Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Lost Child Pack

I'm sort of a paranoid parent. I admit it's not a great thing, but as I'm usually prepared for the worst, I can sort of not be a paranoid parent when it's time to have fun. Being lost is not only terrifying as a parent but also for a child! Imagine being lost in a sea of 30,000 people, pretty scary! I am taking a Lost Child Pack to Disney World. My LCP contains: recent photos of Jake, a full description including height, weight, eye color, etc., fingerprints, DNA sample (both of the last two were provided for free at a saftey fair, and all our contact information for who is in our party. This will easily fit into a small plastic baggie to stay dry and will provide moments of peace just in case something horrible happens while were at the World. I've heard WDW has some of the best security and cast members who are specifically trained to handle these matters but being prepared makes handling this situation easier. I suggest also talking to your children about what to do in case they get separated from you or your party. Jake has been and will be instructed to find the closest attraction/store and find a cast member and tell him he is lost and give them his phone number (my cell number). Some great tips I've read, heard, and discussed are:
Find a cast member when you walk in and point out their name tags, tell your child to find the closest person with one of the name tags and ask for help.
Stay in one spot and call for help, people will help him.
Tell him to find a mom with a stroller and ask her for help. (we tell this to Jake when we go to the mall in case he gets separated)
Write your phone number on the inside of your child's shirt, shoes, or have them carry a tag of some sort with your information.
Dress your child in a bright and noticeable color, or dress yourself in the same color shirt so you can relay what they are wearing.
Take a digital picture of your child every day so you know what they are wearing.

Knowing your child can be separated from you is quite terrifying, but it's best to be prepared. Prep your child, and be prepared and you should be able to keep a clear head until your child is found.

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