3. Most families are reunited in minutes

Families usually find each other quickly

In those first minutes when you realize your child is missing, you’re probably envisioning all kinds of terrible outcomes, but the truth is that most families are only separated for minutes. Take about five minutes to look around the immediate area yourself and you’ll often find your child long before you have to enlist anyone’s help.

4. Little preparations go a long way

Some parents like to keep a phone number somewhere on the child.

There are many things you can do to help minimize the chances of losing a child. Before you leave for your vacation, make sure your children know as many of the following things as possible:

• Their first and last name
• Their age
• The first and last names of adults in the party, including parents. Looking for people who answer to “Mom” and “Dad” will elicit a response from most of the people in the park.
• A cell phone number for at least one adult in the party.

Talk to your children before you leave and explain that the parks are very busy and it’s easy to get lost. Put some rules in place to try and prevent wandering, like “keep one hand on the stroller or in an adult’s hand at all times.” Obviously some children will just break these rules, but it’s worth making the effort. You can practice your new rules at a local mall or other crowded area before you leave.

Many companies make ID bracelets for children. These typically include identifying information on the inside of the bracelet, or on a card that fits into the bracelet’s pocket. Some parents use beaded bracelets with the parent’s phone number spelled out on the beads. SafetyTat temporary tattoos let you write your phone number on a colorful tattoo that reads “If lost, please call:” Parents have varying opinions about these types of measures, so it may not be for you, but if you want to make sure your child has identifying information on him, these are some options.

Make sure your children know how to find a Cast Member and instruct them to approach a Cast Member first if they’re lost or need help. The unique name tags that Cast Members wear are the easiest identifying factor, but you can also point out how their costumes can make them look a little funny, and how there’s a Cast Member standing outside every attraction.

For older children, you can set up a meeting spot that you’ll head to if you get separated. Choose something that’s easy to find, but don’t pick a giant icon. You won’t find it any easier to locate each other when you’re meeting “in front of the castle.” Try Snow White’s wishing well on the ramp to the right of the castle and you’ll have more luck. Visit your meeting spot early on in the day so everyone knows what it looks like, and consider circling it on a map that you had to all of the older children.

Losing a child in a busy theme park is scary, but keep your cool and you’ll likely be reunited with your family in no time.