Losing kids in a crowd About This Page:

[KS Tink]

HMMM...I wonder why it double posted me here!??? Oh well...

[Lori Jakiela]

We used "leashes" when we traveled with our twins when we were very small. We used them on he Disney cruise on the islands and thru the airports. It gives the child a chance to walk and see things with the comfort that you aren't going to turn your head and get seperated.

As far as people looking down on it....we were in the airport and I had the kids on the harnesses to walk prior to boarding so they could release some energy. Some lady told me I should be ashamed of myself....I asked her if she would to take charge of 20 month old twins and see if she could do a better job. I really got tired of peoples opinions. Bottom line.,...I didn't lose my kids and they got to explore rather than be in a stroller the whole time.

I always traveled with the harnesses and this past year was the first year we didn't have to use them. I feel pretty comfortable now about getting rid of them. They know when we go some where who they can go to should we get seperated and they always wear their dogtags in parks and on trips so they can show someone the information. No one ever plans to lose their kids but it does happen.

I just spoke to someone who told me they lost their 5 year old son at the beach this year.for over 30 minutes. He went up to the pool for the games. He misunderstood his mom and thought she wanted to go to the pool at that moment. So, it does happen and he thought he was doing the right thing!

Bottom line...you need to be comfortable with what ever choices you make.

[lanie875]

I'm all for harnesses or "leashes" on kids. I'm thinking my 7 and 5 year olds wouldn't be agreeable to it though
I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do to keep them safe. my 14 and 7 year olds aren't a problem but my 5 year old is a wanderer with little fear. And I really don't want to get a stroller for him.

[guitardiva]

We actually lost my oldest when she was little (about 6yo )while waiting in the Great Movie ride. Amazing ADULTS kept pushing her backwards out of the way. It was the longest minutes of my life. So now I get pretty security conscience. I've use wrist leashes and I have to tell you, they are they way to go. I used one for my youngest on our last trip . It annoyed her at times, but I really worry about her the most. She is autistic and would probablly not speak to anyone if she was lost. Even if she did her speech is not clear at times. Anyway, from here I got a link for military like dogtags. I ordered her one . I think it will be the trick. Peace of mind is everything.

[Pax]

Originally Posted by guitardiva

Peace of mind is everything.

True words. On both the parents' part, and for the kids too. Don't anyone worry about "oh what will people think?" Me, I say screw them, they're not the ones with a kid to keep track of!

[attrib75]

Great ideas!! Its my first time taking my DS8 to WDW and I cant imagine the panic losing him for just a moment. It sure seems like it could be easy given the huge crowds sometimes. The fact that he knows my cell number is a good start. I'll probably end up getting the shoe ID or some other tag.

[mpwife153]

I think I will order the Dog Tags for my 3 kids & my niece & nephew for our GG trip next year. DH was just giving me a hard time on Halloween b/c I kept telling DD to stop running & wait for us...can you imagine how she will be in WDW.....OH BOY....Mommy willbe having a panic attack for sure!! They'll all like the Dog Tags since my DH is in the military so I think for us that will be the easiest way to keep them identifiable if lost......DH & DBIL already shot down my idea of all wearing matching shirts for the trip. I said it will be easier to find us all (11 of us!!) if we match.

[Lori Jakiela]

We used dog tags this past April at Disney and when traveling this past summer and fall and they work great! They are un noticed for the most part and the kids were old enough to know to go to a CM or a woman with children. They had no problems and their names weren't out in the open where someone could call them and there would be a chance of them going. Have fun and good luck! Also, I try to coordinate the kids clothing so at least they match and I try to use birght colors so they stand out in the crowd!

[hockeyguysmom]

Hi, I just wanted to leave an update here. We used the bracelettes during our Sept trip. My DS3 wore his on his ankle, he fought with us on the 1st day but after that he did it everyday with no problems. My DS4 wore his on his wrist. I had debated about doing something I could put on their shoes but this ended up working better because they wore crocs most of the time. Also, they can wear these at the water parks.

We put if "if lost call" on the front & both parents cell #s on the back. I plan on using these on future trips and anytime they could get lost in a crowd, like when we go to the zoo.