Trip Apprehensions.....

[clever girl]

....this may not be the right place to post something about this, and I guess I'm looking for a little encouragement and positive thoughts from folks....

I'm a single mother and taking my daughter on our very first vacation. She's 6 and a HUGE Hermione Granger fan. This is her birthday trip (her actual birthday is in July, but because of a work trip, we're going a month earlier).

When I travel alone, it's fine, because if I don't feel like being "on" or responsible, I stay in my room or veg out in a bookstore or something.

When I travel with my boyfriend, if I'm not on, he is.

With my daughter, I'm filled with such anxiety at the thought of having to be "on" and responsible at a high level every single moment of every single day.

I don't know if it's a function of my job (parole officer) or just my suspicious nature, but I'm anxious about being pick pocketed, being separated from my child, passing out of heat stroke, going off on people acting a fool, etc.

Any other single parents out there? Advice?

 

[Magpie]

....this may not be the right place to post something about this, and I guess I'm looking for a little encouragement and positive thoughts from folks....

I'm a single mother and taking my daughter on our very first vacation. She's 6 and a HUGE Hermione Granger fan. This is her birthday trip (her actual birthday is in July, but because of a work trip, we're going a month earlier).

When I travel alone, it's fine, because if I don't feel like being "on" or responsible, I stay in my room or veg out in a bookstore or something.

When I travel with my boyfriend, if I'm not on, he is.

With my daughter, I'm filled with such anxiety at the thought of having to be "on" and responsible at a high level every single moment of every single day.

I don't know if it's a function of my job (parole officer) or just my suspicious nature, but I'm anxious about being pick pocketed, being separated from my child, passing out of heat stroke, going off on people acting a fool, etc.

Any other single parents out there? Advice?

I'm not a single parent, but I am the child of one. And I have two teenagers of my own.

When I was a little girl, I was absolutely everything to my mother. She watched over me like a hawk.

Unfortunately, this gave me a sense that not only was the world a very dangerous place, but also that I was powerless to protect myself.

I decided to do things differently with my children. From about 4, I started giving them money and letting them make their own purchases in stores. I would get them to help me shop by taking charge of the grocery list and reading it to me. I would get them to read maps and tell me where we were going. I would ask them to remind me about important things ("Don't let me forget!") and I made sure that they knew how helpful and indispensable they were to me.

I talked to them about safety - and about knowing a "safe stranger" from an unsafe one. Strangers, I told them, are your first line of defence. Most of them will help you if you're in trouble. The trick is knowing which ones to ask. (It comes down to, YOU pick the stranger, the stranger doesn't pick you.) I made sure they memorized their addresses and phone numbers. We practiced what to do if they got lost.

My son was four when he discovered that you can call 911 from a payphone without even putting a quarter in! I didn't know that, but it was sure useful to know.

Basically, your daughter is smarter than you think. And wiser! She can be your eyes and ears, and help you on this vacation as much as you can help her. Just give her the tools, and let her know that you have faith in her.

And practice all those worst-case scenarios with her. Pick-pockets? Don't wear a purse, don't flash money around, and buy travel insurance. Separated from your child? Make sure she knows what a Universal cast member looks like, and where to find them. Introduce her to some of them, so she knows she can go straight to them if she can't find you. Passing out of heat stroke? Stay cool, drink water, and make sure your daughter knows how to get help for you if something bad happens. Show her how your cellphone works. Going off on people acting a fool? Count to ten and model common sense for your daughter. You don't have to solve every problem, you just have to alert the proper authorities and let them handle it.

Enjoy your vacation, and enjoy getting to know your daughter better!

 

[schumigirl]

Really good advice from Magpie

Again I`m not a single parent but, I recognise all of your anxieties.

Most important thing there in my opinion is teaching her to go straight to any Team Member should anything happen, it probably won`t....but it is always better to be prepared. Have her know where she is staying as well.

They are so prepared to deal with anything that happens, should you get seperated they will have you back together before you can blink.

I understand your concerns, even with 2 parents it`s such a worry especially about losing them ....even for a second!

Hope you both have a wonderful trip

 

[mjohnson96]

Just try to relax, I'm also not a single parent but when it comes to vacations I pretty much am since DH hates theme parks

Saying that I make sure DD (7) knows what to do in case of seperation or emergency when we go to US/IOA or WDW. We have drilled this into her since her first trip where she could wander a little at age 5 at WDW. We always tell her to look for a park employee or security guard and stay exactly in the same spot. So 2 weeks ago we were at the waterpark and she got off the waterslide and went out the wrong exit. I still saw her but she did not know where I was, she stopped and I watched as she found a park employee to let them know she was lost. Since she stayed in the same spot I was able to go around the bridge to get her but I was impressed that she knew what to do.

I guess I'm used to being on watch but I still allow a bit of freedom for her to get into a little trouble. She has her own money to spend, once it's gone then that is it. If she is able to I allow her to ride by herself, One Fish Two Fish for example.

