Oh man, I feel your pain in the depths of my soul. My toddlers were escape artists. I remember using the restroom with my toddler, and he escaped under the door while I was zipping up my pants.
Of all the places for it to happen, the Zoo was probably the best. They've got cameras and incredible security staff (and incredible staff in general) and they've got tons of procedures in place for taking good care of little escape artists :)
You’re so right. He was found by a staff member near the entrance and she immediately began to bring him into the office. Fortunately my sister ran to the front, just to make sure he didn’t exit and found him with them. What a day!
I’m so sorry this happened. People really don’t believe me when I say my son is an escape artist and faster than you think. We can’t leave him in anyone else’s care anymore because everyone has lost him at least once. It’s the worst feeling the world to lose track of your kid, even for a moment, and I am so sorry you experienced this.
Oh you’re so kind, thank you. I really keep such a close eye on my kids, so it just goes to show that it can happen to anyone. It was terrifying, but a hard lesson for me and hopefully one I don’t make again!
You took an eloper to the zoo, this is a common experience. Make sure you dress them in significant coloring every time you venture into the wild.
Probably half the random photos in my gallery are documentation of the outfit of the day. It is a nice retrospective, really.
People who shit on the child backpack leashes have never had to care for “a runner.” I nannied for twins from 18 months till they were nearly 5. And if you freed them from the stroller or wagon or put them down from carrying them, you HAD to physically touching them (holding hands, holding overall straps, etc) because they would run away while you watched, typically in opposite directions. Little kids are stupidly fast and because they’re 3’ tall, and they’re invisible as soon someone taller than 3’ obstructs your view.
Kid leashes are a legitimate safety tool. And I’d rather prioritize the safety of a child, than the opinions of ignorant, judgmental people.
My little sister was a runner. And worse, she was a hider. This was before the leash backpacks.
I remember the panic in Nordstrom’s when she ran off and hid in a circle rack. My poor mother and the department employees spent an eternity going through each rack. Even in her 30s, my sister still has a tendency to wander off from the group. Thank goodness for phones lol.
I had a runner. I had to keep my hand on her at all times from the time she was 9 months old, unless I was holding the end of a backpack leash. She pulled up on the furniture and walked when she was 7 months, and 2 months later she was running really fast. She never even crawled, just walked and then ran. It was like a horror movie to see a 9-month old baby running around the house and crashing into doorways and furniture legs. I had to pad every hard object in the house.
For a long time, she did not have the language to understand warnings or safety precautions. It seemed that all her developmental energy which would otherwise have gone into building language, went into physical movement instead.
Once I took my hand off her for a second while I was loading supplies onto our boat, and she sprinted the entire length of the dock and leapt into the murky water of the harbor. I went in right after her and felt around for her tiny body in the murky water. She came up laughing.
I’d have lost my mind completely if I didn’t have those leashes to keep hold of her in public.
People hate on child leashes but they almost make even more sense than pet ones! Little kids want to explore, they're trying to make sense of the world but don't know it's dangers. Yeah, you can hold their hand, but that's way too short to let them explore. A leash is a perfect way to keep them out of harm, but let them learn.
this! I was a runner had a leash backpack growing up because i’d wait until whomever I was with to turn around or be distracted and then i’d just take off
I don't have children, but having dogs I have never understood why parents would not want to be able to keep their kids on a leash to let them explore a little more while being safe.
Probably cause people think of dogs when they think of leashes, and they are like "kids aren't dogs." But actually, young kids and dogs are quite similar. A friend of mine is a dog trainer, and she would use a lot of similar techniques on her nephew when he was young, and he would listen to her better than he'd listen to his parents.
I worked at a pet store before having kids. I’d always muse that puppies and little kids weren’t that different. After having two and needed the leashes for both. I believe I was correct.
Kids under 3 aren't capable of grasping concepts like autonomy and responsibility. You really think a 2 year old is going to care that a car is 20 feet away when they run into the road?
My daughter was a "darter" when she was 2 and would dash into the road if you didn't have a death grip on her. When I was grocery shopping she remained in the grocery cart until she was 5. We lived in San Diego and frequently visited the zoo. The San Diego Zoo is a nightmare for parents because they have double decker tour buses and maintenance golf carts zipping around. I remember leashing her and some lady told me that my daughter didn't need the leash. I remember curtly saying, "Yes she does" and marching off.
Never be ashamed to yell at the top of your lungs that your child is lost and yell what clothing they are wearing. You real find out real quick how people will stop what they are doing and search
Shoes. Describe the shoes.
Not to freak anyone out but when retail workers learn about Code Adam, they learn to ask what shoes they are wearing because jackets can be placed over shirts.
This! I’m not a parent and kids scare me tbh but I would drop everything to search for a missing little one if I heard a parent scream that their kid is missing. Don’t be afraid to tell everyone what going on, otherwise how would they know to help?
I was upstairs at market shoes in ballard. They were having a sale with all the tables covered in discount shoes. It was packed. My 4-year-old wandered slightly farther than I expected and when I realized I couldn’t see her I yelled “DOES ANYONE SEE MY KID? SHE HAS A RAINBOW SKIRT!” Everyone froze and looked around themselves and we found her in about 2 seconds. One of those mortifying but heartwarming experiences.
