Travel tip #8 - ID braclets

When you go on vacation, you are in unique surroundings often filled with lots of strangers. Do you kids know what to do if they get separated? Here are a few things I have taught my kids for this sort of emergency.

1. If we get separated, go to someone who looks like a "Mom" and has kids with her. Tell her you are lost and ask her to help you find your Mom/Dad. Women with children are more likely to take the time to match you back up, because they are "in your shoes". The police are a great resource as well, but in this day and age, there are too many people who look like police, which makes it difficult for a young child to know who to go to. Cashiers SHOULD be a good resource to help your child, but often they are not. They are typically manned by teenagers who are not going to take the time to overhead page etc without directly being told, but instead they have the child sit next to them waiting for you to show up hoping it doesn't take long.
2. Have a code word. If someone tells your child that "your Dad told me to come get you", they MUST have the code word in order for the child to believe them. This is a good safety net to have for non-vacation pick ups as well, such as after school, sports, field trips etc. Pick a word that you wouldn't typically use in this sorta conversation, but make sure it is easy for the child to remember such as "Chicken Noodle Soup".
3. Why not put a 411 armband on your child. This is sorta like a allergy type bracelet from when we were kids. In modern time they make disposable ones. I get mine via http://www.mabel.ca/, they have a pack of 30 disposable bands for $21. These bands are water resistant so the kids can even wear them swimming. I had mine made with a generic saying "My parents are lost" and then put Mom & Dads cell phone numbers below. That way either of my kids can wear the bands. We use them anytime we are going to a really crowded area such as an amusement park, ball stadium etc. Both of my kids have our phone numbers memorized, but I still question if they would in case of a "panic" situation, so the braclets are my security blanket.
4. Make sure you have a current photo of your child with you. If you are trying to locate them, it is very helpful for others to know what they look like. MEMORIZE your child shoes including color, brand, and size. This could be a key tip in someone spotting them, especially in an abduction case.

Here is what the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has to say - http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=244