My child is a "wanderer"

[Terry S]

Let me just apoligize right up front here, because I know I will offend some, but kids are not dogs! Yes, I do have childern, mine are 6 and 7 now. But if you can hold a leash, why can't you just hold a hand. I really don't like those leashes for kids. Even my own kids have commented about them and asked "why do those people treat thier kids like animals?" Once again I am sorry if I offend anyone, those things just really bother me.

As for my reccomendations for the OP, I would say rent or buy a double stroller. We used a double stroller that we had bought here at home up until the time our kids were 5 and 6 and it really came in handy. Especially since you have the 3 year old. If it was just the 6 year I would just suggest holding thier hand, but since you have the 3 year old as well, you might as well get the stroller. We chose to buy a double stroller because we were there for 10 days and for the rental price of a double stroller for 10 days we could have bought 2 strollers and this way we have it for the walk in the airport as well as the walk from the hotel room to the bus stop and the bus stop to the front gate.

I would also second what others have suggested about attaching something to the child with some contact information. The other thing you need to explain to him is what to do if he gets seperated. He needs to find a person that works there with a while name tag on. (Point out one of the CM name tags when you first get to WDW.)

 

[tjmw2727]

While I did use the "handholder" (leash) for my kids at ages 1-3yo I wouldn't use one on a 6yo. They are much to old, cleaver and, at least mine, would be embarrased.

Talk with him, explain why he has to pay extra attention at WDW and just be dilligent. Put your cellphone number and other information you deem necessary on a slip of paper, laminate it and clip it on his belt, shoelace etc. Teach him how to use it in event of emergency. fwiw - I don't put the childs name on it, just mine and my cell #.

My girls and I play "what would you do right this minute, if we were separated?" several times during a trip as well as at the mall or zoo etc. They look around, decide who they would approach and why and what they will tell the person. I also stress that I would rather they just stay where they are as I will always backtrack. Moving about only lessens the chance I will find them. I am hoping that by practicing they will be less likely to panic should we get separated. I have been going to WDW alone with my 2 girls since they were 4 and 6 so I have double the responsibility with only one set of eyes.

Don't rule out a stroller esp for a long day or bigger park like Epcot. If he is happy in the stroller with a snack or toy you don't have to worry about wandering.

Again- at 6 I would really start to teach him to make sure he can see you. My motto was, "if you can't see me I can't see you and that's not ok"!

Have a great vacation.
TJ

 

[eenglander]

thanks everyone for all the ideas.

A few points. Some kids -- like mine -- never realize that they're lost. So telling them to sit still and not move if they're lost doesn't work too well. (I adore this kid, but he's a space case!!) I will definitely try teaching him to keep looking for me but I'm nervous relying on that!

Also, do they ever RUN OUT of strollers, esp. double strollers? Can you pre-reserve one online and then pick it up at the park?

The tag's a great idea, and I will DEFINITELY do that one.

Thanks again, this is all really helpful!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I've been told that the distance-alarm gadgets do not work well in theme parks because the signal is not loud enough to be heard over the ambient noise. Don't buy one without first testing how loud it is.

I used reins (the proper term, btw) for DS from the moment he learned to walk until he was old enough to understand why it was so important to keep his parents in sight *and* proficient at remembering to do it. I still pack them on trips; the threat of the embarrassment of having to wear them (at age 6) serves as a strong deterrent to carelessness.

Bright solid-color shirts help; they are easier to spot in a crowd.
Dog-tags, either on a chain inside the shirt, or on a shoelace, are also good. DS wears his room key on a lanyard around his neck, and the penalty for taking that off is immediate removal from the park.

On of the most important rules that I have drilled into him is that if he realizes we are not with him, he should NOT MOVE; he is to sit right down wherever he is and wait until a parent returns for him. He has been taught that he should look for a CM for help, but NOT allow anyone to move him from the immediate area.