I'm having Panic Attacks about losing DS(5) at Magic Kingdom

[disneyjunkie]

Just curious but do you have children??

I have one child and I've been a teacher for 16 years.

The OP did not say she was dealing with a child who is easily distracted.

Now, let me say I don't normally worry like this but I picture MK being a huge place (this our first trip) and I can't help but feel worry because DS is a "spirited child" and will take off in a minute.

How do you keep a child like this from removing the harness and taking off?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Just a disclaimer- I don't care if you put your 12 year old in a harness.

That being said, at 5 most children are in school. In school they listen and follow rules and don't run off when the teacher looks away. So I am sorry but I think a 5 year old can follow directions if they know exactly what is expected of them. Yes, 5 is young but they are not infants. They get much more than people give them credit for.

 

[MegaDisney]

The difference between a harness and a stroller is obvious. My 5 year old would not be caught dead in a harness (he doesn't need one anyway). However, at Disney he will happily jump into a stroller to rest or even take a nap. Big difference, no?

 

[allison443]

What is a "spirited child"?


OP I think you will be fine. You have a three to one ratio with your son.
Take some of the advice on this thread, prepare him for what to do if he gets lost, and try to relax and enjoy your trip!

 

[bailey3131]

Hello,

When we went in 2008 my soon to be ex-husbands cousin treated us to a Disney vacation and we were lucky to stay at the Poly. She was going through a separation with her husband and was freaking out when we were there and actually flew home early. I was left in Disney with my 4 kids (ages 8,7,3,3 all alone with no help. We still went to the parks but just couldn't ride everything. I had my double stroller for the twins and the other 2 held on to me or the stroller. So everything will be fine as you said just keep on eye on him and hold his hand or use a stroller. Good luck and have a great time

 

[mookie]

Does anyone have the website that they recommend for the child tatoos? Not only to I think my kids would love these, but they would totally help more than the dog tags, as I think my boys might just play with them and pull them off....Thanks!

 

[MrsTink04]

I just got back from the most terrifying experience at McDonalds. I went to get DS's and my food while my friends supposedly were watching my child (I watched their kiddos while they got their food) and returned to the table to see my child NOWHERE in sight. I flippin' panicked. Luckily, he was in the play area, but I cried like a freak and made a small scene when I found him and vowed that I would take him with me to do everything from now on AND I will use the harness even AWAY from WDW. A 5-year old IS young and a harness gives him freedom and Mom some peace of mind. After today's experience, I will be using that thing until he 16-years old...then I'm putting a GPS on his car!!

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

OP, I'd suggest giving your child a good quality whistle and teach him that if he's lost and can't see you, to stand in one spot and repeat this little chant:

"Mommy and Daddy come find me!
I'm blowing my whistle 1, 2, 3!" (blow whistle 3 times)

The sound of a good whistle travels far and if he's within earshot, you'll find him. We used to go hiking a lot and a whistle is a great tool for when someone gets lost. It's loud, the sound carries, and it doesn't blend in with every other child shouting "Mommy!". The phrase we always used growing up was "If you're lost and can't see me, hug a tree and whistle three." which meant we were supposed to stay in one spot (hug a tree) and blow our whistle three times every few minutes.

You can also tell the CM about the whistle so he can let all the other CM's know to listen for it.

He should also know the basic rules of who to talk to if he gets seperated from you - "Mommies with babies" is the safest bet as even a scared kid can remember that.

Our two oldest (2-1/2 and almost 5) wear whistles on a wrist strap and have tatoos with our cell phone number on their arms. We use the tatoos from Safety Tat - they make preprinted ones and ones you can use a marker to write your phone number on:
http://safetytat.com/

 

[princessmom29]

I just got back from the most terrifying experience at McDonalds. I went to get DS's and my food while my friends supposedly were watching my child (I watched their kiddos while they got their food) and returned to the table to see my child NOWHERE in sight. I flippin' panicked. Luckily, he was in the play area, but I cried like a freak and made a small scene when I found him and vowed that I would take him with me to do everything from now on AND I will use the harness even AWAY from WDW. A 5-year old IS young and a harness gives him freedom and Mom some peace of mind. After today's experience, I will be using that thing until he 16-years old...then I'm putting a GPS on his car!!

I think a 5 year old in a harness is a bit much! A five year old can be told not to run away from mom and be expected to follow the rules. I think the thing to do would be to take him with you to the counter and insist he stand right beside you where you can see him. I would have to be imbarassing for a 5 year old to be harnessed in public like that. Sorry if anyone disagrees and it is just my oinion. I realize someone is bound to disagree with me on this, but I just can't see hanrdessing a 5 year old someplace like McDonalds. In a theme park where there are lots of people MABYE for a particularly spirited child who was not controllable any other way, but not in the mall, McDonald's ect.

