Hands-On Parking Lot Safety

When it comes to child safety, I tend to lean toward the ‘freakishly paranoid’ side of things. I was once given a tip by a friend to have children touch the car while you’re unlocking it or doing whatever you need to do before you buckle them in or take their hand to walk into a store. I (while hovering, of course) tried it once and my son kept his hand on the car while walking around the whole thing. That kid will bend the rules any way he can.

I love love LOVE his new Parking Pal Magnet. These things are some serious evidence of the brilliance of a desperate mother.

Parking Pal Magnets are brightly coloured circles with a handprint in the center that attaches magnetically to the side of your vehicle. When your child is outside your vehicle, they place their hand right on the handprint while they wait for you to buckle the younger child, load groceries, grab a cart or whatever else you need to do. Along with some education and good parenting, I can see these magnets being a great addition to every household with young children. They’re available in five bright patterns and are only $7.99 each.

Get free shipping with the code opin408.
You’ll also find this code among others in our TOP Shops!

Win it! We’re giving away four Parking Pal magnets to four winners. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us which of these five styles you’d like to have if you win. Contest closes on May 6/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

April 29th, 2008 in Giveaway!, Safety First! |

143 Responses to “ Hands-On Parking Lot Safety ”

1. # 1 Steph Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 4:25 am

   I liked the AlphaPal Magnet. What a great idea!

2. # 2 Roseann Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 5:05 am

   The AlphaPal magnet would be my choice if a winner. I like the fact my oldest can look and talk to me about the letters while buckling in the younger one. This a great idea! I never heard of this before.

3. # 3 Betty Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 6:15 am

   AlphaPal Magnet

4. # 4 Carolyn Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 6:23 am

   DynoPal Magnet Thanks.

5. # 5 Deanne S Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 6:23 am

   I love the fish pal style! Great idea!

6. # 6 Annette Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 7:12 am

   AlphaPal Magnet

7. # 7 margaret herrin Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 8:28 am

   AlphaPal magnet

8. # 8 Mary A Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 8:33 am

   I would want the PlanetPal magnet. Thanks for the giveaway.

9. # 9 Heather Says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 8:35 am

   What a great idea!! I love all of them but especially the fishpals!

10. # 10 Margaret Smith Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 9:07 am

    What a great idea…this like one of those inventions that you say to yourself, “why didn’t I think of that?” I’m always telling my kids to put their hands on the side of the car, until I’m able to get them. If we win, I’d love the FishPal Magnet. Really great idea. Thanks for this giveaway.

11. # 11 kelli Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 9:09 am

    I like the PlanetPal Magnet.

12. # 12 Vickie Couturier Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am

    I love the alphapal,these are the cutest things,an with 3 very small grandchildren I really need them,count me in please,thanks

13. # 13 Mommy Bee Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 9:51 am

    Love this! SO smart! We like the Fish one!

    Mommy Bee’s last blog post..Like Mother, Like Daughter

14. # 14 SJ Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    I would love to win the DynoPal Magnet – my son LOVES dinosours!

    SJ’s last blog post..Conversations with Isaac

15. # 15 Louise Brouillette Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

    fish pal

16. # 16 Andrea Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    I like the alphapal magnet. I think these would be really good – my son does pretty good, but sometimes he strays as I’m getting my daughter out. Love the idea.

    Andrea’s last blog post..Robeeze Weekend Collection Shoes

17. # 17 Andrea Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    I blogged about you here:

    http://mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/2008/04/hands-on-magnet.html

    Andrea’s last blog post..Robeeze Weekend Collection Shoes

18. # 18 Meredith Peters Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    I wish I wish I wish
    I could have the one with fish!

19. # 19 Leah Fleming Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    What a wonderful idea! I need this for my little boy who has a mind of his own and doesn’t always listen. One of my biggest fears is him getting away from my in a parking lot. He would like the dinosaur one the best. I will have to show these to our daycare provider as well.

20. # 20 Sara Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I liked the AlphaPal Magnet. What a great idea! I have 5 kids with another on the way… I just keep thinking… why didn’t I think of that!!

21. # 21 Rossana V Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I’m one of those mothers chasing her son around the car while trying to buckle my daughter in. This is a great idea! I like the fishpal magnet!

22. # 22 susan varney Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    fish pal

23. # 23 Tanya Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    I have 5 children and I would love one of these to use with my 2 & 4 yr olds! I would love the FishPal Magnet – my children love Nemo

24. # 24 Bree Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    I love the AlphaPal! What a great idea!

25. # 25 Vicky Boackle Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    i like alpha pal.

