Name Tags for little ones

[brymolmom]

Hi. Just back from Disney. I read a lot of different opinions on name tags for the kids and wanted to share that I got a lot of comments on mine.

I printed out small sheets with name, parents names, cell phone, hometown and resort and then put a small Mickey/Minnie sticker on each and laminated them. Put a pin through the top and that's the nametag.

I was worried about anything around the neck. And my kids will resist anything new - even had to force the pins on them the first day. But the stickers helped.

A couple notes - if you try this - make sure to round off the edges on the tags - I left them squared at first and the laminating makes the edges sharp - so it was hurting them. Also - if you're going for a lot of days, bring a backup tag. They started wearing out at the top due to the pinning/unpinning by the end of our 6 days.

Have fun.
Karen

 

[megan4777]

Thank-you for this idea!! I have been worried about what to do for DD#1 in case she's separated from us. She's only just 2 and doesn't speak clearly enough for others to understand and she doesn't have lace up sneakers to put the shoe id on.
I will do this and see how she reacts before we leave. I hope you had a wonderful trip!!!

 

[graygables]

I ordered my DDs dog tags from gotags.com. They were just like the ones I grew up with in the military and they liked wearing them (pretty colors...not my dad's dog tags!) They could be tucked inside their shirts.

I caution anyone NOT to put your child's name/info anywhere it can be readily seen by strangers. It's just common sense these days, even at WDW. CMs are trained well and you can teach even very young children to "show the tag" if Mom and Dad get lost (kids *never* get lost, btw)

 

[flipturngirl]

I always wore my ID braclete that I got at school. It worked because it was on your hand.. But I guess not really because it did not have hotel info. But you could make like a pin or label your child I am not sure haha

 

[Stimpy]

I caution anyone NOT to put your child's name/info anywhere it can be readily seen by strangers. It's just common sense these days, even at WDW. CMs are trained well and you can teach even very young children to "show the tag" if Mom and Dad get lost (kids *never* get lost, btw)

I was going to say this also. While the name tags are a good idea, it is way too much info readily available. Any stranger can read the info and use it to get your child's attention. The child might think if this person knows my Mommy and Daddy's name and where we are from he must not be a stranger and I can trust him/her.

I think the idea to have this information available on the child for CM's only to read is great! But I think parents need to be cautious and put it somewhere that only the child knows where it is.

 

[Amyality]

I was going to say this also. While the name tags are a good idea, it is way too much info readily available. Any stranger can read the info and use it to get your child's attention. The child might think if this person knows my Mommy and Daddy's name and where we are from he must not be a stranger and I can trust him/her.

I think the idea to have this information available on the child for CM's only to read is great! But I think parents need to be cautious and put it somewhere that only the child knows where it is.

This is very true. The bad guys have thought long and hard about how to gain a childs trust quickly. Although my older boy knows my cell number, I still use a necklace for both boys (4 and 7). We used green jute cord and flourecent letters with a clasp, the jute cord is nice because, it will break if you give it a smart yank. It is sturdy enough not to break with normal wear and tear but, it will break with some force. No names, hotels or anything identifying, just my cell number.

It is also important to show you kids what a CM looks like. Anytime we go somewhere big and busy, I show the kids what employee uniforms look like and remind them not to leave the area they are in. I tell my kids its okay to ask a mom with kids for help too as they are very, very likely to be helpful as mothers themselves. I started reading about getting lost when both kids were about two. Ernie gets lost is a good book about getting lost and what to do. They have never been lost yet but, hopefully they will be ready if they ever do.

Here is a list I keep on my refrigerator, I'ts more for older children but, can be adapted or simplified for younger kids. I don't know how it came into my possession but, its good:

Before I go anywhere, I always check first with my parents or the person in charge. I tell them where I am going, how I will get there, who will be with me and when I'll be back.

I check first for permission from my parents before getting into a car aor leaving with anyone, even someone I know. I check before changing plans, accepting money, gifts or other items without my parents knowledge.

It is safer for me to be with other people when going places or playing outside.

I say NO if someone tries to touch me in ways that make me feel frightened, uncomfortable or confused. Then I immediately tell what happened to my parents, teacher or another grown-up I trust.

I know my telephone number, address and parents work numbers. In case of emergency, I should try to contact my parents as soon as possible.

I trust my feelings to talk to grown-ups about problems that are too big for me to handle on my own. If someone makes me feel scared or uncomfortable, I know my parent, teacher or trusted adult will listen and help me.

I am strong, smart and have the right to be safe.


I also add that a bad person might tell you they will hurt your parents if you tell on them, tell the bad person you won't tell - then come right home and tell - it is okay to lie in this situation because, it gets you away and safe with a trusted adult. Also the thing about extending your arm. The Cubscout program has an award called the BOBCAT TRAIL and it has an excellent program for teching safety and boundaries for children. It is good for boys or girls.