It’s the kind of invention we used to joke about – a tracker to know where the kids are at all times.

But now that convenient and colorful Amber Alert GPS child-tracking devices are a reality, I don’t know how I feel: Do I want to put them on the Grandkids as a safety measure? Or will I continue to try to believe my small world is a place where it’s not needed?

I was dreading the day that the world reality would force us into this corner.

“I never want to endure losing a child again”

It’s bittersweet praise: Amber Alert GPS is the premier child tracking technology in the world. It’s kid-friendly, in different colors, and with fun accessories. And, priced similarly to cell phones which we've also taken to giving to kids: Devices range from $129 to $199, and monthly subscription plans from $9.99 to $39.99. Good strategy, making kids and those who care for them comfortable with increased security.  Click here to Browse & Buy Amber Alert Children's GPS Systems - and see an excellent live demo of how they work.

So why am I sad?

Longing for the good old days

We used to put nametags in our kids’ coats, with hope that the coat would make it home with the child. Now we worry for return of the child?

Safety in today’s world is a creepy topic. When I was little, toy advertising on cereal boxes tortured our parents: I just HAD to have 100 box tops to get those 1000 dolls! Then in the eighties, those morning messages turned into pictures of missing children on milk cartons.

That new reality was championed by the grassroots activism of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Now the NCMEC bravely leads the battle with digital efforts like screensavers of missing kids and an Amber Alerts mobile application to expedite new cases. And now we add to the child security toolbox the Amber Alert 2G GPS system.

Why worry?

I wish I could change the frightening statistics – it’s painful to share, even here — that 800,000 children are reported missing in the US each year – 2,000 a day. And at least 100,000 of the 620,000 registered sex offenders in the US are noncompliant and missing. No one knows where they are. [NCMEC]

What is our Grand-Responsibility?

Good question. I am an optimistic person, and dedicated to living each day with joy. So I’m not inclined to over-protect, or introduce paranoiac panic into the comings and goings of the Grandkids when they are in my care. But, like Russ Thornton and everyone I suppose, I have my share of “OMG – I lost a child” still-horrifying moments. We all know that even 30 seconds can age us 30 years when it happens. And thankfully, all my stories have happy endings.

So I can sympathize with my kids-now-the-parents, when they turn over their precious treasures to me. I sense the question behind their eyes “Will this be ok?" and I’m not offended. I’m honored to partner with them in the primary responsibility of child safety, and humble enough to share their concerns.   Now in addition to helmets and car seats, child safety caps and medical alert bracelets, we may be adding little Amber Alert GPS pouches.

But how far is too far? I am clueless. What I do know is that this is an area of parenting that has changed so much, that I am relieved to let my kids-now-the-parents lead the way. And if they want me to use safety measures such as Amber Alert GPS– I’ll comply with a smile, and with my best G!Parenting spirit, try to turn fear into fun.

I will also think more about being grateful for the NCMEC and those like them who are fighting the tough battles to make the world a safer place for kids. Click here to find out more about NCMEC issues, and to find out a bit about how to support their efforts individually or at the corporate level.

A Little Light Beats A Lot of Darkness

I’ll also try to do more spark-lighting for the goodness of life, in my grandchildren’s eyes and in every dark corner I can reach.

Just as one candle lights up a mass of darkness far out of proportion to its size, I still believe it’s the smiles and small acts of kindness we do which have wonderfully disproportionate effects, as antidotes to the dark side of life.

And along with that, click here to check out Amber Alert GPS for kids, and form your own opinions. I would love to hear your thoughts and your kids' opinions about this nifty device.

Wishing us all courage
to keep making the world a better place,

Ronda Kay...

p.s. To end on a bright note, for those who are Peter, Paul, and Mary Groupies like me, or who would enjoy a dose of their spirit-raising, foot-stomping inspiration to ‘make a difference’ here's a link to their 1988 live performance with and dedicated to all children of Peter’s song “Light One Candle”!

I would love to speak to those children today who sang with them then, to hear the impact of that experience...

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