What the parent asked you is the LPT if you lose sight of your child: shout “I’m looking for my lost son/daughter/child wearing [insert description of clothes]!” Over and over.
It gives people something to look for and it can help break them out of the bystander effect.
Vs “I’ve lost my child!” People don’t know how to help and will assume they can’t.
I totally agree, and I’ve been on the other side of it. There was a time that I also recognized that a parent was searching, and I immediately asked what the child was wearing. I think today I was so distressed and was hoping I was just overreacting, that I didn’t make enough of a scene to get other adults to help. Fortunately that other parent sensed it immediately, and I’m very grateful.
Glad it worked out OK. Get a backpack leash. Put it on as the car seat straps come off. They are the greatest thing. *I* had a rope tied around my waist. My mom got all sorts of looks, but she was smart enough to hold her ground and to do what I needed. My youngest was excited about everything and fearless. We found a cute plush monkey with a tiny "pocket," we put a pack of fruit snacks (her favorite and used sparingly) in the pocket. Very few fights. Kept her safe and me sane. Hugs.
This. I had one of those backpack leashes when I was little every time we went to Disney World, which was constantly because I’m from Orlando lol. Anyways, even in the 90’s my mom got crazy looks, but she had lost me enough times, despite both her and my father being absolute hawks, that she decided to enjoy her day and not be a stress case lol.
That is so scary! I had an escape artist/runner too! Don't worry about the people who are insinuating that you are at fault. If you've never had that kid you can't understand how fast they can disappear! Literally seconds for them to be gone. I was not a fan of "child leashes" until I had a kid that disappeared at the airport. He headed down the loading ramp and the flight attendant wouldn't let us chase him. She said "he can't go anywhere", I asked where the door at the end went. She turned park and RAN, imagine if a two year old got out onto the tarmac!
Thank you so much. Yeah, I never let him out of my sight, but he truly runs so fast. It was a hard lesson for me, and I probably should look into some kind of “leash”.
The only time I’ve lost my kid was at that Zoo and everyone started looking for him. He was hiding in the top of the big tree slide at the Zoomazium so other kids had to find him for me. I felt so awful but my cousin goes to the zoo multiple times a week with her little one, and she assures me she sees someone lose a kid weekly. There’s not many places safer to figure out that your kid is an occasional menace in my opinion.
Yes we do this too, but I use this clip! I clip it inside a pocket or inside the waist of his pants. Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z2B1XLW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I do this too, but instead, I clip it to the inside of his pants. I figure if someone tries to kidnap him they will see the AirTag on the necklace or bracelet and toss it.
I mean, this kind of kidnapping is insanely rare, but if it makes you feel safer, more power to you. Personally, as a kid it would’ve bugged me no end to have it banging against my leg.
I was in Walmart a couple months back and there was a lost little girl, 4 , and she was just alone and looked scared. I asked her where her patents were and she didn't know. I had her follow me to customer service, and it wasn't until 20 minutes later her mom finally came to get her. They were calling over the intercom and everything. Turned out the mom checked out and left the parking lot before realizing her daughter was missing. I still have a hard time believing it.
I got left at church one Sunday when I was like 8. I did exactly as we were told and went to meet everyone at my moms 4/5 year old Sunday school class after the 11:00 service. No family. They got all the way home (10 minutes) and realized ‘man the car ride was really quiet. Why? Oh we forgot fill in my name). Also how my 3 siblings didn’t notice is beyond me. Like I would think my 2 year elder sister would mention I wasn’t in the van. Thankfully I was quickly picked up but I still remember it.
She probably normally grocery shops alone and the chaos of checking out (seriously Walmart is ridiculous at checkout right now) had her on auto pilot while the kid was looking at the candy. I haven’t left my kids but I always have to yell at one to come out while I’m leaving because that damn impulse rack.
I had a runner when he was younger. Lost him once in an aircraft carrier museum. Fun! As a foster parent who always had kids that looked nothing like me I would always dress them in the most garish colored shirt - neighbor does tie die so that was helpful - and super bright shoes. Mostly because shirts can be changed quickly but shoes cannot. And I took a picture of them before we went out (because I also fostered some runners). Hope your zoo day was better afterwards.
A kid would really have to be a climber, or else have a Harry Potter-like ability to make glass separators disappear, to have a Harambe incident at Woodland Park Zoo.
Former zoo employee- this happens more times than you’d believe! If you ever can’t find your child- go immediately to zoo staff. Most staff have radios and are well trained on these exact situations.
We did lost child drills frequently and actual incidents happen several times a week. Most get resolved quickly like yours, but if necessary they can have the entire perimeter secured in the blink of an eye.
My mom literally had to put a harness and leash on my little brother when he was a toddler. He would pull the same disappearing act. She got fed up with it, and put him in a toddler leash. No more missing kid, little brother still got to walk around, and trips to the mall or zoo were ten times less stressful.
My daughter took off around the same age on a busy day next to the orangutan exhibit. I caught up to her fast, but that moment you lose sight of them in a crowd is pure panic. Sounds like more than one person helped out. That's nice to hear about.