26. # 26 Erika Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    I love the Flower Pal Magnet! I think this is a fabulous idea and I would love to have one! So smart — thanks for introducing me to this!

    Erika’s last blog post..Born Free Drinking Cups

27. # 27 Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

    I love the flower pal magnet. Great giveaway, thanks!

    Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland’s last blog post..Huge Sample Giveaway!

28. # 28 Linda Moeller Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    PlanetPal.

29. # 29 chris h Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    like the planetpal

30. # 30 Desi Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    love the fish pal.
    why didn’t I think of this!

    Desi’s last blog post..Don’t you just hate it when…..

31. # 31 Krisinda Smith Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Dynopal

32. # 32 Jeanine Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    With two daughters I have to go with the Flower Pal one! What a great idea.

    Jeanine’s last blog post..What a long painful day

33. # 33 lisa Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    flower pal..

34. # 34 Marissa Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    I like the DynoPal and the AlphaPal magnets the best.
    Thanks for a very useful giveaway!
    Marissa

35. # 35 Patti Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    Much better than the gas door I make them touch now!! What a great idea! Love the DynoPal Magnet! Thanks!

36. # 36 Anita Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    Dinopal is the best!

37. # 37 Stephanie V Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

    AlphaPal Magnet please.

38. # 38 CAROLYN Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    DARRLLLINGGG!!!!

39. # 39 Jean Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    Terrific Idea!
    Alpha pal!

    Jean’s last blog post..3 in 24 hours

40. # 40 Sharon Jones Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 2:23 am

    I love the fishpal magnet…thanks!

41. # 41 Donna Coughlin Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:39 am

    like the DynoPal and the AlphaPal magnets

42. # 42 Kari Follett Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 4:11 am

    Alphapal – thanks!!

43. # 43 Kristie Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 4:31 am

    I like the AlphaPal magnet-cute idea!

44. # 44 Kristinia Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 am

    Definatly the Alpha Pal, my son loves his ABC’s, he’d have fun doing this and be safe at the same time

45. # 45 pam Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 am

    I like the Fishpal magnet

    pam’s last blog post..laptops

46. # 46 Susan Chester Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 5:58 am

    This is a good idea! My daughter could really use this, with a toddler and a new baby. I like all of them, but would choose the Planet Pal.

47. # 47 Michelle J Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 6:02 am

    FishPal Magnet

48. # 48 Heather McDonough Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 6:15 am

    I do love the Parking Pal. My two year-old has a tendency to take off running as soon as his feet hit pavement, so this would definitely help avoid grocery store parking lot meltdowns.

49. # 49 Leeanthro Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 6:27 am

    I would like the fishpal magnet. What a good idea. Not only for when buckling in the smaller child, but also for when you have to throw the groceries in the back.

    Leeanthro’s last blog post..I Need Ear Plugs

50. # 50 Michelle Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:09 am

    I just heard about these in the bloggy giveaway carnival from last week. I bookmarked the site in case I didn’t win, but haven’t ordered yet, now I’ve got another chance to win LOL But really, at 7.99 that’s a great price! I’d chose the alphabet one. I really need this for Kayla!

    Michelle’s last blog post..Tagged x3

51. # 51 Mommy Instincts Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:10 am

    the planet is my favorite, but i also like the dino or the alphabet…they are all cute. i really love this concept and with my son just starting to walk, this is definitely something that would make me feel a lot better. thanks for the giveaway!

    jen

    Mommy Instincts’s last blog post..Talking ’bout the Pets

52. # 52 Evelyn Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:31 am

    I like the planetpals

53. # 53 Sky Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:53 am

    I like the flower magnet. What a good idea!

    Sky’s last blog post..We Have A Winner!!

54. # 54 Carrie H. Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 8:08 am

    Great idea. I like the FishPal one!

55. # 55 Debbie Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 8:40 am

    I like fish pal!

56. # 56 James Jenkins Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 8:41 am

    fish pal

57. # 57 sarah Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:00 am

    i like the dyno pal

58. # 58 Mary Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:27 am

    I like the Fish Pal. Great product to keep the kids safe in parking lots.

59. # 59 Monique Rizzo Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:30 am

    Love the Alpha Pal Magnet!

60. # 60 tim brown Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:33 am

    THANK YOU GOD BLESS
    Flowers

61. # 61 Ginny Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    I love the flower pal version.

    Ginny’s last blog post..WFMW: Saving Money on Zoo Memberships

62. # 62 cassie Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am

    What a great idea! I think my guy would love the Dynopal. Thanks for the chance!

