Have you ever had that heart-stopping, terrifying moment when you thought you had lost your child in a busy place, like a playground full of kids? Slowly, all the kids' voices and body shapes start blending. You had looked down at your phone for one second. You look back up, and you can't see your child.
Finally, after what feels like a heart attack, you spot them. They were just being cheeky, hiding from you. You go up to them and are not impressed. You are fuming and feel like grounding them for putting you under such stress!
Your child moves so fast and fearlessly, unaware of the risk that they may lose you in the crowd. For the rest of the time there, it's like you've started playing a highly stressful game of hide and seek, and it's no longer the break you came out for. Instead, you are constantly trying to keep a lookout, your eyes and feet darting everywhere to keep up with your little one. You may regret coming out and vow never to again, especially in a highly crowded place.
Thankfully, there are ways we can prepare to keep our kids safe in crowds for a less stressful experience. Here are some suggestions.