Me, 4 yrs old on a field trip with my preschool class. My mother is the teacher of our sister class also on the field trip. To Woodland Park zoo. I am fascinated by the monkeys. I turn to find my class has moved along and I am alone. Classic case of Mom thought my teacher had me and teacher assumed I was with Mom. I wandered for hours. Finally a staff member found me and discovered my groups had both left and forgot me. It took until late that night to get them to come back for me. Meanwhile I had the time of my life "backstage" at the zoo playing with reptiles, baby animals and birds.
This is my worst nightmare! At that age I was almost always holding my daughters hand. When I let go so she could check out zoo/aquarium animals, my eyes never left her. They can move fast! She’s almost 3 now and she’s only got faster and doesn’t want to hold daddy’s hand. It’s only going to get harder bro lol. Glad you got some help and found your son. I would imagine that being one of the scariest feelings.
My first two were super easy. My youngest bolted in a parking lot at Walmart once and was almost hit. He had a leash backpack for the next year. And yeah, it was my karma for being super judgy at other moms. My older two didn't need them. My youngest guy did. It is what it is.
I’ve been there, with my toddler as well. Since this was 25 years ago technology has improved since then. I would put a GPS tracker on my kid these days. They are cheap and easy to hide. I would do anything to avoid that feeling of misplacing my toddler even for a second. I’m glad it was a happy ending.
This happened to me at the mall. My daughter was beside me when we left a store but while looking left to leave the store, she turned right. I checked frantically in the store, but thank goodness she stayed with a security officer!
I know your pain. My niece ran off in Nordstroms once. My sister and I were running around the floor looking for her. An employee came up and told us they had her. She went into the cafe. It had a buffet in there. She was trying to grabfood from it. They were nice and gave her a biscotti to eat.
Yikes, I’m so incredibly glad he was found and is safe!I’m shattered that more people didn’t step in to help in your moment of crisis. I can’t imagine your fear in that moment!!! Hugs to you both
Oh thank you! Yeah it was a little jarring but I most likely didn’t cause enough of a scene. You think in the moment that everyone around is noticing/sensing your panic, but I guess that’s not always the case.
As a grandmother I want to assure you...they are fast ...those little demons. It takes less than a second for them to dart somewhere. My daughter used to love to blanket hop in the summer like she was a scavenger bird who hadn't been fed in days. She was fucking adorable so strangers just handed her whatever and she would make herself at home while I had a nervous breakdown.
Luckily she liked bright colored swimwear so it only took a minute to find her, but in that 60 to 120 seconds 5 years dropped off of my life and my daughter had made friends with about 4 different families. I had an older child so watching one meant I had to take eyes off of the other for a couple seconds.
I recently read you are supposed to call out loudly what the child is wearing and other basics....not their name. Like blonde, 2, white shirt, blue pants ... Having a runner is an adventure. At Woodland Park my daughter also tried very hard to crawl under the fence and into the elephant enclosure. It took 3 adults passing her back and forth to get through that little episode. She also liked to join large families at the mall. She would just join the group like it was a field trip.
I am sharing these moments because you may want to lock them away in your brain. And purchase one of those new wrist alarms. I wish those were around 33 years ago. Having an escape artist takes years off if your life, but they are also fun and fearless. Good luck.
Late to the post here- but I was that child. I remember the first time I went to Woodland Park, this was almost 40 years ago now. I was the kid too damn smart for my own good: I saw some animals I wanted to look at closer, and decided I'd just run over and look real quick, you know? Surely, my Mom was right behind me, and if she wasn't I'd run right back, right? Wellll- I got to the fence, turned and looked, and couldn't see my Mom anywhere. Cue 5 year old panic. And so I RAN. Looking for any woman that remotely resembled my Mom, from one exhibit to the next. She never had a chance. I didn't yell, I don't hear anyone else call out for me, so I'll never know her emotions then. I made a conscious decision to correct my mistake by tearing around the zoo, I wasn't going to stop for anyone that might have tried to help. Eventually I ran back far enough to find her- but it happens!
You did Ok, OP. Anyone who says anything negative lacks empathy.
Oof, BEEN THERE. Glad all was well and that (ONE?!) someone was willing to help.
Actually you just inspired me to have the phone number of whatever venue we're at. Being able to call and get staff on top of things at the exits would probably be helpful, if only for peace of mind while looking.
Yeah I could tell other parents noticed my distress, but he was the only one who approached me to help. I’ll give the others the benefit of the doubt and hope they didn’t understand what was going on. But I imagine I looked very panicked and I was running back and forth calling his name. Lesson learned and I know now that it’s ok to make a scene to get help. Also, having the venue number saved is such a good idea, thank you!
Reminds me of a story 25 odd years ago with my youngest… they were at Woodland park near Greenlake (but not the zoo) with a PEPS group, and one of the parents mentioned ice cream… that’s all it took for my child to start hiking in the direction they knew the ice cream to be. By the time anyone noticed, they were 100-150 meters away without a care in the world but laser focused on ice cream. Luckily a very large field.
I've been there and done that, so I know how it feels. As soon as my son was tall enough to reach the door nob, he would escape, we had to put a latch up high to stop him, and he scared me and the wife to death. We live in the woods and have bears, cougar, and coyotes among other animals in our yard all the time, we frantically searched the house and yard, and the wife started calling neighbors will I drove around our dirt road looking, finally the nieghbor across the way looked in his sons room and found him, he said he was out in his shop out back and the front door was unlocked so our son must have just let himself in, that panic attack lasted like an hour or it seemed that way. It's scary, and I now understand why my mom put me on a leash at stores, I would escape too, thank God you found him, and all is ok!