63. # 63 charline s Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 10:50 am

    FishPal Magnet

64. # 64 Kristi Blackstone Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 11:12 am

    AlphaPal Magnet

    !! My son would love it

65. # 65 Linda Lansford Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 11:17 am

    Dinopal is good

66. # 66 Marci Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    I started having my now 5yo dd put her hands on the car as soon as she was big enough to walk. She learned very quickly. I am now doing it with my 2yo. I like the idea of having something bright and pretty to use to reinforce the idea.

    FlowerPal Magnet for us.

67. # 67 Lisa Fosses Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    FlowerPal Magnet

68. # 68 Tara Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    flower power please!

    Tara’s last blog post..Kristin’s giveaway

69. # 69 Aimee Nemeyer Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    I love the DinoPal or AlphaPal, having 3 kids I could use extra assistance to keep them right by the car!

    Aimee Nemeyer’s last blog post..Finally!!

70. # 70 jen g. Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    FishPal for this family!

71. # 71 Melissa Reeder Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    I would like to win the FlowerPal Magnet. I really hope I win. Thanks!

72. # 72 rachel Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    This is genius! I love the flower power one!

73. # 73 Linda Grieser Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    these are really a neat idea!! Enter me please!

74. # 74 Tina Rath Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    I love the Alpha and fish ones. What a great idea to keep little ones safe.

75. # 75 Danielle S Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    PlanetPal for sure!

76. # 76 Burton Bathrick Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 7:30 pm

    great

77. # 77 Gina Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    LOVE IT!

    I’d love the Flower Power

    Gina’s last blog post..My Husband ROCKS!

78. # 78 Terra Heck Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    I’d like to win the PlanetPal magnet.

79. # 79 Megret Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 7:54 am

    Definitely the AlphaPal magnet. Thanks!

    Megret’s last blog post..G and vacuum cleaners.

80. # 80 hd Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 8:51 am

    I like the Fish Pal. What a great freakin’ idea!!

    hd’s last blog post..Head case

81. # 81 Christy H. Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 10:29 am

    How clever and creative! I like the FlowerPal Magnet.

82. # 82 Audrey Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Fish pal please

83. # 83 Catherine copeland Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm

    i love alpha apl and dyno pal. so great.

84. # 84 Audrey Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    coooool contest!

85. # 85 Kirsten Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 5:34 pm

    I like them all but the fish pal just a wee bit more.

86. # 86 Kathy Scott Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    My boys would love the dynopal.

87. # 87 Julie Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    The Alphapal. But I think I need a set of 3 to keep them all in place

    Julie’s last blog post..Trip Part 4: Food and Fitness

88. # 88 william causey Says:
    May 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am

    what a great idea. the fish pal

89. # 89 jan koontz Says:
    May 2nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    dynopal

90. # 90 Christina R Says:
    May 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    I would need 2 flowers and a dinosuar pattern for this house!!!

    Christina R’s last blog post..The new way to enjoy blogging: Social Spark

91. # 91 Kathy Conley Says:
    May 2nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    The fishpal is my favorite

92. # 92 michelle rosborough Says:
    May 3rd, 2008 at 7:58 am

    I like the colors of the Flowerpal one.

93. # 93 Holly Says:
    May 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 am

    My first choice would be the alphapals because the children can talk about the ltrs. with Mom while standing there waiting. I think it would be really awesome to have one or more designs with basic colors/shapes, common objects… things that lend themselves to good talk time.

94. # 94 Heidi Says:
    May 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm

    Fish pal is the one we like. What a novel invention to put yet another parental worry to rest!

95. # 95 JenO Says:
    May 3rd, 2008 at 9:31 pm

    I love the flowerpal, totally cute and what a great idea!

96. # 96 Linda Ellis Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 7:29 am

    Flower pal & fish pal

97. # 97 Anthony Hedden Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 7:53 am

    AlphaPal Magnet

98. # 98 Carla A Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    AlphaPal magnet

99. # 99 Suzanne Bastien Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    I would love the alphabet one. I can keep my toddler distracted while I’m getting the baby out of the car.

    That way I can hear what she is doing and make sure she’s paying attention to her hand thing, and NOT getting distracted by a passing bird, or a dog.

    I love these and I want one sooo much!

    Suzanne Bastien’s last blog post..This week

100. # 100 Elizabeth M. Says:
     May 4th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

     I like the FishPal magnet. Why can’t I ever come up with an idea that’s so simple yet so brilliant? I just love this!

