Traveling with kids alone?!?!

[CoraJack]

Hi all--ok this is my last obsessive question about my upcoming (possibly) trip!

Have any of you traveled with kids with no other adults present? I would have to fly from Ohio to Florida and then we are staying on property.

I would be traveling with my 12 year old son. He is not a very "mature" 12 which worries me. I'm worried about what if something happens to ME then who would take care of HIM? I can just see me having to have emergency surgery and him sitting all alone in the waiting room! I know it's sort of obsessive but that's how my mind works.

So how about some stories on how this has worked for you IF you have been brave enough to take a child or children on your own.

Thanks!
Christina

 

[The Mom]

I travel "alone" with my children all the time. HOWEVER, I've always had someone fairly close by at either end.

Do you know anyone in Florida that you could use as a contact person? Also, most ERs have a social worker who would help with your son if you were incapacitated, at least until a friend or family member could fly down and take over. The one time I was injured on a trip, my husband was with me, and the ski lodge had day care, so the children just stayed there until we were finished in the ER. Be sure you have a list of emergency numbers handy at all times (even at the pool.)

My other suggestion is to request an upper level floor. I know it's not THAT much safer, but I sleep better knowing someone would have to work harder to be outside the window/sliding door.

 

[CoraJack]

Hi!

No unfortunately I do not know anyone in Florida who could help out if anything DID happen!

I guess I wasn't thinking that the hospital might help out with taking care of my son IF something bad happened. We would also carry a cell phone at all times that my son knows how to use just in case anything happened.

It's funny because I can see myself making the trip alone, but when I add my son into the picture it all looks a little scary!

Christina

 

[MDJ]

We (myself and 5 year old daughter) went last month, and I never gave that scenario a thought. Would go again without worrying. For what it is worth, I am one of the worst for always saying what if, or what could happen. Go, have a good time, and don't worry.

Mark

 

[kosherkid411]

First of all, don't woryy so much! Alot can happen in any situaution. I have never taken little ones by myself, since I'm only 18, but I have traveled the parks with my little cousins (at the time 6 and 8). I was only 16, and the only big thing I was worried about was that they were secure on the rides. That's it. Have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[orangefan15]

Hey, stop worrying so much. Just think about how many single parents there are out there nowadays who travel with their kids alone. My mom used to take me on vacations by ourselves all the time. Just remember, even if something did happen, there's still good people out there that will help out a person in need.

 

[frazierle]

Just a suggestion, make a laminated card with emergency information. I usually make a card up for each of my kids (3 and 6) to carry with there names, my name and cell phone number, what hotel we're staying at etc. I do it incase we get separted at a park. You could probably add some additional emergency numbers if needed for contacts back home. This worked out well when we visited SeaWorld my oldest went in this maze one way ended up coming out on the other end. He couldn't find his mother and went to an SW employee and they were able to call her from the card.

 

[FourFourSeven]

Originally posted by frazierle
Just a suggestion, make a laminated card with emergency information. I usually make a card up for each of my kids (3 and 6) to carry with there names, my name and cell phone number, what hotel we're staying at etc.

This is the best suggestion I've seen. For very little kids, make two copies of the information - one laminated for their pocket, and one attached to them somewhere (I just safety pin it to the back inside of the shirt).

And, no matter what, keep a charged cellphone on you at all times.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

OK--here's my paranoia with a mom and a son. Perhaps it will be an issue for you; perhaps not.

There are some bathrooms at WDW with 2 entrances. Kids can get lost if they don't go out the entrance they came in.

I would plant him on a bench near the bathroom while you go, then sit there while he goes. Tell him about the 2 entrances, and that if he doesn't see you sitting on this bench , he should go back in the bathroom and go out the other door.

 

[Dwarful]

Go, have fun, and enjoy the 1 on 1 time at the most magical place on earth! I just got home from taking my 12 yr old nephew to get world series baseball tickets..now this involved camping out on the streets of St.Louis for 18 hours...just me, him & 2,000 other idiots! Camped out right on the curb of some very busy highways...anything could have happened..nothing did...we did get the tickets so he is one happy kid and I am one tired aunt! My husband wasn't able to go with us, my sister watched my children who were far too young to go and grandma couldn't handle the cold because of heart problems. So it was either go alone or miss a golden opportunity! The WHOLE POINT is...anything can happen anywhere, anytime...we cant always be prepared...so plan your trip to the best of your ability...then relax and have fun!

 

[figmentmom]

I've gone several times with just one of our kids, but I have to admit it was with our daughter. Not only was she always more mature, but she 's FEMALE, which always took care of the bathroom situation - we always went in together, and neither of us exited until the other was done washing her hands. Sit down with your son and have a REALLY good talk about responsibility - explain that your peace of mind is paramount! Yellow Shoes makes an EXCELLENT point; take it a step further, and set up emergency meeting points and times if you think there's a possibility you might get separated. Laminating a card with vital phone numbers is also a great idea.

BUT - don't let paranoia ruin your good times. I personally feel safer at on vacation at WDW than anywhere else! Disney cast members are well-trained in handling lost kids, frantic parents, and missed meetings.

Go, and have a great time!

 

[animegirllover]

Okay, just a question, my husband had many advices to go with me.

 

[CoraJack]

animegirllover--well, uh, yeah--a husband going with me would be a good thing. What about people who don't have them or who have them but they refuse to go? But then again your grammar is not that good so it could be that I'm misunderstanding your "advice".

And to everyone else who gave me such kind and supportive advice thank you very much!

Christina