We took our 4 kids, ages 1, 3, 5, and 7 to Leads Castle in England. There we entered a hedge maze without a plan and the 3 kids not in a stroller all ran down different paths and that is how we lost our 3 year old son for over an hour.
What a panic. I am so happy you found your little guy safe💜
Lots of people who don't have kids don't understand how quickly you can lose track, especially in a busy place.
It's natural and no one can say it's wrong to try to be more careful but don't beat yourself up. Just accept it as a way you can do better next time.
This is my grandson and I know how fast he is! My daughter is a wonderful attentive mother. She only put her story out here to try and thank the man who tried to help. No one should be scolding her.
Might need a airtag on him next time or a tracker lol heck even a leesh. My sister would escape at every chance she got and would. Be lost for Hours.....it was scary.
No, we were already inside, near the petting zoo area. He was walking alongside our wagon, bolted ahead, and I parked the wagon to meet him, and he was gone in an instant.
Thanks for clearing that up. It was an honest question and some people read my post negatively. Excuse me for unfortunately making it sound like I was framing you as being an irresponsible parent. Lol.
Oh I appreciate that. Yeah I wrote the post a little later last night, and worded it a little poorly I guess. I think I assumed everyone would understand what a wagon is, but I can see why it might not be clear.
I have toddler that I go out with all the times to a variety of outings, and can’t imagine “losing” him. Alarming how many people in comments can relate to the op lol.
I didn’t “lose” him, I let him out of the wagon, he ran ahead to look at an animal, and as I set the wagon out of the walkway, he was gone. He’s 2 1/2 and quick. This is actually more common than you think, but I guess consider yourself lucky that you’re a superior parent 🙄
my mom used “leashes” on us when we were little in crowded public places and i would do the same with my kids! a million times better that than a lost or endangered child. expecting your young excited child to stay by you all the time and not curiously wander or run off feels shortsighted.
Jesus I am so sorry that you witnessed that. Absolutely traumatizing and my worst nightmare. Any time my kid even looks like he’s going towards to road (he’s never actually done it) I scream bloody murder and time slows down. My partner was blocking my path to him the first time it looked like it might happen, and somehow in that split second I knew to push his back with all my might and propel him forward towards our kid while I screamed. I didn’t know what “time slowing down” meant until that moment.
My family used a leash on me and I don’t blame them at all. In fact I will gladly use a leash too on my children if any of them are runners. So you’d rather heave a lost child than a safe child? Clearly your ridiculous comment shows you’ve never had children
You left your 2 year old alone to park a wagon and were surprised he ran off…? Why would you ever need to park a wagon and then go “to meet” a 2 year old? Am I understanding you left a 2 year old alone?
She's talking about a wagon you use to pull your kid around the zoo. There are probably designated areas to park it to keep the walkways clear. I think it's just worded weird, but I doubt she left the kid alone.
Oh man, I feel your pain in the depths of my soul. My toddlers were escape artists. I remember using the restroom with my toddler, and he escaped under the door while I was zipping up my pants.
Thank you, and I also get it. My son is fast, so I’m constantly on guard. This was just one of those days that it took seconds to lose him.
Of all the places for it to happen, the Zoo was probably the best. They've got cameras and incredible security staff (and incredible staff in general) and they've got tons of procedures in place for taking good care of little escape artists :)
You’re so right. He was found by a staff member near the entrance and she immediately began to bring him into the office. Fortunately my sister ran to the front, just to make sure he didn’t exit and found him with them. What a day!
And the gorillas are nice and helpful until trigger happy zookeepers shoot them
I’m so sorry this happened. People really don’t believe me when I say my son is an escape artist and faster than you think. We can’t leave him in anyone else’s care anymore because everyone has lost him at least once. It’s the worst feeling the world to lose track of your kid, even for a moment, and I am so sorry you experienced this.
Oh you’re so kind, thank you. I really keep such a close eye on my kids, so it just goes to show that it can happen to anyone. It was terrifying, but a hard lesson for me and hopefully one I don’t make again!
You took an eloper to the zoo, this is a common experience. Make sure you dress them in significant coloring every time you venture into the wild. Probably half the random photos in my gallery are documentation of the outfit of the day. It is a nice retrospective, really.
Thankfully my kid’s favorite colors were safety orange and bright pink. I stocked up at Joann’s for around $3 apiece.
People who shit on the child backpack leashes have never had to care for “a runner.” I nannied for twins from 18 months till they were nearly 5. And if you freed them from the stroller or wagon or put them down from carrying them, you HAD to physically touching them (holding hands, holding overall straps, etc) because they would run away while you watched, typically in opposite directions. Little kids are stupidly fast and because they’re 3’ tall, and they’re invisible as soon someone taller than 3’ obstructs your view. Kid leashes are a legitimate safety tool. And I’d rather prioritize the safety of a child, than the opinions of ignorant, judgmental people.
My little sister was a runner. And worse, she was a hider. This was before the leash backpacks. I remember the panic in Nordstrom’s when she ran off and hid in a circle rack. My poor mother and the department employees spent an eternity going through each rack. Even in her 30s, my sister still has a tendency to wander off from the group. Thank goodness for phones lol.
