Tiny travelers can be hard to keep track of, especially when the kids outnumber the adults.
Packed beaches and crowded outdoor events can be a challenge. But you don’t need to leave the little ones at home. Just follow this advice.
First, make sure your child knows your full name and, if they’re old enough, your phone number, too. You may also want them to wear an ID bracelet with that information. Some places provide throw-away wristbands to keep that info handy.
Second, consider your kids’ wardrobe. Brightly colored t-shirts or water shirts will make sure your child stands out in the crowd. This is a great time to think neon, maybe even for the whole family.
Before you head out, take a group photo — or at least individual shots of each child, just in case you need to recall exactly what they are wearing.
If your vacation includes a congested area, be sure to establish an emergency meeting point, so that all family members know where to go if anyone gets separated.
And especially for kids under 16, be sure to point out who’s in charge — policemen, lifeguards, park attendants. You want to be sure that your child knows who to go to for help.
Finally, this is a good time to talk to your kids about speaking with strangers. Review the family rules regarding what to do in case of an attempted kidnapping.
Hopefully, your trip will be trouble-free. But, having all these precautions in place beforehand lets parents pack a little peace of mind.
Follow Travel Girl Stephanie Oswald on Twitter @travelgirlsteph.
