When summer comes to an end, we look forward to fall fairs, football games, and holiday markets. Community events like these can be fun family traditions, but the hustle and bustle can make it easy for children to get lost in the crowd. It doesn’t matter how well-behaved your little one is or how mindful you are, it can take just seconds for kids to become separated from their parents. The team at Dr.STITCH wants your family outings to be fun, safe, and stress-free, so we’ve put together some tips to keep in mind when attending special events.
Have a Pre-Event Family Meeting
We know that getting everyone dressed, ready to go, and out the door on time can be quite a feat. Even if you are anxious to get going, do not skip this important step. Taking just a few minutes before you leave or upon arrival can prevent panic later.
- Take a quick photoshoot: Having a current photo of your child that shows what they are wearing will be helpful if they do get lost. Ask them to take note of what you are wearing as well.
- Put your phone number on your child: Even older children who have important numbers memorized can forget when they feel stressed. Make sure it is easy to get in touch with you by putting your phone number where it definitely won’t get lost – their skin! If you’re in a pinch, write your number in marker on their forearm. If you have time to plan ahead, you can order custom temporary tattoos with your information on them.
- Discuss who will be at the event: Your child should know who to talk to if they can’t find you. Will there be other families you know there? Will there be helpful employees with badges or uniformed police if your child needs assistance? If you are unsure whether event staff will be trained to handle lost children, sometimes it can be best to tell your kids to look for “a parent”. Someone who is pushing a stroller or holding another child’s hand can sometimes have more experience in how to handle the situation.
- Buddy Up: If you’re in a large group, decide which adult or older kid will hold each small child’s hand and be responsible for keeping an eye on them.
- Designate a meeting spot: Determine a meeting place that you and your kids can go to if anyone gets separated from your group. Pick an easy-to-find landmark that is well-lit and centrally located.
Keep Things Light and Bright
Getting lost can be extra scary when you are 3 feet tall and you can’t see over the crowd. Consider wearing bright clothing or fun shoes to help your kids differentiate you from everyone in jeans and black shoes. If you’re attending an outdoor event in the evening, get everyone in your family a fun glow in the dark item to help you keep track of each other. If you are using a stroller, put some sort of decoration on yours to stand out from similar ones.
Be a Prepared Parent
You can spend lots of time teaching your child about crowd safety, but don’t forget these guidelines for adults!
- Bring a backpack instead of a purse or shopping bag so you can more easily hold your child’s hand.
- Keep a small first aid kit with you to bandage up any minor scrapes or cuts.
- Pack a portable charger and make sure your ringer is turned on.
- If you have multiple children with you and realize one is missing, don’t break up the group. It is natural to want as many people looking as possible, but older kids who go looking for younger ones can end up getting lost too.
- If a little ones goes missing and there are other adults with you, have one person wait at your meeting spot or stay in the last place the child was with you and another person look for an information booth or security officer.
Dr.STITCH is Here for You
No matter what your plans are during the fun fall and cozy winter seasons, we hope you and your family have fun and stay safe during all festive activities. If someone in your family does have an accident, we can help. Our doctors are the highly experienced plastic surgeons of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and we are on call 24/7/365 for immediate treatment of lacerations, hand injuries, burns, complex wounds, and facial trauma. Learn more about how Dr.STITCH works and save our number in your phone.