A Case for the Child Harness

Many years ago now, I spent my summers working at the Detroit Zoo.  Those that have visited it can tell you that it covers a lot of ground with elaborate gardens adorning the paths to the animal enclosures.   They can also tell you that it is easy to get turned around even with the map that they receive upon entering.  And, the larger the number of park visitors the more difficult the logistics are to manage.
On busy days, it was common for several lost, terrified and crying children to approach just our stand to ask for help.  The number of lost children park-wide was much larger.  From experience, I recommend the following precautions and procedures for your consideration when you are visiting the zoo or any large public place:

1. Quiz your child about your name (first and last) and what you are wearing (color and any unique identifier) just before you enter the park.  If they are old enough to know your cell phone number, quiz them on that, too.  A name, number, and a description of mom or dad was the first thing for which we asked and the information that is disseminated throughout the park during our search.  If they recite the information aloud they are more likely to remember it when they are under stress.
2. Review with them the procedure they are to follow if they become separated from you.  Good strategies include approaching a security guard or going to the nearest concession/souvenir stand employee and asking for help.  Point out a security guard and an employee to your child so that they become familiar with their uniforms.  For older children, designate a family meeting place where they are to go and wait for you.  A moving target is more difficult to find.
3. If your child is pre-verbal or non-verbal, PLEASE put your contact information on their person.  This can be a 3x5 card on a yarn necklace, a medical alert bracelet/necklace, or tucked into a clear plastic pouch on a backpack.  I also have seen small children in t-shirts that say, "I am non-verbal and autistic.  If I am lost, please call .... "
4. Although their use is somewhat controversial, use a child harness.  They are much cuter than they used to be and relatively inexpensive. 
   
   
   
   It has been 20 years and I still vividly remember one 2 year old boy that had become separated from his mother at the farmyard.    He had followed a "mom" that he thought was his to another exhibit.  Once he realized his mistake, he did not have the cognitive or verbal ability to ask for help.  He just ran, crying, and searching for his mom.  In the meantime, Mom had been searching frantically for him.  I have often wondered what kind of psychological after-shocks that little boy experienced.  Upon reflection now that I have my own child, I would rather sort out the emotional ramifications from wearing a harness than from the terror of not being able to communicate and being lost.
5. Try to remember that most children do not choose to become "lost".  They usually have just been caught up in the moment and lost track of you.  If they are afraid of being scolded for getting lost they will take longer to get help.  Upon reunification, take a breath and smile.  Your child will be looking for facial cues indicating how much trouble they are in.  Hug them.  Tell them that you are so glad that they have returned to you!  Then, make a better plan for sticking together.

No one wants their family outings marred by the stress of being separated from their child.  But, it happens.  A little preparation will go a long way in minimizing the time apart and the emotional consequences for everyone.

Five Reasons to Teach Your Child American Sign Language

Temper tantrums were common during our daughter's transition from pre-verbal to verbal.  Her word acquisition did not keep pace with her quickly growing wants and desires.  Through the frustration and tears (sometimes hers, sometimes ours), we would remind her, "Use your words!"  Eventually, we developed a somewhat  effective way of communicating with each other using words and gestures.  The problem was that no one beyond our immediate family "spoke the language".  How I wish that we had known about baby American Sign Language (ASL) back then!!

Although there are more than a few benefits to teaching your child ASL, here are my top five:

1. It's a real language.  In fact, it is the 4th most common language in the US!
2. It will facilitate your pre-verbal or non-verbal child's communication and, therefore, help them build connections with you and others.
3. This additional tool in their communication-toolbox means less dependence on temper tantrums for self expression.
4. Watching others sign stimulates visual attention and joint attention skills.
5. Signing develops motor skills.

If you are looking for a resource, we were fortunate to meet Jennifer Cranston, M.Ed. at a recent gathering.  She is a nationally certified sign language interpreter with over a decade of experience in interpreting and deaf education.  She can be contacted at Jennifer.L.Cranston@gmail.com or (703) 725-8289.
More in future posts!

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