Getting separated from their child in a crowded place, is what most parents fear the most. But being in a unknown country with a strange language can really add more panic to the situation.
While you can’t watch your child 100% of the time, there are a few ways to avoid getting separated from your little one while on holiday.
Have the talk
Talk to your kids about the importance of staying close, even when they may be in a new and exciting place. Let them know how sad you would be if you were separated, or if a stranger took them. Also, teach your child to look for people in uniforms or other mums with kids if they get lost.
Choose a meeting spot
Choose a meeting spot for bigger kids, like a fountain at a park, or a famous landmark, in case you do get separated.
Go bright
Dress your child in bright, easily recognisable clothes if you’re going into a big crowd. Another idea is take a quick picture with your camera phone, in case you have to quickly to pass on identifying information to the authorities.
Information stickers
Information stickers
Buy temporary safety stickers with identifying information. There are several different brands of these "sheets" where you can write your telephone number or address, or even note important medical information like an allergy or other problem. Then you just put them on your kid’s arm, clothing or little backpack
Stick together
Stick together
Don’t let young children go to bathrooms or concession stands without you, and send older kids in groups.
Make a safety plan
If you're in the woods, camping or doing other activities in natures where kids could potentially get lost, the safety plan should be to wait in the closest safe place to where they first noticed they were lost. Explain that you will look for them, or a member of the authorities may come looking for them. Tell the kids to have this person take them to your family's predetermined meeting place where they would meet up with you.
Keep calm and carry on
If a separation does happen, try your best not to panic. Keeping a level head will help you figure out where your little explorer might have gone, and chances are, it isn’t as far off as you’d think.
If a separation does happen, try your best not to panic. Keeping a level head will help you figure out where your little explorer might have gone, and chances are, it isn’t as far off as you’d think.
Image via Pinterest.