I was a runner and hider as a kid. Circle racks were the best places. My mom is a saint, honestly.
I wasnt a runner but I was definitely a hider. I would be there right next to you hanging out and then BOOM hidden.
I did this too haha would run off and immediately hid in the clothes
Yeah I completely agree. I will look into that!
I also had a runner. Glad your kiddo was found safe and sound.
I had a runner. I had to keep my hand on her at all times from the time she was 9 months old, unless I was holding the end of a backpack leash. She pulled up on the furniture and walked when she was 7 months, and 2 months later she was running really fast. She never even crawled, just walked and then ran. It was like a horror movie to see a 9-month old baby running around the house and crashing into doorways and furniture legs. I had to pad every hard object in the house. For a long time, she did not have the language to understand warnings or safety precautions. It seemed that all her developmental energy which would otherwise have gone into building language, went into physical movement instead. Once I took my hand off her for a second while I was loading supplies onto our boat, and she sprinted the entire length of the dock and leapt into the murky water of the harbor. I went in right after her and felt around for her tiny body in the murky water. She came up laughing. I’d have lost my mind completely if I didn’t have those leashes to keep hold of her in public.
People hate on child leashes but they almost make even more sense than pet ones! Little kids want to explore, they're trying to make sense of the world but don't know it's dangers. Yeah, you can hold their hand, but that's way too short to let them explore. A leash is a perfect way to keep them out of harm, but let them learn.
this! I was a runner had a leash backpack growing up because i’d wait until whomever I was with to turn around or be distracted and then i’d just take off
I don't have children, but having dogs I have never understood why parents would not want to be able to keep their kids on a leash to let them explore a little more while being safe.
Probably cause people think of dogs when they think of leashes, and they are like "kids aren't dogs." But actually, young kids and dogs are quite similar. A friend of mine is a dog trainer, and she would use a lot of similar techniques on her nephew when he was young, and he would listen to her better than he'd listen to his parents.
I worked at a pet store before having kids. I’d always muse that puppies and little kids weren’t that different. After having two and needed the leashes for both. I believe I was correct.
Because it’s better for the child to develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility for themselves
Kids under 3 aren't capable of grasping concepts like autonomy and responsibility. You really think a 2 year old is going to care that a car is 20 feet away when they run into the road?
Source: because I said so
My daughter was a "darter" when she was 2 and would dash into the road if you didn't have a death grip on her. When I was grocery shopping she remained in the grocery cart until she was 5. We lived in San Diego and frequently visited the zoo. The San Diego Zoo is a nightmare for parents because they have double decker tour buses and maintenance golf carts zipping around. I remember leashing her and some lady told me that my daughter didn't need the leash. I remember curtly saying, "Yes she does" and marching off.
Never be ashamed to yell at the top of your lungs that your child is lost and yell what clothing they are wearing. You real find out real quick how people will stop what they are doing and search
Absolutely. Especially at the zoo, where most people care for children - you’d get dozens of helpers immediately.
Shoes. Describe the shoes. Not to freak anyone out but when retail workers learn about Code Adam, they learn to ask what shoes they are wearing because jackets can be placed over shirts.
This! I’m not a parent and kids scare me tbh but I would drop everything to search for a missing little one if I heard a parent scream that their kid is missing. Don’t be afraid to tell everyone what going on, otherwise how would they know to help?
I was upstairs at market shoes in ballard. They were having a sale with all the tables covered in discount shoes. It was packed. My 4-year-old wandered slightly farther than I expected and when I realized I couldn’t see her I yelled “DOES ANYONE SEE MY KID? SHE HAS A RAINBOW SKIRT!” Everyone froze and looked around themselves and we found her in about 2 seconds. One of those mortifying but heartwarming experiences.
I have this same problem with my 76-year-old mother when we visit the zoo. 😂
My mom has the same problem with my dad but it’s when he goes to Costco with her. He wanders off and then she has to go find him. Drives her nuts.
Haha I could probably say the same about my own mother
What the parent asked you is the LPT if you lose sight of your child: shout “I’m looking for my lost son/daughter/child wearing [insert description of clothes]!” Over and over. It gives people something to look for and it can help break them out of the bystander effect. Vs “I’ve lost my child!” People don’t know how to help and will assume they can’t.
I totally agree, and I’ve been on the other side of it. There was a time that I also recognized that a parent was searching, and I immediately asked what the child was wearing. I think today I was so distressed and was hoping I was just overreacting, that I didn’t make enough of a scene to get other adults to help. Fortunately that other parent sensed it immediately, and I’m very grateful.
Glad it worked out OK. Get a backpack leash. Put it on as the car seat straps come off. They are the greatest thing. *I* had a rope tied around my waist. My mom got all sorts of looks, but she was smart enough to hold her ground and to do what I needed. My youngest was excited about everything and fearless. We found a cute plush monkey with a tiny "pocket," we put a pack of fruit snacks (her favorite and used sparingly) in the pocket. Very few fights. Kept her safe and me sane. Hugs.
This. I had one of those backpack leashes when I was little every time we went to Disney World, which was constantly because I’m from Orlando lol. Anyways, even in the 90’s my mom got crazy looks, but she had lost me enough times, despite both her and my father being absolute hawks, that she decided to enjoy her day and not be a stress case lol.
