How To Keep An Eye On Your Kids On Holiday

Last Updated on: 21st May 2024, 08:42 am

When we were getting ready to travel for 5 weeks last summer we were getting on and off trains, and going to busy, crowded areas. We were visiting countries where we had never been before. She may be 14, but she has anxiety and panics quite easily. I know I am not the only parent who panics like this. How do you keep an eye on your kids on holiday?

Keeping track of kids during a holiday can be a challenge, but with a combination of technology, planning, and clear communication, you can be sure of their safety and your peace of mind. Here are some ideas to help you to keep an eye on your kids on holiday

Have Clear Communication And Rules With Your Kids

Designate specific meeting points in case anyone gets separated. Choose easily recognisable landmarks and make sure your child knows where it is. When we go on the London underground I have had this rule in place since Tilly was about 6 years old. If she gets on the train and it goes before I get on. She is to get off at the next stop and stay where she is. Then I will get on the next train and get off at the next stop to get her. Also if I got on the train and she didn’t she was to stay on the platform and I would come back.

If you have more than one child, you can pair the younger children with older siblings or adults. This means there is a buddy system in place and everyone knows who their buddy is. This is great if you go on holiday with a large group of people.

Set specific times for everyone to check in via phone or in person, this can also work with older people within the group too. It means teens can go off and do their own thing but come back at a set time to see you.

GPS Trackers And Smartphones

GPS trackers can be clipped onto a child’s clothes or bag that they are carrying. These provide real-time location tracking via a smartphone app. Whilst you are sunning yourself on the side of the pool, you can open up your app and see where your child is. You can also see where they have been! GPS trackers are worth their weight in gold because if they are in your child’s pocket you can keep a track of them if something untoward happens. If you lose your child on a train and you are left on the platform, you can also see exactly where they are. A GPS tracker will help you find your lost child.

Mobile phones are also good to help you find your child. But apps like Life360 or Google Family Link, only give you an area of where your child is. They don’t give you an exact spot. Your child will also need a smartphone that is capable of having the app also. Kids run their batteries down pretty fast, so once their phone is dead, you have no track of them, A GPS tracker can go for 10 or 20 days without running out of battery.

Out Of The Box Safety Measures

If you go somewhere that has poor mobile phone service or there is no WIFI, you can use walkie talkies. They can be a reliable way to stay in touch, with kids. Charge them up at night and get them to use these walkie-talkies when they go off and do their own thing. You can also use them as you travel. Especially if your teen wants to go off and explore the train you are on.

When my older kids were little, they used to have my phone number written on their arm. Or they would use a card, that we put on a lanyard around their neck. But Custom ID bracelets with the child’s name, parent’s contact information work the same too. And you can put any medical details on there that can be crucial in an emergency.

Keep An Eye On Your Kids On Holiday With A Safety Chat With Them

Reinforce the importance of not talking to strangers and knowing who safe adults are (e.g., police officers, and security personnel. Let them know that hotel staff will help them as well as any travel staff at an airport or train station. Teach your kids what to do if they get lost, including who to approach and what information to share. Show them how to use their mobile phone to contact someone who isn’t on holiday with you if they get lost, as well as how to contact you.

Share The Responsibility Of Keeping An Eye On Your Kids On Holiday

This is your holiday too, so if you are travelling with other people, make sure you share the responsibility of looking after your kids. This way there is someone to keep an eye on them all of the time. Another way to keep an eye on your kids on holiday is to put them in the hotel holiday club that you are staying in. These always have a specialised animation team that will look after your kids whilst you relax. You need to sign your children in and out and they are safe.

Make Your Kids Easily Recognisable

Dress kids in bright, distinctive clothing to make them easily recognisable. If they get lost, people will remember seeing them. Take photos of what your child is wearing every day too. Then if they get lost, you have a decent photo of what they are wearing. This will make it easier to find your child. Having brighter swimwear when they are in the pool makes it easier to spot them. Especially if they have an accident in the pool.