled back? But no, they weren’t there either. I hurried back outside, calling their names, my voice rising with every shout. Strangers turned to look at me, but my kids? No sign of them.

At that moment, my mind spiraled.

This is my worst nightmare.
We’re foreigners in this community.
They don’t know the address of where we’re staying.
They don’t have phones.
What if something happens?

And then, irony hit me like a ton of bricks.I’ve been leading a book club on The Anxious Generation, discussing how overprotection can limit kids’ growth and problem-solving abilities. I couldn’t help but think about how I’ve likely been overprotecting them in the real world—hovering too closely at times—while under protecting them in the virtual world, where the risks are less visible but just as real.

But here I was, battling the urge to overreact. Should I trust their independence and stay calm? Or give in to the panic bubbling inside me?

After several frantic minutes (the longest of my life, by the way), we found them. They were inside my sister’s friend’s house, happily trading their first batch of candy bars from the houses across the street.

Relief swept over me—but so did a realization. This wasn’t just a Halloween scare. It was a wake-up call about how I needed to better prepare my kids—and myself—for situations like this.

Lessons Learned

Prepare with Intention

• The address of where we’re staying. Especially when we’re traveling, this is non-negotiable.
• My phone number by heart. A simple skill that can make all the difference.
• To carry a small amount of money. Just enough to get them home or make an emergency call if needed.

Empower Kids to Thrive in Both Physical and Virtual Spaces

This moment also made me reflect on screen time and the lifestyle we’re building as a family. While my kids don’t have smartphones yet, they do use iPads for schoolwork and staying connected with family members abroad. One thing became clear: I need to approach both the physical and digital worlds with intention—helping them navigate both spaces safely, responsibly, and with confidence.

But it’s not just about logistics—it’s about building confidence. I don’t want to parent from a place of fear, and I don’t want my kids to live in fear either. Knowing they have the tools to handle unexpected situations helps all of us stay calm and capable when life throws us a curveball.

So, if you’ve ever faced a parenting moment that left your heart racing, take a breath and ask: How can I prepare my kids (and myself) to face something like this in the future?

After all, parenting isn’t about preventing every challenge—it’s about empowering our kids to navigate them.

By the way, some of you might be thinking "What's the book club about?" follow this link to learn more and sign up!

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Until next time,

Alexandra

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