Where are they?

Nothing can be more frightening than misplacing a child – especially while on vacation. So how can you make certain your children stay with you when everything around them is new and interesting?

First of all, consider your child’s age and their personality. Is your child under 5 and likely to run off? It may be wise to keep a hold of your child’s hand or place them in a stroller when exploring a new city. I know one family who walked all of Paris together with their 2 year old tethered to a child leash. It provided a lot of amusement for the local Parisians, but the family returned safely home with their toddler by their side.

If your children are older and fairly good at following instructions, it might be wise to come up with a plan together. Decide where to meet if you do get separated. Help your kids think about who they might ask for help if they need it. Elementary aged kids might benefit from finding another mom or someone in a uniform. Cell phones are another great tool. If your son loses track of you, he can simply dial your cell and quickly reconnect with the family.