When I was a teen in the '90s, I grew up in a small suburban town just outside New York City. Like other curious and adventurous teens, I hopped on the train to the city without telling anyone responsible, made up stories about where I was going, hung out with friends my parents never met, and drove around aimlessly, without a care in the world. I was incredibly lucky that I made it home safely every night.

Now, as a mom of two teenage boys, I look back on those days with a whole new perspective. I could be the overprotective, overbearing parent who tries to control everything—monitoring their every move, tracking their friends, and holding on way too tight. But let's be real: they'd still find a way to do what they want, and that kind of approach would only lead to a strained relationship, filled with secrets and a lack of trust.

So instead, my husband and I choose trust. We love them endlessly and believe they’ll make good choices—most of the time, anyway. I know they’ll make mistakes, just like I did, and I want them to have the space to grow while knowing we’re always here. But I also want to be ready—really ready—if something ever goes wrong.

That’s why I created the If I Go Missing System.

It’s designed to empower parents to protect their children without hovering over them. To give kids the freedom to live boldly, while making sure we’re prepared for the unexpected. It’s about being proactive, not paranoid—having everything in place so if the unthinkable happens, we can act fast and effectively.

Because at the end of the day, I want my boys—and your kids, too—to know we’re always here. With open arms. With open hearts. And with a plan.