I’ve been called many things over the years, so I try not to take offense when folks slip and call it like they see it. I accept myself and am grateful for a husband that does the same....
Dropping my sons off at the third day of a summer day-camp last month, the teacher glanced at both boys and then said to me, “So, it’s a green day today. You’re type A, huh?”
She was commenting on the fact that the boys had been dressed similar each day of the camp. At first glance such actions must appear controlling (or even worse: fashionable), but the truth is I’m all about safety. I mean ALL about safety.
Dropping my sons off at the third day of a summer day-camp last month, the teacher glanced at both boys and then said to me, “So, it’s a green day today. You’re type A, huh?”
She was commenting on the fact that the boys had been dressed similar each day of the camp. At first glance such actions must appear controlling (or even worse: fashionable), but the truth is I’m all about safety. I mean ALL about safety.
So… that includes:
1) Dressing the boys alike when we go to large events such as the State Fair, airports, amusement parks, soccer camp, etc. This simple act serves two purposes. First, it allows me to scan an open play area and spot my boys easily - I’m looking for just one color. Second, if I ever lose one I have an instant visual for those searching – “He looks like this!” I can say pointing to the one who hasn’t wandered away.
2) Before entering a large gathering/event (Disney World), I take a quick picture of each child with my camera or phone. In the worse-case scenario, I have an up-to-date picture to offer the authorities.
3) Each year before school starts I complete a Child ID Kit. These free kits are available through the state police department. Included in the kits are a place for a picture, fingerprints, dental records, physical information, and a DNA sample of each child. The kits are easy to fill out at home and to keep on file – just in case. They say that the first hours a child is missing are vital and having this information available is invaluable for law enforcement.
I know that I cannot control what happens to my family in the future – but I want to know I am doing all I can.
So…. I’ll continue to match T-shirts (as long as the let me) and pray I never have a use for the kits on file.
1) Dressing the boys alike when we go to large events such as the State Fair, airports, amusement parks, soccer camp, etc. This simple act serves two purposes. First, it allows me to scan an open play area and spot my boys easily - I’m looking for just one color. Second, if I ever lose one I have an instant visual for those searching – “He looks like this!” I can say pointing to the one who hasn’t wandered away.
2) Before entering a large gathering/event (Disney World), I take a quick picture of each child with my camera or phone. In the worse-case scenario, I have an up-to-date picture to offer the authorities.
3) Each year before school starts I complete a Child ID Kit. These free kits are available through the state police department. Included in the kits are a place for a picture, fingerprints, dental records, physical information, and a DNA sample of each child. The kits are easy to fill out at home and to keep on file – just in case. They say that the first hours a child is missing are vital and having this information available is invaluable for law enforcement.
I know that I cannot control what happens to my family in the future – but I want to know I am doing all I can.
So…. I’ll continue to match T-shirts (as long as the let me) and pray I never have a use for the kits on file.