101. # 101 Sylvia Belle Says:
     May 4th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

     Alpha pal magnet

102. # 102 Ilissa H. Says:
     May 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm

     My favorite style is the FishPal Magnet. Great for girls and boys!

103. # 103 M.A. Says:
     May 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

     The Fish Pal—-and these are soooooo clever, thanks!

104. # 104 Laci Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 6:07 am

     I’d love the Fish Pal Magnet

105. # 105 Dawn Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 8:18 am

     I love these! Such an awesome idea- I love the fish.
     And, I actually reviewed these on my review blog back in January. Here’s my review- http://pinkwithsparkles.com/2008/01/11/hold-it-right-there/

     Dawn’s last blog post..Giveaway! Bediboo Boutique!

106. # 106 Roxanne Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am

     the alphapal magnet

107. # 107 vicky Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am

     the fish pal magnet it is so darn cute

108. # 108 Barbara Fox Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am

     Great idea. I prefer the flowers.

109. # 109 Natalia Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

     I like it! My fridge is waiting the best magnet – the Fish Pal Magnet…

110. # 110 monique saulsbery Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

     what a brilliant idea! I like the fish.

111. # 111 Ed Nemmers Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

     PlanetPal Magnet

112. # 112 Carol Drury Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

     would love to win this and thanks for offering the contest!!! Love the fish one!

113. # 113 Susan White Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

     I like the FlowerPal Magnet.
     Thank so much!

114. # 114 Kristyn Martin Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 7:00 pm

     I would love to have the FishPal Magnet. What a wonderful idea!

115. # 115 Sherri Siler Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 7:12 pm

     i like the fishpal.

116. # 116 Barbara McNaney Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

     in love the fish!!

117. # 117 Melanie Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

     I like the flower pal magnet for my 5 little girls.

118. # 118 Lara Aleff Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

     I love the FlowerPal Magnet! Thanks so much for the contest!

119. # 119 Frances Watson Says:
     May 5th, 2008 at 10:08 pm

     dino pal

120. # 120 Bobbye F Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 4:41 am

     The PlanetPal magnet is the one I would choose!

121. # 121 kathy pease Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 5:43 am

     FISHPAL

122. # 122 Carissa D. Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:14 am

     I like the fish pal magnet.

123. # 123 Alexia Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:33 am

     I would love to win the FishPal Magnet, my son loves fish and would for sure keep his hand on that in the parking lot (what a great idea!)

     Alexia’s last blog post..My Ubby

124. # 124 Amber S. Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am

     I like the DynoPal magnet!

125. # 125 Jill Williams Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 7:11 am

     flower pal so cute such a great idea

126. # 126 Brooke Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 7:29 am

     I like the AlphaPal Magnet. Terrific product.

127. # 127 Jacqueline Carpenter Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 7:52 am

     Wonderful idea.Please enter me.Thanks.

128. # 128 ESTELA S Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am

     The Fish Pal one is my favorite! This is such a wonderful idea, especially for all of us “paranoid parents” out there!!

129. # 129 Grace Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 9:14 am

     PlanetPal Magnet

130. # 130 Marie Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am

     I love the FishPal style…how cute and clever!

131. # 131 Susanne Troop Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 10:39 am

     FlowerPal Magnet

132. # 132 Allison D. Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 11:18 am

     I love this idea! My favorite is the FlowerPal. This would be perfect for my 3-year-old daughter!

133. # 133 Tiffany Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 11:28 am

     Anything that will help to keep my daughter close to me while she’s in the middle of her “parade queen” wave would be a blessing!!

134. # 134 Timothy Sternberg Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

     I liked the AlphaPal Magnet.

135. # 135 sarah woods Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 5:02 pm

     The Fish Pal makes the perfect grade. Best of luck to all who enter and Happy Mother’s Day to ALL!!!! many Thanks SW

136. # 136 Donna Kozar Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

     I like the AlphaPal magnet.

137. # 137 * * ALiesa * * Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:25 pm

     * * * * * * FishPal * * * * * *

138. # 138 Helen Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

     FishPal Please

139. # 139 ~ .:: MiC ::. ~ Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

     * * * * FishPal Please * * * *

140. # 140 Heather C Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

     I’m trying to get this one for my sister, since she has her hands full with a few more than myself. The DynoPal Magnet would do the trick, I think.
     Thanks so much!

141. # 141 Donna C Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

     what a great idea!~ i like the fishies!

142. # 142 Rosanne Morrison Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 8:12 pm

     I wondered what this was. I used to have my kids stand by the circle which was the gas port until I locked the car. They knew not to leave that sopt until I said so

143. # 143 Lily Kwan Says:
     May 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

     I love the FishPal style!