Big Venues

L.,

To tell you the truth, if he wont use a stroller or a hand leash. I would not take him until he will. Unless you plan on holding him the whole time. What about a back child holder?? Crowds walk fast and he could get easily lost at both these events.

D.

Use a tether. Don't let anyone tell you it's cruel! It gives your child some freedom of movement and you're not always holding onto his hand. But he can't get too far from you. I'd take a stroller for the fair or a back carrier for the game too, in case he gets tired (which he will). At the game, be prepared for him not wanting to sit in his seat - so you will have to get up and walk around. Consider whether it's worth the cost of a ticket for something he won't understand or particularly enjoy.

Instead of trying to get him to memorize your cell number, which might be a good thing to start with but it's not reliable, put something in his pocket or pinned to his back which has your info. Do NOT put on something large with his name visible. Molesters often call out the child's name if it's on a shirt or a backpack, and then they say "I'll take you to your mommy."

Teach your child to go to anyone in a uniform - could be a cop but also a security person or even a concession stand worker. At least they are somewhat "official" and know how to find the management.

I believe in teaching a child to scream "You're not my mommy" if anyone takes them aside. But children have to be able to approach someone in a position of authority. And most molestation is perpetrated by someone the child knows, so "stranger danger" can be a mixed message. You want them to approach an official, a clerk, a security guard etc. if they are lost.

Good luck.

There are very nice harnesses available just for children your little boy's age.
I had seven children and harnessed them all at that age.
Simply because if they see something that intriques them they will run to see it. This is how children are stolen or badly hurt and this age is particularly vunerable to these situations.
The harnesses are relatively inexpensive and invaluable in peace of mind. Bet you could even find one at Walmart.
Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

Explain to him how important safety is and that he should stick by you at all times. i would tie a leash from your belt loop to his belt loop, to make sure he is in safe distance, and ALWAYS hold his hand. (the leash is for just in case). when you are in a very big crowd then pick him up, or let him sit on Daddy's shoulders (thats ALWAYS FUN for the little ones). but bring the stroller just in case because if he gets tired enough of walking, (which he most likely will) you can pop in him there for a nap.

good luck

2 suggestions. you can get one of those tethers they sell for the kids either in backpack form or one that goes on the wrist.

2. use a side carrier -- i carried my 3 year old up a mountain with it comfortably and she loved being so close to me

3. go over and over and over and over your cell phone number. Make sure your little one knows it cold. I know they can do it b/c my 3 year old AND my 2 year old know mine. If they get lost have them find a police man or a grandma (b/c police men aren't generally around) and ask them to call you. Tell him what to do if a "bad person" grabs him. Have him know your first and last name. Have him know your address... Make sure he knows to STAY STILL if he gets separated from you... only moving if he see's a grandma to call you

Get a safety harness. You get some funny looks, and some laughs, but the security is worth it. We got one for our trip to the Grand Canyon for our 3 year old. Not sure if your son is like mine, but the temptation of something new makes him wander off (like ours couldn't resist the urge to throw rocks into the "big hole") no matter how many times I explained how unsafe it was and he needed to stay close to Mommy and Daddy.

L., there is a simple solution to this....a child leash. Now, before you think it's inappropriate, let me tell you what a life-saver it can be. Target has the cutest ones that are actually cute little backpacks for less than $15. My granddaughter, 3, has a pink bunny one and it has a pink 'lease' attached. You can hold the childs hand and keep the leash around your wrist as added security or let them walk a few feet away with confidence. It's a lot safer than you might think.

One tip from a child saftey expert that I found helpful was to tuck a card/paper with your cell phone number in his pocket. Let him know that it is there. In the event that you are seperated he can let someone know it is there and to call you. We also taught our children that if we are seperated, they should look for another "mommy" or a lady with children to help them. We take our 3 and 5 year old to big events frequently and have never been seperated yet!

Maybe he can sit on daddy's shoulders or else in one of those backpack carriers? You will be exhausted if you have to carry him the whole time, so unless you have help I would not take a rambunctious run-around boy to a busy place where he will likely get lost. My kids HATED big busy noisy events. We are going to GrotonFest Saturday 10/10 in Groton, MA but it fairly small and you can usually keep track of your kids there.

A sling or some type of carrier to keep them close to you, and ear plugs.