It can be difficult as a parent/carer to find the balance between allowing your children freedom and keeping them safe. It’s also easy to become over cautious as a parent, especially whilst your family is away on holiday. Thankfully, however, we have put together a list of tips to help keep your kids safe and your mind sane on your next caravan holiday.
Young Children & Toddlers
Keep an Eye
Make sure young children are not let out of sight. It’s a good idea to make sure there’s one adult to every 1-2 kids, however we know this is not always possible especially in large families! If you are out in a big group don’t assume other adults know where your children are, even if they have given the impression they are keeping a watchful eye.
Create Boundaries
If your caravan is next to an open space take some space markers with you and use them to create a visible boundary that your kids will know not to cross. Obviously, you will still need to supervise your children (especially if they are very young) but by giving them a clear boundary such as this there is no confusion about where is safe to play, and kids are less likely to go wandering unsupervised.
Use a Tether/Harness
Whilst out an about, you may want to attach a wrist/ backpack harness to your tot. These tethers are designed especially for adventurous toddlers who have a tendency to wander at every opportunity. They are ideal in busy, crowded situations but are also great if your little one loves to run!
Arrange a Meeting Point
Depending on how young your child is, you may want to arrange with them an emergency meeting point. This should be somewhere they easily can contact you/wait for you in the case they become separated. Make sure your child knows how to get to this point. Practice with them by allowing them to lead you to the meeting point from areas within the complex you are likely to go as a family. If your child is too young to arrange a meeting point you may want to attach your own contact info to them in some way. There are several gadgets on the market designed for this and come in many forms from simple wrist bands to temporary tattoos printed with your address and phone number. These clever and inexpensive gadgets can become lifesavers in an emergency!
Older Children & Young Teens
For older children, creating boundaries can be a little more complex as they tend to desire more freedom. If you allow your children to head to the park or shops with friends, make sure they know who to call in an emergency and where to call from if they don’t have a mobile phone. Give them an exact time to be home and make sure they know the areas of the park/complex that are off limits. If your children will be exploring the complex without an adult, they should already be aware of simple road safety rules. Kids should stick to a slow speed when using the road themselves on bicycles and only cycle in designated zones.