Apple Airtags

Okay, so yes—I’m mostly obsessed with my kids. Usually. Well… let’s just say I adore them deeply when they’re not acting like pre-teen and teenage tornadoes (said with love, of course). But as much as I joke, I’ve slowly come to terms with this new phase of parenting—the one where they want more independence. Whether it’s going to the park with friends, walking to school, or just roaming the mall like they own the place, it all kind of snuck up on me. One minute, my oldest was a baby in a stroller, and the next she’s making afterschool plans and walking out the door (after asking for permission, thankfully). My younger one isn’t far behind either.

Now, I know “obsessed” probably isn’t the healthiest way to describe how often I check their locations—but let’s just say the Find My app gets a lot of action. If I’m out, I check to make sure they’re home. If they’re on a field trip, I track their arrival and countdown their return. If my daughter walks to a friend’s game, I need to know she got there safely. It’s not that I don’t trust them—I just need to know they’re okay so my brain doesn’t spiral. I’m working on it… sort of.

Thankfully, both girls have iPhones and Apple Watches (shoutout to Grandma), so I can keep tabs when needed. But back when they were younger, I had nothing—no apps, no location sharing, no easy way to check in. Would it have eased my anxiety or fueled it more? Honestly, I’m still not sure. But today, parents have another helpful tool: Apple AirTags. With just a few inexpensive accessories, you can keep track of your child’s location without giving them a phone. Here’s how it works:

AirTags are most commonly praised for keeping track of luggage while traveling—but they’re also a smart, simple way to add peace of mind when it comes to keeping tabs on your kids. Whether you're at a crowded amusement park, the mall, a festival, or even just letting your child walk home from school, slipping an AirTag into a backpack or attaching it to a wristband or shoelace can be a quiet safety net. It’s not about hovering—it's about safety and/or giving kids a little independence while keeping a virtual eye on their whereabouts.

For parents of younger kids or tweens who are starting to do more on their own, AirTags offer real-time location tracking through your iPhone’s Find My app—without the need for them to carry a phone or smartwatch. They’re small, discreet, and can be tucked into almost anything, from pockets to keychains to shoe insoles. Plus, with the ability to trigger a sound on the AirTag if you’re nearby or get directions to their last known location, it makes those “just in case” moments way less stressful. It’s a tech-savvy, low-cost solution for helping parents feel confident and kids feel free—without sacrificing safety.