 

[MegaDisney]

I think a 5 year old in a harness is a bit much! A five year old can be told not to run away from mom and be expected to follow the rules. I think the thing to do would be to take him with you to the counter and insist he stand right beside you where you can see him. I would have to be imbarassing for a 5 year old to be harnessed in public like that. Sorry if anyone disagrees and it is just my oinion. I realize someone is bound to disagree with me on this, but I just can't see hanrdessing a 5 year old someplace like McDonalds. In a theme park where there are lots of people MABYE for a particularly spirited child who was not controllable any other way, but not in the mall, McDonald's ect.

I totally agree. A harness on a 5-year old at a fast food restaurant? Sorry, but wow.

 

[clc053103]

Love the whistle idea, but I think DS would drive everyone nuts blowing it every 10 minutes!

I also have a "spirited child" - he was 3 on our 2008 trip, his first time. I was terrified as well. Considered harness but he is waaay too large- size of a 5 yr old and it would have looked nutty, also it would not have fit! I put nametags in his shirt and underwear. I made sure he could say his name. I used a stroller and when DS was out of it, he had to hold an adult hand. I did point out CM's in case he was ever in trouble, but we were a group of 3 adults, 3 children and we managed to buddy up and have no issues.

 

[Leajess99]

Just a disclaimer- I don't care if you put your 12 year old in a harness.

That being said, at 5 most children are in school. In school they listen and follow rules and don't run off when the teacher looks away. So I am sorry but I think a 5 year old can follow directions if they know exactly what is expected of them. Yes, 5 is young but they are not infants. They get much more than people give them credit for.

At school a child is in a more confined and somewhat less distracting place than Disney World. And yes there have been kids in schools run off from the teacher or even out of the class. 5 years old is still young and learning. And by the way, many 5 year olds are not in school as some have later birthdates while others are held back for whatever reason. There are 7 kindergarten classes in our school and I can guarantee you that there is not a single one where all children can follow all the rules. This is not because of the teacher. It is because kids do get distracted and while it is less likely to happen at school than at Disney, it still happens.

 

[Leajess99]

I think a 5 year old in a harness is a bit much! A five year old can be told not to run away from mom and be expected to follow the rules. I think the thing to do would be to take him with you to the counter and insist he stand right beside you where you can see him. I would have to be imbarassing for a 5 year old to be harnessed in public like that. Sorry if anyone disagrees and it is just my oinion. I realize someone is bound to disagree with me on this, but I just can't see hanrdessing a 5 year old someplace like McDonalds. In a theme park where there are lots of people MABYE for a particularly spirited child who was not controllable any other way, but not in the mall, McDonald's ect.

Wow, I am sorry you just do not understand that 5 year olds are learning to follow rules and not yet mastered that skill. Heck I can say there are still some adults who cannot follow rules yet you think a 5 year old should be able to. Have you ever just turned your head for a second or been hit by someone walking by causing a slight delay in your step?? Imagine this happening and your child continuing to walk because they do not see you stop?? Yeah, following the rules doesn't really stop that.
My daughter wore a backpack harness at 5 in Disneyworld and she is NOT uncontrollable by any means. She is easily distracted and for her safety it was the best choice and it was HER choice. And why not in the mall?? Malls can be very busy places as well and kids do get separated from their parents. It just blows me away that some feel the need to not realize that even as adults we do not always follow rules yet we expect young children to and to not get distracted.

 

[lisalonglash]

I think a 5 year old in a harness is a bit much! A five year old can be told not to run away from mom and be expected to follow the rules. I think the thing to do would be to take him with you to the counter and insist he stand right beside you where you can see him. I would have to be imbarassing for a 5 year old to be harnessed in public like that. Sorry if anyone disagrees and it is just my oinion. I realize someone is bound to disagree with me on this, but I just can't see hanrdessing a 5 year old someplace like McDonalds. In a theme park where there are lots of people MABYE for a particularly spirited child who was not controllable any other way, but not in the mall, McDonald's ect.

I'm guessing from your post that you have never been the parent of a spirited child My oldest son is extremely spirited and either me or dh had his hand or his shoulder at all times when we were at WDW in October (he was 9yo at the time). I haven't used a harness for him, but that's not to say I didn't wish I had on many occasions when he was younger LOL

I think if a parent deems a harness necessary for the safety of their child, then that's the best decision for them. Judgement from someone who has no idea what life is like with a spirited child just isn't constructive or welcome to the OP, I'll bet.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

At school a child is in a more confined and somewhat less distracting place than Disney World. And yes there have been kids in schools run off from the teacher or even out of the class. 5 years old is still young and learning. And by the way, many 5 year olds are not in school as some have later birthdates while others are held back for whatever reason. There are 7 kindergarten classes in our school and I can guarantee you that there is not a single one where all children can follow all the rules. This is not because of the teacher. It is because kids do get distracted and while it is less likely to happen at school than at Disney, it still happens.

