The weather is finally cooling off. The leaves are starting to change colors. More and more kids are already talking about what they want to be for Halloween. Fall is here, and that means outdoor family events are coming.
It could be a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a hayride, or a nature hike. Whatever you choose, these outdoor events are filled with fun. They can also be crowded with lots of people. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get separated — intentionally or unintentionally — from your kid. If that happens, you need to have a plan in place to reconnect.
If you’d rather focus on family fun instead of worrying about your child’s minute-by-minute whereabouts, keep reading. Here are a few tactics you can use to find them even in the most crowded cornfield.
1. Track Your Child
Sure, you’ve probably heard the term helicopter parent by now. It means you might concentrate a bit too much on your kid. Wanting to know where they are in a crowded place doesn’t fall into that category. It doesn’t matter whether your little one wandered off accidentally or they’re a bit older and want to roam solo. Being able to see where your child is when tons of other families are around can be comforting.
To know where they are in an instant, consider a GPS tracker for kids. Many pair with an app on your smartphone so you can quickly pinpoint their location. Some trackers also offer text and phone capabilities to a small group of people you can select. It’s an easy way to keep an eye on your child even when they’re actually out of sight.
2. Get Them a Tattoo
OK, before you flip out, this doesn’t mean a real tattoo. Think about the Power Rangers or SpongeBob SquarePants temporary tattoos you’ve probably purchased before. This is the same thing — just with a slight twist.
Temporary safety tattoos can be great for younger kids. They’re an easy solution if your child can’t remember your real name (not Mom or Dad) or your phone number. If your fall family outing is a spur of the moment, don’t worry. You can also write your name and number on their arm with a permanent marker. Tell your child that if you get separated, they should show their tattoo to an event employee who can call you.
3. Go Old School With Walkie-Talkies
You may remember having these devices as a child. There was something cool about talking to your friends through a walkie-talkie. Maybe you played detective or police officer with your best buddies. Well, you can use the same technology now to stay in touch with your kiddos in crowded places.
If your child doesn’t have a phone yet, using walkie-talkies can be an effective option. There are plenty of products available that fit into pockets or attach to waistbands. Teach your child when to press the buttons and when to talk. Make sure they know to keep the volume turned up. Now you can relive your international spy days with your child while navigating a corn maze or enjoying the fair.
4. Be Bright
Sometimes keeping track of your kid is as easy as making them stand out in the crowd. Looking for a blond or brunette kid with curly hair isn’t enough to spot them easily. Don’t rely on that. Take things a step further and consider putting them in bright clothes.
If they like neon colors, embrace that love. Perhaps they have a distinctive hat they like to wear. Or if they’re young, let them wear their favorite superhero costume. Even something as simple as a funky, unique pattern can be enough. Plus, kids enjoy events even more, when they get to wear clothes they really like.
5. Establish a Meet-Up Spot
The meeting place has been a tactic used at crowded events for decades. You may remember it from your childhood. Did your parents ever tell you to meet in a specific location if you all got separated? Now it’s your turn to use the same idea.
Before you head into the pumpkin patch for all the festivities, take a few minutes to create a plan. The goal is to stay together. If you don’t, though, where’s the easiest place to meet up? Is there a big pile of hay bales in the center of the venue or a cotton candy stand? Decide together on a location. Anyone who gets separated should head to that spot and wait.
6. Stay in Plain Sight
Did your parents ever tell you, “Stay where I can see you?” Even if you tried, half of the time, you probably had no clue whether they could actually see you. If you say this to your kids, they’re likely dealing with the same problem. Try as they might to stay where you can see them, they may fail.
Flip the script on this idea. Tell your kids they must stay where they can see you. Let them know where you will be and where you won’t go. That way, they can plan their movements around what you’ll be doing. If you’re staying in the main part of the venue, they’ll know not to run off to the outskirts. They’re much less likely to get lost if they keep their eyes on you.
After the dog days of summer, fall events are a nice change. The crisp air feels good. Autumn treats — candy apples and pumpkin spice lattes — are yummy. Fall family outings can be some of the best ways to enjoy it all. Use one or all of these tactics, and it will be easier for you to relax and enjoy the hayride.
