As children grow, teaching them how to stay safe becomes one of the most important lessons parents can provide. Recently, many women across the internet, namely on Tiktok, have started advocating for a simple yet powerful safety tip: teaching children to shout “MOM” instead of “Help!” if they’re ever in danger.
Why this specific word? Because “MOM” is a term that grabs attention instantly.
Whether a woman is a mother or not, the instinct to respond when a child calls out “MOM” runs deep. It’s an automatic reaction—one that can override distractions or hesitation. In crowded or chaotic environments, yelling “Help!” may blend into the background noise or fail to communicate urgency. But “MOM” cuts through the din and elicits an immediate response, particularly from women nearby.
This strategy stems from the understanding that women, especially mothers, often have an innate protective instinct. Upon hearing a child yell “MOM,” they’re more likely to stop what they’re doing and investigate to ensure the child is okay. It’s a word that connects with the deepest sense of empathy and responsibility.
How can you help?
While we can all hope that no child ever finds themselves in such situations, giving them a tool that increases their chances of getting quick help is crucial. This slight shift in what children are taught to say in emergencies could make a life-saving difference.
Women everywhere showcase the power of community and empathy in ensuring children’s safety. The practice of teaching kids to shout “MOM” instead of “Help!” may seem like a minor adjustment, but it’s rooted in a universal truth: when a life’s at stake, women will always step up.
Think about it: adults and children alike use the word “help” regularly. It’s become so desensitized that it’s heard in passing, in jokes, in subway warnings, etc. It may even urge some passersby to walk a bit faster and mind their own business. If a child is shouting “MOM” over and over, even if it invokes an irritated response, noticing for a second can help save a life.
Have you ever heard a child call for “MOM” in public and felt compelled to check if they needed help? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Featured image via Artur Voznenko on Unsplash
