You can purchase glow in the dark necklaces for a pound or two at many night-time events; there is always someone with a bucket of the things charging an arm and a leg for something that they purchased for a few pence off the internet. If you want to pick up a few yourself, you should be able to find a site that sells them for around 30p a time. That’s not a bad sum for two feet of glowing plastic tubing, especially if it’s the price of some peace of mind as you try to keep an eye on your child after dark. Glow necklaces are a brilliant addition to your arsenal of tracking equipment. Perhaps one of the best features about them is that children love them. There’s something strangely appealing about a device that will glow in the dark all by itself when you simply snap it and give it a shake. Batteries aren’t necessary and they will continue to glow for 8 to 12 hours (depending on colour and other variables like temperature – they will last longer in the cold because low temperatures slow down the chemical reaction that powers them, although this will make them less bright in the process).

If you’re worried about how you’re going to keep track of your young child in a crowd, then glow in the dark necklaces make a helpful contribution to the problem. Assuming you get separated from them in the first place, it shouldn’t take long to pick out the glowing ring that marks where they have got to. Neither do you need to be too worried that they will have taken their glow stick necklace off – they will probably be harder to separate from the new toy than you expect. Of course, in any large gathering there will be plenty of people wearing them, as well as other glowing items like bracelets, wands, fairy wings, headgear and other bits and pieces. However, customising their appearance with a glow in the dark necklace – perhaps putting one around their neck and winding another around an arm or waist – should keep them distinctive. Different colours are available, which should help. You can even buy multicolour ones. While you’re at it, it’s probably a good idea to wear one yourself, since your child might also end up looking for you.

Even if you’re at your own home, or over at a friend’s place to enjoy a summer evening in the garden, glow in the dark necklaces can be handy. One on each child, and even the family pet as a new collar, will allow you at a glance to check that no one is getting up to mischief and everyone is safe. Whether it’s a barbecue or garden party, the less time you have to spend worrying where all of your kids are the more time you have to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and some good food. That’s worth spending a couple of pounds for if your R&R time is at a premium; often, nights out can be more stressful than nights in.

Glow in the dark necklaces – and their derivatives, such as bracelets, wands, wings and even body paints – are usually marketed for their entertainment value. But at the same time, don’t overlook the safety and peace of mind that glow necklaces can give you. Even if it’s a walk home from school or an evening spent in your own garden, they are cheap enough to stick one on each child and instantly be able to spot them before they stray too far – thereby making your life less stressful too.