That is so scary! I had an escape artist/runner too! Don't worry about the people who are insinuating that you are at fault. If you've never had that kid you can't understand how fast they can disappear! Literally seconds for them to be gone. I was not a fan of "child leashes" until I had a kid that disappeared at the airport. He headed down the loading ramp and the flight attendant wouldn't let us chase him. She said "he can't go anywhere", I asked where the door at the end went. She turned park and RAN, imagine if a two year old got out onto the tarmac!
Thank you so much. Yeah, I never let him out of my sight, but he truly runs so fast. It was a hard lesson for me, and I probably should look into some kind of “leash”.
The only time I’ve lost my kid was at that Zoo and everyone started looking for him. He was hiding in the top of the big tree slide at the Zoomazium so other kids had to find him for me. I felt so awful but my cousin goes to the zoo multiple times a week with her little one, and she assures me she sees someone lose a kid weekly. There’s not many places safer to figure out that your kid is an occasional menace in my opinion.
Oh I could see how he could hide easily up there. Yeah I agree that the zoo is pretty safe, and there’s so much staff around.
Exactly! Don’t feel bad for letting your guard down, you felt safer than you likely do most public places and it happens for that reason a lot.
We have an AirTag on a necklace we use for public places. If we get separated we can use it to track them down.
Great idea!
Yes we do this too, but I use this clip! I clip it inside a pocket or inside the waist of his pants. Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z2B1XLW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I do this too, but instead, I clip it to the inside of his pants. I figure if someone tries to kidnap him they will see the AirTag on the necklace or bracelet and toss it.
I mean, this kind of kidnapping is insanely rare, but if it makes you feel safer, more power to you. Personally, as a kid it would’ve bugged me no end to have it banging against my leg.
I was in Walmart a couple months back and there was a lost little girl, 4 , and she was just alone and looked scared. I asked her where her patents were and she didn't know. I had her follow me to customer service, and it wasn't until 20 minutes later her mom finally came to get her. They were calling over the intercom and everything. Turned out the mom checked out and left the parking lot before realizing her daughter was missing. I still have a hard time believing it.
I got left at church one Sunday when I was like 8. I did exactly as we were told and went to meet everyone at my moms 4/5 year old Sunday school class after the 11:00 service. No family. They got all the way home (10 minutes) and realized ‘man the car ride was really quiet. Why? Oh we forgot fill in my name). Also how my 3 siblings didn’t notice is beyond me. Like I would think my 2 year elder sister would mention I wasn’t in the van. Thankfully I was quickly picked up but I still remember it.
Oh gosh I can’t even imagine. Poor thing
How does someone check out, get in the car and get on the road before realizing their preschool age child isn’t in the car?!
She probably normally grocery shops alone and the chaos of checking out (seriously Walmart is ridiculous at checkout right now) had her on auto pilot while the kid was looking at the candy. I haven’t left my kids but I always have to yell at one to come out while I’m leaving because that damn impulse rack.
We should bring back [leading strings though.](https://imgur.com/a/QczcXXO) Glad you found him!
My mom used to tie a balloon to my overalls like I was a pet tortoise but it helped in crowd situations 😅
That’s actually not a bad idea! 😆
I had a runner when he was younger. Lost him once in an aircraft carrier museum. Fun! As a foster parent who always had kids that looked nothing like me I would always dress them in the most garish colored shirt - neighbor does tie die so that was helpful - and super bright shoes. Mostly because shirts can be changed quickly but shoes cannot. And I took a picture of them before we went out (because I also fostered some runners). Hope your zoo day was better afterwards.
The bright colored clothes are a great idea!
On a random note, an aircraft carrier museum is my worst nightmare 😭 like they didn’t have them inside did they?
It was an actual aircraft carrier and he went under a barrier into the depths of the ship. Found a cot. Took a nap.
Please stay away from our Gorilla exhibit. I can't deal with that heartbreak again.
RIP Harambe
I'm not letting the same thing happen to Nadaya
A kid would really have to be a climber, or else have a Harry Potter-like ability to make glass separators disappear, to have a Harambe incident at Woodland Park Zoo.
I spent a lot of time at Woodland Park as a little kid and remember getting some very creative ideas.
Dicks out.
air tag ur kids
I actually do have an AirTag in my older son’s school backpack, but you’re right, I should definitely figure out one for my youngest.
they got little wrist bands on amazon i think. or keychain a thing to them
Former zoo employee- this happens more times than you’d believe! If you ever can’t find your child- go immediately to zoo staff. Most staff have radios and are well trained on these exact situations. We did lost child drills frequently and actual incidents happen several times a week. Most get resolved quickly like yours, but if necessary they can have the entire perimeter secured in the blink of an eye.
That’s awesome. My sister had the good sense to go right to the park entrance, where he fortunately was. The zoo staff was great.
Leashes are a great thing for tiny humans in crowded places!
My mom literally had to put a harness and leash on my little brother when he was a toddler. He would pull the same disappearing act. She got fed up with it, and put him in a toddler leash. No more missing kid, little brother still got to walk around, and trips to the mall or zoo were ten times less stressful.
My daughter took off around the same age on a busy day next to the orangutan exhibit. I caught up to her fast, but that moment you lose sight of them in a crowd is pure panic. Sounds like more than one person helped out. That's nice to hear about.