Relax and have fun, US/IOA is a safe park but always have a plan

 

[phamton]

I'm not sure it will ease your anxiety but there has never been a kidnapping at Universal or Islands of Adventure since the 20 years it has been open. And also very lost child has been reunited with the parents. I would write your cellphone number on something and put it in her pocket or shoe. Tell her where it is so if she gets lost, then Guest Services can call you on your phone. Lost children are well-taken care of at both parks.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

That's sort of your parole officer in you But I'm on guard like that as well, and we have those sorts of anxieties that needed to be overcome. But here's how you overcome it:

1. Don't wear a purse and do not place any valuables in your back pockets. I'm a guy, so I always place my wallet in my front pocket, or in one of those pockets in the "cargo" part of my cargo pants or shorts. This greatly reduces pickpockets.

2. Take your time and hold hands. Without holding stuff in your hands, you can actually hold your child's hand. Also, you're not preoccupied with stuff and can deal with your child better. The whole purpose is togetherness and holding hands and slowing down will enhance the experience. Plus, there will be no place for your child getting lost.

3. Ride all the rides your child rides. If you cannot ride that ride, for whatever reason; then you BOTH can't ride the ride. The only way to not go through that is if you are able to stand and see your child as she gets on and off the ride.

4. DO not allow your child to wear any clothing with her name on it.

5. Have fun and be child-like WITH her. I think this is very important because if you are with her actually DOING the fun stuff with her, it doesn't allow for anyone else to interfere. Don't be the parent that will drop her off to do something that you think is safe while you take some time for yourself. Be that parent that is always there with her.

In other words, vacations at the parks with your children aren't really relaxing vacations. They are fun vacations where you do fun stuff with your kids. At least that's how it is when we go out, which is fine with me.

 

[clever girl]

Thanks you guys!

I know we will be fine and she will be fine - I guess everything is wrapped up in that I have saved and planned so much for this trip that I want her to be at the pinnacle of happiness

We've gone over safety stuff and she knows that we will be riding all the rides together. I'm looking forward to acting like a goofy kid since every other time in my life I'm on alert.

I've read where it takes a couple of days into your vacation to actually relax and enjoy being on vacation. I guess that's true for me, too

 

[Planogirl]

I've taken my son by myself most years since he was 3. We did go only to WDW at first but I think that Universal is as safe as WDW.

Just keep an eye out and relax. You'll be sharing fun together and that's the best and easiest way to keep an eye on her.

 

[MPHARJ]

I am a single parent and a police officer so I can understand how you feel. I have been taking my children on vacation alone since my youngest was 2 and he will be 10 this year. I am always on guard, it is hard not to be in our professions, however I also go and have a good time and have never had any anxiety issues when at WDW or US. Now 2 years ago in San Francisco that was a different story. You will both be fine and you will have a wonderful time, explain to your daughter what to do in an emergency, just as she would know at home, tell her what to do in the parks. There are always employees around that will assist. I never feared having anything stolen, but I also don't carry anything of value with me unless I have my camera, which I keep all of our park tickets/room cards in there with minimal cash, only enough for the day with the rest locked in the safe in the room. That camera stays over my shoulder and neck and to the front of me. Yes I still won't sit with my back to the door even on vacation, no I don't let me guard down, I stay very aware of my surroundings and people around me, but I also let go a bit and have a great time!

 

[clever girl]

After seeing all the pictures of the grand opening, my trip apprehensions are re-newed with greater intensity.

I pretty much just want to cry. Standing in a line for 7 hours is not my idea of a great vacation, the very first vacation we've been able to go on, for me and my daughter.

When I booked it, they were selling packages for the end of may, and thinking since we weren't going until the end of june, I knew it would be crowded but not like this.

Feeling like hell.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

After seeing all the pictures of the grand opening, my trip apprehensions are re-newed with greater intensity.

I pretty much just want to cry. Standing in a line for 7 hours is not my idea of a great vacation, the very first vacation we've been able to go on, for me and my daughter.

When I booked it, they were selling packages for the end of may, and thinking since we weren't going until the end of june, I knew it would be crowded but not like this.

Feeling like hell.

When are you going?

 

[clever girl]

Wednesday and Thursday, the 23rd and 24th.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

Try to get there at rope drop and first thing in the morning. I would try to get there around 7AM and wait. Keep her occupied somehow. Then, at rope drop, I would walk straight to WWHOP and try to ride what I can. Go to the shops. And do it quickly.

Then, leave and get awy from the crowds somehow.

Thursday will be your best day to try to go to WWHOP. Friday is the start of the weekend. It will be crowded, but not like today (I don't believe.) Plus, I believe that US/IOA will have a better plan on dealing with the crowds by the time you get there.

 

[kjpotter]

I'll be there Thursday. I'm hoping the crowds aren't nearly as bad as today.

 

[clever girl]

just changed my cab reservation to pick us up at 7 a.m. instead of 7:30 and will have tickets in hand. I hope it will be better to entertain her for about an hour instead of all day...