Losing something you love is tough, but when it's stolen from your bag on a crowded bus, the feeling is awful, especially for a child. That's exactly what happened to my daughter yesterday, when she was getting back to home from university. She travels by a bus which is the new spacious bus equipped with all facilities, including surveillance but she couldn't find her little portable neck fan, a simple device that helped her feel cool and comfortable on her daily commute, was gone.
She was heartbroken, not just because of the loss of the fan itself, but because of the frightening realization that someone had deliberately reached into her space and taken something. The immediate question that followed wasn't "Where can I get a new one?" but a deeply worried, "How can I ever ride the bus again?" That moment of fear made me realize we needed a plan for handling disappointment, fear, and personal safety on public transport.
The Parent's Priority should be handling the emotions.
When your child loses something, especially through theft, the first step isn't calling the bus company, it's validating their feelings. Their fear is real, and their worry about future travel is genuine.
What to say and How to teach Resilience?
Acknowledge the pain, It is completely okay to feel sad, worried, and even angry. That fan made you feel comfortable, and what happened was a mean, disappointing thing. I'm so sorry you went through that.
Safety first and Object should be second, Reassure them that they are safe. The fan was just an object, and while its loss hurts, their physical safety and well being are the most important things.
Focus on the culprit, Not the victim.
Do not let them blame themselves for being careless. Instead, explain that the person who took the fan made a bad choice. Remind your child that most people are honest and kind, and this incident is an exception, not the rule.
Restore their Control, involve them in finding a solution. Say, "This one bad ride doesn't have to ruin all your future travel. Let’s make a new plan together so you feel powerful and prepared next time." This shifts their focus from being a victim to being a planner.
What to do right away?
While small thefts like this are often not solvable, it’s important to take immediate action. It teaches your child that you are proactive and always try to find a solution.
Everything goes inside the bag, and the bag stays closed. teach them to keep valuable items (like phones, fans, or wallets) tucked away, rather than clipped to the outside or hanging loosely. If the item is in use, hold it firmly or ensure the strap is around the neck. A closed backpack is much less appealing than one that's wide open. keep personal items secure and out of easy reach.
In crowded areas, your bag stays in front of you.
When the bus is packed, encourage them to wear their backpack on their chest, or hold it firmly in their lap. When standing, use their leg to press the bag against the seat or wall.
Be aware of your personal bubble and who is entering it.
3. Ask a Helper
The bus driver is your authority.
If your child sees anything suspicious, is being bothered, or has an issue, they should talk to the bus driver or conductor immediately. Teach them to sit close to the driver or in a busy area where they can easily ask for help.
Know how to identify and approach authority figures when you need assistance.
This unfortunate incident is a hard lesson, but it’s one that will make your children more aware and confident traveler in the long run. By acknowledging their fear and replacing it with a practical plan, we help them see the bus not as a place of vulnerability, but as a space where she knows how to be prepared and resilient.
#mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #wellbeing #selfcare #positivevibes #loveyourself #educationforall
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