My son’s biggest fear which I am sure your child’s are as well, is getting lost. This very well could have been instilled by our own fears, and warning them numerous times as they were younger not to wander off. Our goal obviously wasn’t to encourage fear, but rather to make them aware, if they did wander there is the possibility of getting lost, especially while away on vacation.
With that said, we recently traveled to Disney World where my family and I were to Run Disney for St. Jude, (more on that to come). Naturally at the age of 9, my son is beginning to develop a little more independence, so we tend to let him walk ahead (about 3-5 feet, not too far). However if you have ever been to Disney you know this can be to far, because of the crowds, therefore we informed him this may not be a good time to walk ahead. Of course Mr. Independence went ahead anyway, and with a close eye we watched along.
I witnessed his actions as he realized we were not within 3-5 feet behind him, (we were in the crowd, and I watched his every move), he looked back, stood still, scanned the area and amidst all of the people he couldn’t find us.
Just as I was certain he would panic, and I was ready to rescue him with a big hug and tell him mommy is here, he impressed me. Amongst all the chaos of people shopping, talking, passing by around him, he was in control. As he scanned the crowd he held his hand on his wrist, and calmly he pushed the call button.
At that very moment I knew the Verizon Gizmo Gadget watch was the best investment I have ever made. In the crowded expo center, surrounded by hundreds of people the Gizmo Gadget was my sons security blanket. Aside from a concerned look on his face, he remained ok, which was impressive. He knew not only did he have the ability to contact both myself and his father, he was also aware we had the capability to track and locate his whereabouts without him doing anything at all.
Of course the Verizon Gizmo Gadget has other features like text messaging, (preset, and can be utilized for only those on “the list”), and cool games, it also has a step counter, but none of these features are the reason it was purchased. It was solely purchased because of the safety features it offers, to give this overly neurotic mom a little sanity in knowing her son wasn’t helpless if he needed me.
Seeing how my son reacted to not seeing us beside him, I think my goal was accomplished in making him feel more secure in a big world, when he is still just a little guy.
Have you ever lost a child in a crowded place?
Do your little ones have devices to ensure a safe return if they do get lost?
Disclosure: I am a Verizon Ambassador and this is a sponsored post, as always all opinions expressed are my very own.
It’s good that he knows what to do, that watch is definitely a good investment for parents especially during the Spring and Summer season when trips are common. I love that you gave him time to recover as well, it’s nice to know what they can do when they don’t know we’re watching. I’m sure you felt very proud!
What a great idea. These devices could really help kids feel better if they get lost in a crowd. I think it is also important to teach them what to do should the get separated from their parents.
My brother has this for his 7 year old and says that it makes the world of a difference for both of their sake. I think when my kids are old enough to use something like this, we will probably invest!
That is a handy investment. I want to get that pronto for my boy too!
Oh, how I wish things like this would have been available when my children were little. I think I was more afraid of them getting lost than they were.
That is definitely worth the money. I remember my son got lost in a shopping mall when he was about 4 years old. Good thing he asked a sales clerk to take him to the customer service desk. I was so relieved when I heard his voice over the PA system. Thanks to technology, we can now keep track of our kids’ whereabouts if they happen to wander far from our line of sight.
Such a wonderful idea & it feels so good when your kid stays strong & composed in any such situations. I love that you gave him time to recover & the Verizon Gizmo Gadget is definitely a worthy investment to make.
A must have! This is really awesome gadget. Hope it’s available at our location too!
This is a must have! Once my sons are old enough I’ll have to invest in this!
OMG this is such an amazing idea! I love this, I think it’s so smart especially if you’re somewhere foreign to the kids or in a big place like a theme park!