Out and about: safety issues

DPPi information service receives many enquiries on getting out and about with children. Viewpoint features some tips from disabled parents on giving children maximum latitude while, at the same time, keeping them safe.

Safety boundaries

When my son Ryan was a toddler I was always concerned about what I would do if he decided to run, as I wouldn't be able to chase him. I always tried to instil a sense of co-operation in him as soon as he became mobile. For example, it was fine if he wanted to walk next to me but if he tried to move away then he had to go back in his buggy. He was finding his independence: at the same time, my task was to keep him safe while allowing him the freedom to walk with me. When I have to use crutches he holds the tag on my coat when we cross the road or when I feel that I need to keep a closer eye on him. We use what we call the 1, 2, 3 method of control. If he is doing something or going somewhere I am unhappy with, he has till the count of 3 to get back to me. Because my partner and I are both consistent about what we expect when we are out, he quickly learned this meant that he got his freedom. On another safety note, Ryan wears a chain with a metal tag with my mobile phone number, so that if he is lost he can ask someone to phone me. We are very clear about the definition of an approachable person – it is someone in uniform, or a staff member at a shop counter. He also knows not to move away from the counter. When we have been at street festivals I have made sure that he knows what the stewards are wearing and the badges they have. If he has any problems he knows that they can help him, safely.

Also, if I am in a large crowded area that I am unfamiliar with, or if I feel a little threatened, I never call my children by name. I always call them by a nickname that only I use: then I know that no-one around me can distract their attention by calling their name. In the same way, I never label Ryan's schoolbags so that the name can be read while we're walking. If we are going out after school I turn the name card round on his schoolbag so it appears blank.

Sue Searle, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK.

Reassurance

My daughter is two and a half years old. I have epilepsy and can experience seizures when I am out. This has made me frightened to go out alone with her.

Recently, I bought a medical alert style bracelet and had it inscribed with the message: "My mummy is having an epileptic seizure, please phone for an ambulance and stay with us until it comes – thank you". My daughter helped decorate the bracelet in her favourite colours and now wears it when we are out. I have taught her how to show it to a responsible adult, for example, a shop assistant.

I now feel much happier about taking my daughter out and she feels confident because she knows that if I have a seizure there is no pressure on her to explain the situation to someone else.

Name and address supplied.

Toddler monitor

The Boardbug is a toddler monitor that alerts parents instantly if their children wander out of range. It has two parts, one for the parent and one for the child. The parent unit works as an ordinary digital watch and both units can either be worn around the wrist, attached to a belt-loop or carried in a pocket. If the child takes the unit off or it becomes detached, an alert will sound on the parent unit. Price: £99.95 For more information about this product visit: www.bumpto3.com

Next: Round-up of resources