Tips for Sending your Child to the Game Alone

So, it’s finally happened, your child has reached that tender age where they want to head out to the game by themselves. You knew this day would come, and you’ve probably been preparing for your entire life. Or maybe you haven’t. No matter what, you probably have all kinds of questions and concerns, for example, is it safe? Is this a good idea? Okay, there are probably all kinds of thoughts running through your head right now, so we’re going to give you a quick guide to letting your child head out to the game alone. Unfortunately, these aren’t the ‘good old days’, so a few things have changed.

Pack them a Lunch

To save money on stadium food, make sure you pack your child a lunch, either a sandwich or a hot lunch in a Tupperware container. Remember – when you send them with a lunch, you need to make sure that you’re packing it in a transparent bag. Most stadiums require a see-through container due to security concerns, so purchase one, or pull one out of the closet at your earliest convenience.

Address your Personal Security Concerns

One of the biggest concerns that you are going to have when sending your child off to the game is their personal security. They’ll be out of your sight, they’ll be in a crowd of people, and you’re going to be worried. It’s only natural. Try the following to alleviate your concerns.

Talk about Safety

There are many aspects to safety that even an adult has to follow, but children are much more vulnerable. Speak to your child about people, or, more specifically, who they should and should not talk to. Police officers and stadium employees are fine, but other people are right out. In addition to that, you will want to make sure that they are equipped with a cell phone so that they can call you, or the police at any time. The general consensus among parents is that children should only have access to a basic cell phone, but if you provide them with a smartphone, you will be able to activate GPS tracking and easily determine their location.

Make them Recognizable

Know what they’re wearing, and if possible, make sure that they are wearing something that distinguishes them from others at the park or stadium. Also, remember to make sure that their name is not anywhere on their outfit or bag, as a passing stranger could use it to seem familiar with them.

Set Curfews

Time passes really quickly when you’re out enjoying the ball game, and you need to make sure that your child is home on time, particularly right after the ball game. It might seem unreasonable to them, but you do need to make sure that they’re home in time to go to bed, and ready for school the next day.

Yes, you can send your child to the ball game alone, but there are definitely considerations that you need to follow. See our above list and make sure your child is ready to see the big game!

TAGS: LIFESTYLE, SENDING YOUR CHILD TO THE GAME ALONE, SPORT