How Losing my Son in a Shopping Centre Inspired me to Write a Children’s Book By Gul Salih

There are moments in life that divide your world into a before and an after. For me, one of those moments happened in a busy shopping centre and lasted only a few minutes, yet it felt like a lifetime.

I was shopping with my son and my mum. At one point, my son wanted to go to his grandmother. I knew he was heading towards her and didn’t think anything of it. What I didn’t realise was that my mum had left before he reached her.

In those few moments, everything changed.

My son couldn’t find his grandmother and, not wanting to lose her, decided to keep looking. He made his way outside the shopping centre, believing she would be there.

I had no idea he had gone outside.

From what I understand, my son had been running towards the road and may have been about to go in front of a car. Thankfully, it appears that a kind stranger intervened and helped him. I don’t know who that person was, and I may never know exactly what happened, but I will always be grateful that my son was safe.

This is why I wrote my children’s book, Red Light Green Light.

I want to help teach children to become aware of their surroundings, recognise danger and understand when they need to stop, think and seek help from a trusted adult. That day, my son wasn’t being naughty or disobedient. He was worried and trying to find someone he loved. He made an impulsive decision that many children would make. The frightening reality is that it only took seconds for him to end up in a dangerous situation.

Startled and frightened, my son ran back into the shopping centre. But by then, he couldn’t find me either.

When I realised I couldn’t see him, my heart sank.

I searched frantically, calling his name and looking through nearby stores. Every second felt like an eternity. In those moments, every parent’s worst fears run through your mind. Is he hurt? Has someone taken him? Is he scared? Will I find him?

I cannot describe the panic and helplessness I felt.

Eventually, after what felt like forever, I found him. I hugged him and cried. I didn’t care who was watching. I was simply grateful that my son was safe and standing in my arms.

Since that day, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how differently this story could have ended.

The experience has been especially emotional in light of the recent tragedies involving children in Sydney. Like so many others, I have been heartbroken by the deaths of the young children in Cabramatta on the 17th of June 2026. I have also thought about the recent incidents involving children near school zones and roads. These tragedies have reminded all of us how fragile life is and how quickly an ordinary day can turn into something unimaginable.

As I watched the news coverage, I couldn’t stop thinking: that could have been my child.

Although I may never know exactly what happened outside the shopping centre, I cannot ignore the possibility that a stranger’s actions may have prevented a tragedy. To the person who may have stopped my son from running into danger, thank you. You may never know the impact you had on our family.

As parents, we try our best to teach our children about safety, but we never imagine we will one day be faced with our own near tragedy.

This experience has strengthened my determination to continue advocating for child safety. Through Red Light Green Light, I want children to understand that being aware of their surroundings can save lives. I want them to know that if they cannot find a parent or carer, they should not leave a safe place or run towards a road. They should stop, stay where they are and ask a trusted adult for help.

I also hope my story encourages parents to have these conversations with their children. We often think these things happen to other people. We think we have more time, that we’ll always see our child, that nothing bad will happen during an ordinary shopping trip.

But I have learned that it only takes a few moments.

I lost sight of my son for a short time, but those minutes changed me forever. They reminded me that children are curious, impulsive and vulnerable, and that safety education matters.

I got to hold my son again that day. Other families have not had that same opportunity.

That is why I am sharing my story.

If it encourages even one parent to talk to their child about staying safe, or one child to stop and think before running towards danger, then reliving one of the most terrifying moments of my life will have been worth it.

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Gul Salih has spent over two decades in the education system where she has blended theory and practice to nurture young learners. She began her studies in Community Services, specialising in working with children, before later completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Combining this study with hands-on experience in childcare settings, Gul developed a strong foundation in child development, family support and inclusive practice.

Following university, Gul taught in primary schools for 20 years, building a reputation for creating supportive, engaging classrooms and fostering strong partnerships with families. Her passion has always centred on helping children feel safe, confident and capable.

Motherhood deepened her professional understanding of child safety. In a frightening incident where her young son became lost in a public place, Gul experienced firsthand the fear and helplessness many parents face. This moment inspired her to seek proactive ways to support families and empower children with practical safety awareness. Gul’s picture book, Red Light, Green Light, is part of this mission.

Gul has now transitioned into sports and health education where she promotes teamwork, resilience, wellbeing and active lifestyles among her students.
On her days off, Gul enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, gardening and taking deliberate wrong turns to discover new destinations.

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