Pumpkin patches are a fall favorite and sometimes they can get really crowded on the weekends, especially closer to the end of the month. If your children are anything like mine, one is running in front of us towards the next fun thing and another is still at the last place we stopped, watching kids play or chasing a butterfly. While I am watching them, there are times that my attention is distracted and I look up to find that my head count is short. It's very easy for a child to be separated from their family so be sure your child knows what to do.
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If your child gets lost, there are 3 simple steps they should follow - Stop. Family. Loud.
1) Stop moving!
A moving child is a lot harder to find. If you know you last saw them at the haybarn, you can return there to find them. If they have walked off looking for you, they could be getting even further from you.
2) Find a family with children.
From the spot they are in, look for a family with kids. An event worker or staff member is ok too, but a family is easier for a child to recognize. It is often difficult to teach children about "stranger danger" and which adults are safe in a large public crowd. It's easier to teach them to find a parents with children, and they may be more comfortable talking to a parent figure.
3) Get Loud. Loudly tell the family that you are lost and you need help. Teach your child your first name, they should know it's ok to call you by your name. Finding "mommy" makes it much harder.
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In addition to teaching your child these rules, there are other things that parents can do when they are going out in public. These are great for the pumpkin patch, but also at the grocery store, the mall, an amusement park, etc.
1) Review the rules with your child before getting out of the car.
2) Remind your child of your first name, and if they know your phone number, have them repeat it to you, including the area code. (Mom Hack: Use your cell phone number as your child's tablet password. This encourages them to learn your number quickly)
3) Put your phone number on your child. You can use the entry bracelet, order self-sticking bracelets online in bulk or a rubber bracelet that businesses often give out for free. We write our phone number on the bracelet. Our "lost rules" include showing the bracelet to the family so they can call us. You could also put something on their coat zipper pull or in their shoe.
4) Get Loud. If your child does get separated from you, you need to get loud too. Loudly announce that you are looking for your missing child. Loudly describe your child "my child is 4 years old. He is wearing a blue shirt" This allows other people around to know that you are a parent missing your child AND to know what your child looks like. While it may seem embarrassing, this is not the time to be embarrassed. Trust me, it happens more than you realize!
🍂 Find Your Fall Family Fun in our Fall Guide and our Event Calendar! 🍂
