Two-way radios (Inspired by MsKanga)

[SeaShelley]

After reading MsKanga's thread about kidnapping and the rules, I wondered how many of you send your kids out to play with two-way radios. It really got me to think about purchasing a set and sending one with my son (age 8) when he goes out bike riding.

The rules for us are that he can't leave the neighborhood, and that if he says he's going to Carl's house that is the only place he can go unless he checks back in with me and tell me the new location.

For those who use them: What kind did you buy? Are they working for you? Where do the kids keep them? (Do they clip on a belt or something?)

Your imput is appreciated!!

 

[SeaShelley]

Anyone?

 

[mrsv98]

Well, my DD is only 2 so she goes NOWHERE out of my sight! But I have young cousins, 7 1/2 and 9 and I know that my aunt uses them for my cousin's baseball games. She will let Katie (7yo) go to the playground across the field to play but she has the radio with and my aunt checks in every so often and Katie can keep in touch. It seems to work out well and I can see myself doing the same thing when DD gets older.

 

[Dream]

Hi Shelley!
My kids use them and I love them. Whenever they head out the door they take one. The range is up to a mile and they are very clear. They do have belt clips which my dd uses but they are very small so ds puts it in his pocket. They want to put it in a fannypack but I think that would defeat the purpose of them. They need them in hand so that they can use them quickly if they need them. Of course with what is going on in my neighborhood right now, they may not need them for the rest of the summer...they won't be that far from me!!

 

[Mskanga]

Shelley
I have the motorola FR60 and the range is 2 miles, my DD usually clips it on her belt but sometimes also takes it in her fanny pack , it's loud enough to hear it if I call her. It works wonderful for us, and I take them to amusement parks too.

 

[nativetxn]

My ds is all grown up and I doubt he would agree to carry a two way radio to stay in touch with me

But if he was still a little boy, I think I would try this, it would make me feel more secure

 

[5inatra]

well im 16, and live in a pretty sheltered place, but we DO use those 2-ways at WDW. I think that its a great idea for kids (if they arnt going far) and its much cheaper than a cell phone anyway

 

[SeaShelley]

Thank you all for the responses. I think I'll start shopping around for some.

Dream, I'm sending some prayers and PD for your neighborhood. How frightening to have it so close to home! I hate having the same conversations (drills as he calls them! ) about this scary subject with my son. You hate to have them live in fear, but if that's what it takes to keep them safe then so be it.

 

[Dream]

Shelley, the update on my neighborhood situation is that the guy who stopped the little girl, asking her for help finding his puppy, WAS really looking for his puppy!! The paper this morning said he called the police when he saw a composite sketch of himself on the nightly news!!! His story about a lost puppy did check out. Apparently he is new to the area....apparently he has half a brain!! Bet he won't be asking questions of children from his car ever again!! So we are looking at this as a wakeup call to all of those parents who give their children way too much freedom to roam! It CAN happen here...so easily. Hmmmm....bet there is a run on 2 way radios! Might be a good stock choice!!

 

[SeaShelley]

Unbelievable! I'm sure the poor guy was upset to lose his puppy in a new, unfamilar area, but come on! At least say, "Excuse me little girl, is your Mom or Dad at home? I just moved here and I've lost my puppy. I want to know if they may have seen it."

Smart little girl for reporting it and giving the police such good details!

You're right. This will serve as quite a wake-up call for parents...hopefully. I'm going to check out Best Buy and Walmart this weekend for the radios.