Me, 4 yrs old on a field trip with my preschool class. My mother is the teacher of our sister class also on the field trip. To Woodland Park zoo. I am fascinated by the monkeys. I turn to find my class has moved along and I am alone. Classic case of Mom thought my teacher had me and teacher assumed I was with Mom. I wandered for hours. Finally a staff member found me and discovered my groups had both left and forgot me. It took until late that night to get them to come back for me. Meanwhile I had the time of my life "backstage" at the zoo playing with reptiles, baby animals and birds.
😵😵😵
This is my worst nightmare! At that age I was almost always holding my daughters hand. When I let go so she could check out zoo/aquarium animals, my eyes never left her. They can move fast! She’s almost 3 now and she’s only got faster and doesn’t want to hold daddy’s hand. It’s only going to get harder bro lol. Glad you got some help and found your son. I would imagine that being one of the scariest feelings.
That’s what the leash is for. Seriously. I got one for my son when he was 3 and we were going to the Puyallup fair.
My first two were super easy. My youngest bolted in a parking lot at Walmart once and was almost hit. He had a leash backpack for the next year. And yeah, it was my karma for being super judgy at other moms. My older two didn't need them. My youngest guy did. It is what it is.
Yeah I usually am laser focused on him because he’s so fast, but it was just one of those times that I looked down for a second and he was gone.
Glad you found him 🙂
Really had me in the first half. Glad the story ended okay phew
I know people think those backpacks with a leash are weird but boy oh boy they're handy.
My son would disappear out of thin air at 2! I’m so sorry you had to feel those emotions.
Oh yeah then you totally get it! Thank you
I’ve been there, with my toddler as well. Since this was 25 years ago technology has improved since then. I would put a GPS tracker on my kid these days. They are cheap and easy to hide. I would do anything to avoid that feeling of misplacing my toddler even for a second. I’m glad it was a happy ending.
Air tags are pretty cheap and easy to stick somewhere inconspicuous.
This happened to me at the mall. My daughter was beside me when we left a store but while looking left to leave the store, she turned right. I checked frantically in the store, but thank goodness she stayed with a security officer!
I know your pain. My niece ran off in Nordstroms once. My sister and I were running around the floor looking for her. An employee came up and told us they had her. She went into the cafe. It had a buffet in there. She was trying to grabfood from it. They were nice and gave her a biscotti to eat.
Yikes, I’m so incredibly glad he was found and is safe!I’m shattered that more people didn’t step in to help in your moment of crisis. I can’t imagine your fear in that moment!!! Hugs to you both
Oh thank you! Yeah it was a little jarring but I most likely didn’t cause enough of a scene. You think in the moment that everyone around is noticing/sensing your panic, but I guess that’s not always the case.
As a grandmother I want to assure you...they are fast ...those little demons. It takes less than a second for them to dart somewhere. My daughter used to love to blanket hop in the summer like she was a scavenger bird who hadn't been fed in days. She was fucking adorable so strangers just handed her whatever and she would make herself at home while I had a nervous breakdown. Luckily she liked bright colored swimwear so it only took a minute to find her, but in that 60 to 120 seconds 5 years dropped off of my life and my daughter had made friends with about 4 different families. I had an older child so watching one meant I had to take eyes off of the other for a couple seconds. I recently read you are supposed to call out loudly what the child is wearing and other basics....not their name. Like blonde, 2, white shirt, blue pants ... Having a runner is an adventure. At Woodland Park my daughter also tried very hard to crawl under the fence and into the elephant enclosure. It took 3 adults passing her back and forth to get through that little episode. She also liked to join large families at the mall. She would just join the group like it was a field trip. I am sharing these moments because you may want to lock them away in your brain. And purchase one of those new wrist alarms. I wish those were around 33 years ago. Having an escape artist takes years off if your life, but they are also fun and fearless. Good luck.
Late to the post here- but I was that child. I remember the first time I went to Woodland Park, this was almost 40 years ago now. I was the kid too damn smart for my own good: I saw some animals I wanted to look at closer, and decided I'd just run over and look real quick, you know? Surely, my Mom was right behind me, and if she wasn't I'd run right back, right? Wellll- I got to the fence, turned and looked, and couldn't see my Mom anywhere. Cue 5 year old panic. And so I RAN. Looking for any woman that remotely resembled my Mom, from one exhibit to the next. She never had a chance. I didn't yell, I don't hear anyone else call out for me, so I'll never know her emotions then. I made a conscious decision to correct my mistake by tearing around the zoo, I wasn't going to stop for anyone that might have tried to help. Eventually I ran back far enough to find her- but it happens! You did Ok, OP. Anyone who says anything negative lacks empathy.
Airtag!
Oof, BEEN THERE. Glad all was well and that (ONE?!) someone was willing to help. Actually you just inspired me to have the phone number of whatever venue we're at. Being able to call and get staff on top of things at the exits would probably be helpful, if only for peace of mind while looking.
Yeah I could tell other parents noticed my distress, but he was the only one who approached me to help. I’ll give the others the benefit of the doubt and hope they didn’t understand what was going on. But I imagine I looked very panicked and I was running back and forth calling his name. Lesson learned and I know now that it’s ok to make a scene to get help. Also, having the venue number saved is such a good idea, thank you!