Wow, I am sorry you just do not understand that 5 year olds are learning to follow rules and not yet mastered that skill. Heck I can say there are still some adults who cannot follow rules yet you think a 5 year old should be able to. Have you ever just turned your head for a second or been hit by someone walking by causing a slight delay in your step?? Imagine this happening and your child continuing to walk because they do not see you stop?? Yeah, following the rules doesn't really stop that.
My daughter wore a backpack harness at 5 in Disneyworld and she is NOT uncontrollable by any means. She is easily distracted and for her safety it was the best choice and it was HER choice. And why not in the mall?? Malls can be very busy places as well and kids do get separated from their parents. It just blows me away that some feel the need to not realize that even as adults we do not always follow rules yet we expect young children to and to not get distracted.

I am glad it worked for you but we will have to agree to disagree. I think that unless there is some sort of special need there is no reason at all to have a harness on a 5 year old. To be honest I can't even imagine it. I don't agree with any of your arguments. I am not flaming you etc. I just do not think it is unreasonable to expect a 5 year old to stay at your side. Oh- and I am well aware of birthday cutoffs etc. I also know all about "spirited" children although I don't think that is always the case.
Like I said, I am very glad that it worked for you but we will have to agree to disagree. You will never convince me and I will never convince you. I wish you the best.

 

[disneyjunkie]

It just blows me away that some feel the need to not realize that even as adults we do not always follow rules yet we expect young children to and to not get distracted.

It just blows me away that you feel the need to make this thread about you and your daughter instead of about the OP and her son.

The OP never said her child was easily distracted. She said he is "spirited and will take off in a minute.”

How will a harness ease the OP's fears?

 

[lisalonglash]

The OP never said her child was easily distracted. She said he is "spirited and will take off in a minute.”

How will a harness ease the OP's fears?

Well, a harness would mean that the OP's son would be unable to "take off in a minute", wouldn't it? Knowing her child is safe is the OP's NUMBER ONE priority, no doubt - however she deems to make sure that happens is the right way for her. No judgement here, OP, just understanding and support. I've been there (am still there) and I understand where you're coming from

BTW, disneyjunkie, being easily distracted is a very common part of spiritedness. There's a wide range of character traits/tendencies inherent in a spirited child that can make situations like WDW quite nerve-wracking for parents - I know I worried about him taking off while we were at WDW.

 

[Leajess99]

It just blows me away that you feel the need to make this thread about you and your daughter instead of about the OP and her son.

The OP never said her child was easily distracted. She said he is "spirited and will take off in a minute.”

How will a harness ease the OP's fears?

It will help ease her fears knowing her child is by her side and unable to take off in a minute. It is okay that you don't understand as others do and even someone who was strongly opposed has changed her mind seeing how her own children reacted on a test run. I never made it about My child, I just shared what worked for MY child. She was not the only 5 year old in the park with a harness and if my child was safe and happy than that is all that mattered.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Helloooooooooo, it will help ease her fears knowing her child is by her side and unable to take off in a minute. It is okay that you don't understand as others do and even someone who was strongly opposed has changed her mind seeing how her own children reacted on a test run. I never made it about My child, I just shared what worked for MY child. She was not the only 5 year old in the park with a harness and if my child was safe and happy than that is all that mattered.

It blows me away that you try to use the "I'm a teacher so I am experienced in all things dealing with children" mentality. Just because you have the children for maybe 8 hours a day does NOT make you an expert.

That poster was talking about a 2 year old. Huge difference between a 2 year old and a 5 year old.

It blows me away that you tried to use the "you're not a parent, so you won't understand" mentality.

It doesn't take an expert to understand that a harness won't stop a 5 year old child who is prone to taking off from doing so. All he has to do is unsnap the darn thing and go.

You haven't explained how you keep a spirited 5 year old who will take off in a minute from removing the harness.

The harness idea will only work if the child is willing to wear it or isn’t able to manipulate the closures.

 

[nessz79]

I am glad it worked for you but we will have to agree to disagree. I think that unless there is some sort of special need there is no reason at all to have a harness on a 5 year old. To be honest I can't even imagine it. I don't agree with any of your arguments. I am not flaming you etc. I just do not think it is unreasonable to expect a 5 year old to stay at your side. Oh- and I am well aware of birthday cutoffs etc. I also know all about "spirited" children although I don't think that is always the case.
Like I said, I am very glad that it worked for you but we will have to agree to disagree. You will never convince me and I will never convince you. I wish you the best.

I agree with you. I have 2 boys, 1 of which is very calm and cautious and the other one is very impulsive and social (whom I consider "spirited"). The 4 year old is the one who is impulsive, physical, and social. I have never had a problem with losing him in public. We just set the ground rules, also known as the non-negotiables, and those kids know they are going to get heck if they break those ground rules (the ones regarding their safety). My eyes are glued to them or my hand is holding theirs. Not saying that anyone else isn't watching their kids, I just don't understand the need for a harness at the age of 5, UNLESS they have developmental delays or such.