Labelling Kids

[Tonish]

Just finalising details for our trip next month and it occurred to us that whilst we had labelled everything in sight and thought through plans for what to do if we lost credit cards etc, we hadn't done anything about labelling our two youngest. (7 and 4).

We've never done this before, and actually, I can't think why we haven't. (Must be getting more cautious as we get older). However, we ordered a bunch of ID tags for their shoes and waterproof ones for wrists.

The only thing is, we've hit a bit of a mental block here - usually, when we're in the States, we take our mobiles with us and can call each other and home no problem. What we haven't done is try calling one of our UK mobiles from a US landline.

So, what number do we put on the labels? If we just put the mobile number, I can't imagine it will work. On the other hand, never having called a UK mobile from a US landline, I don't know if you use the same 44 code as when calling a UK landline or not.

I'm sure the answer is obvious, and maybe it's just the extra glass of wine I had this evening that's clouding my brain, but a clear answer would be really appreciated.

[ClareC]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tonish
Just finalising details for our trip next month and it occurred to us that whilst we had labelled everything in sight and thought through plans for what to do if we lost credit cards etc, we hadn't done anything about labelling our two youngest. (7 and 4).

We've never done this before, and actually, I can't think why we haven't. (Must be getting more cautious as we get older). However, we ordered a bunch of ID tags for their shoes and waterproof ones for wrists.

The only thing is, we've hit a bit of a mental block here - usually, when we're in the States, we take our mobiles with us and can call each other and home no problem. What we haven't done is try calling one of our UK mobiles from a US landline.

So, what number do we put on the labels? If we just put the mobile number, I can't imagine it will work. On the other hand, never having called a UK mobile from a US landline, I don't know if you use the same 44 code as when calling a UK landline or not.

I'm sure the answer is obvious, and maybe it's just the extra glass of wine I had this evening that's clouding my brain, but a clear answer would be really appreciated.
[/quote]
Yes you'll need to put the UK code first and drop the 0 of course

It will be 011-44 plus your mobile number without the 0 at the begining[msnwink]

eg if your mobile is 07740 555 555 it will be 011-44-7740 555 555[msnwink] if dialing from a US land line[msnwink]

[steph_goodrum]

When we were over in March and phoned our daughter on her mobile in the UK we couldnt connect if we put the country code in, the only way it worked was just to use her usual number.

[florida4sun]

thats if your using a mobile. On a landline you would need to use the country code.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by steph_goodrum
When we were over in March and phoned our daughter on her mobile in the UK we couldnt connect if we put the country code in, the only way it worked was just to use her usual number.
[/quote]

[steph_goodrum]

We couldn't work it out Martin but we automatically put in the coountry code and it wouldnt work so out of interest we tried without (her phone is Orange pay as you go). It was about 2 years ago now so I can see if it has changed, unless it was specific to the handset used at the time which I'm not sure which it was.

[caroline]

We had weird things happen with our mobiles in April, we're with 02, sometimes I had to dial the country code and sometimes I could only get through by dialling just the number - this was mobile to mobile - also phoning back to the UK I had to just dial the number from my mobile without the country code - maybe the phone company automatically put the code in????

[steph_goodrum]

I wonder if it depends which roaming network your mobile picks up? Was yours all within the same area Caroline?

I think the only way to be sure is to try it when there but as Caroline found if it isn't constant then maybe the label needs to indicate the number with and without the country code to be on the safe side.

[GrahamC]

One of the networks does put the codes in for you, but I cannot remember which one.

[mizzy]

i can totally understand and agree with labelling your children but i would also have other plans to fall back on

in particular make sure your children and yourself have some very simple rules and a plan

i constantly remind my children that if they can't see me then i cannot see them, this is to encourage them not to wander off, i also put them in the role of looking after mummy by saying things like ooh this is a big park/ supermarket/ shop etc will you keep hold of mummys hand and look after me so i don't get lost? (a bit of reverse psychology works every time!!)

tell them that if they do get lost in one of the theme park to find a cast member and to tell them that they are lost, you can approach a cast member on the way in and point out the badge/ uniform or dress that cast members wear

it's also a good idea to photograph your children at the entrance of a park with a digital camera because if they do get lost you'll be asked what they are wearing and it's much easier to remember and useful for park security if you have a picture

disney have fantastic security with a lock down policy to stop a child leaving the park without an adult, they can operate this policy within minutes of you making it known to a cast member that your child is lost, they have cameras everywhere so a good description is always going to help (hence the photo)

i'm sure other people on here have lots of other tips for you on keeping you child safe and by your side in the theme parks but try not to worry too much and have a fantastic holiday

Mizzy