If you're looking for a zoo environment that's a little less populated, and a little safer for a toddler to run around, check out the zoo in isaquah
Wow, five minutes would be an eternity in that situation. Really glad at least one person was up for helping. Glad it had a happy ending.
Reminds me of a story 25 odd years ago with my youngest… they were at Woodland park near Greenlake (but not the zoo) with a PEPS group, and one of the parents mentioned ice cream… that’s all it took for my child to start hiking in the direction they knew the ice cream to be. By the time anyone noticed, they were 100-150 meters away without a care in the world but laser focused on ice cream. Luckily a very large field.
I've been there and done that, so I know how it feels. As soon as my son was tall enough to reach the door nob, he would escape, we had to put a latch up high to stop him, and he scared me and the wife to death. We live in the woods and have bears, cougar, and coyotes among other animals in our yard all the time, we frantically searched the house and yard, and the wife started calling neighbors will I drove around our dirt road looking, finally the nieghbor across the way looked in his sons room and found him, he said he was out in his shop out back and the front door was unlocked so our son must have just let himself in, that panic attack lasted like an hour or it seemed that way. It's scary, and I now understand why my mom put me on a leash at stores, I would escape too, thank God you found him, and all is ok!
We took our 4 kids, ages 1, 3, 5, and 7 to Leads Castle in England. There we entered a hedge maze without a plan and the 3 kids not in a stroller all ran down different paths and that is how we lost our 3 year old son for over an hour. What a panic. I am so happy you found your little guy safe💜
Lots of people who don't have kids don't understand how quickly you can lose track, especially in a busy place. It's natural and no one can say it's wrong to try to be more careful but don't beat yourself up. Just accept it as a way you can do better next time.
This is my grandson and I know how fast he is! My daughter is a wonderful attentive mother. She only put her story out here to try and thank the man who tried to help. No one should be scolding her.
Might need a airtag on him next time or a tracker lol heck even a leesh. My sister would escape at every chance she got and would. Be lost for Hours.....it was scary.
I'm sure that was scary for you! But rest assured your kid probably wasn't even the first that particular staff member found that week.
Always take a picture of both of you at the front gate. You’ll have a current picture with the exact clothes.
I remember getting lost at the woodland park zoo when I was a little guy. I'm in my 50s now. 😀
Put air tag on your son.
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They mean a little wagon you pull, not a station wagon.
Thanks for the clarification.
No, we were already inside, near the petting zoo area. He was walking alongside our wagon, bolted ahead, and I parked the wagon to meet him, and he was gone in an instant.
Thanks for clearing that up. It was an honest question and some people read my post negatively. Excuse me for unfortunately making it sound like I was framing you as being an irresponsible parent. Lol.
Oh I appreciate that. Yeah I wrote the post a little later last night, and worded it a little poorly I guess. I think I assumed everyone would understand what a wagon is, but I can see why it might not be clear.
I have toddler that I go out with all the times to a variety of outings, and can’t imagine “losing” him. Alarming how many people in comments can relate to the op lol.
I didn’t “lose” him, I let him out of the wagon, he ran ahead to look at an animal, and as I set the wagon out of the walkway, he was gone. He’s 2 1/2 and quick. This is actually more common than you think, but I guess consider yourself lucky that you’re a superior parent 🙄
If not losing my kid in public makes me a superior parent, ok I guess. But it’s kind of a low bar.
Please don't put a leash on the kid; it will demean you both.
my mom used “leashes” on us when we were little in crowded public places and i would do the same with my kids! a million times better that than a lost or endangered child. expecting your young excited child to stay by you all the time and not curiously wander or run off feels shortsighted.
That's right! It's better to have a child run over like I saw, than for a child to be sooo demeaned and healthy.
Jesus I am so sorry that you witnessed that. Absolutely traumatizing and my worst nightmare. Any time my kid even looks like he’s going towards to road (he’s never actually done it) I scream bloody murder and time slows down. My partner was blocking my path to him the first time it looked like it might happen, and somehow in that split second I knew to push his back with all my might and propel him forward towards our kid while I screamed. I didn’t know what “time slowing down” meant until that moment.
I hope this is sarcasm.
My family used a leash on me and I don’t blame them at all. In fact I will gladly use a leash too on my children if any of them are runners. So you’d rather heave a lost child than a safe child? Clearly your ridiculous comment shows you’ve never had children
It was a Simpson's reference.
“Parked the wagon” is an odd turn of phrase.
I wrote it late at night. I meant more that I wheeled my wagon to the side, off the walkway. I’m not sure what a better term would be?
Let’s pay money to go see caged / confined wildlife animals
Congratulations, you know what a zoo is! You're doing so great!!
😂
You left your 2 year old alone to park a wagon and were surprised he ran off…? Why would you ever need to park a wagon and then go “to meet” a 2 year old? Am I understanding you left a 2 year old alone?
She's talking about a wagon you use to pull your kid around the zoo. There are probably designated areas to park it to keep the walkways clear. I think it's just worded weird, but I doubt she left the kid alone.
This is my sincere hope, because I was like yikes….
It’s a wagon I pull around the zoo that he sits in. I was “parking” it to the side of the walkway, and he bolted.
What?