Angel Alert

[dlstc]

My DH will be in conferences for the first half of the trip. I will be a solo parent with my two DD's, 4 and 2. While I plan on using a double stroller, I've read that it is easier to park the stroller in a "land" and then walk from attraction to attraction.

I will be using the handholder restraints. They attach by velcro at the wrist only, not the harness type. They will be a must for me, especially when it comes to meal time. I can't carry food and hold hands but this will keep my children close. Also, when we get on and off some trasportation (busses and boats) I will have to deal with the stroller and won't be able to physically hold hands.

Of course, this will not work for some, as I'm sure some children will just take them off, and who knows? Maybe mine will try too. But if they don't work, at least I'll only be out $2.

I liked the Angel Alert but had the same misgivings as those listed - waterproof?, cost, alert but still no location, problematic when separations are intended such as separating for potty breaks, saving a table/getting food, etc.

I think for the 8 yo the best solution is education about going to a CM, the who's shoes id's (or info taped on the inside sole for kids who can take off their shoe and show a CM), and being aware of the multiple exits for rides and attractions (and restrooms!). And remember to refer to it as lost parents, not lost kids, as the CM's do. It gives the children's more sense of control and diminishes the fear factor a bit, at least that's the theory.

Good luck and have fun!

Diana

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I haven't real all the posts, but they do make "leashes" for children past the toddler stage. They attach at the wrist and would fit a bigger wrist than a 2yo. I had one along with me when I was in WDW with my 4yo. I didn't use it, but I had it just in case I felt the need.

I did see one family who had about 4 children. The oldest was a teen and didn't wear wany restraint. The other 3 or so children all had on restraints and they were elem school age. I'll have to say I was shocked. Still, though, I don't know what if any reasons the parents had for doing that with their children. and I wouldn't have ever said anything to them or questioned them in any way. (At the time they weren't even in a real crowded area.) If I see children being abused that is the time to speak up and get help, but this would hardly be abuse and maybe the parents had their reasons for doing what they were doing.

My 4yo is the youngest of my 4 children and I can't imagine using the leashes for an older child, but maybe I should have used it with my now 13yo because he was the type to wander off.

Bottom line is we all need to do whatever we are comfortable with and not be quick to judge others.

T&B

 

[laurabelle]

Originally posted by Smithklb8
Have any of you ever used the Angel Alert child monitor. I am looking for something to use before our next trip. My boys will be 8 and 5 at the time of our next trip. This monitor can be worn around the neck. You wear one half and the child wears the other half. If they get too far from you, the alarm sounds. Sounded like a good idea, but I would like to find someone that has actually used it before I spend the $35 for one. Thanks for any info!

I'm not familiar with this device, have you asked on the Family Board? Even if you decide to use it, you'll need to teach them what to do if they're lost. I tell my kids to stay in the area, find the nearest CM (and how to identify them) and the CM will know what to do. I'm leary of telling them to meet us somewhere, they'll be scared, what if they can't find their way...They are old enough to memorize your cell phone# and the name of your hotel, but if you're concerned they'll forget, write it on a piece of paper and put it in their pocket or fanny pack and make sure they know what it's there for. Start talking about what to do before you leave for your trip, and talk about it more than once. It's like fire drills, chances are it won't happen, but they need to be empowered with the knowledge just in case. And as a mom, it makes me a bit less worried about it. HTH

 

[jlcbshaw]

Okay, I know what you are talking about, I have seenthem for sael at Target. haven't used them, but I think that it is a viable option, considering the possibility that a child could become seperated at WDW.

I know from experience on that. My 3 year old wandered off, one second he was standing right beside me, the next he was gone. Scared me to death. As far as not being able to hear the "alert" it shouldn't be that hard. The only thing about this type of system is that it only notifies you when they are gone and not where to find them. IMO a better option for keeping track of your children is to purchase a cheap two way radio system. Everybody uses them at WDW. Teach them how to work it (it's just like a walkie talkie) before you leave, let them play with it and become familiar with it and that way if they do wander off or becopme seperated you can ask them where they are and tell them to stay or find a CM and that you will be right over.

I work at Wal-Mart and we sell them for about $30 for a pair. Just a suggestion, but it is good to see that you are planning ahead.

Enjoy your trip.

CBS

 

[Jockaroo]

I'm not a parent, but this was a cool idea I read about.

Each morning take a photo of your children in the clothes they are wearing that day. You would need a Polaroid or digital camera with a display feature. That way, if a child gets lost, you could show the picture to CM and have positive ID. And if you had the Polaroid, you could take a picture of you to give your child.

My mom leashed me until I was about school-age. I suffered no long-term damage from it!

-Jockaroo