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Being too Trusting on Safety
I'm severely confused on how some parents take their child's safety for granted. The other day I was at the park and had struck up a conversation with a fellow mom, whom I had never met before. She said she was going to go into the recreation center and said nothing else. Leaving her child unattended at the park for almost fifteen minutes. Of course, I kept an eye on her child. Though she didn't ask me to do it, I felt obligated to make sure he stayed safe. But, she didn't know me from anyone. The next day, I happened by one of the elementary schools getting out at noon from summer school. Child after child after child walking home alone. They weren't even pairing up; every child fending for themselves. I understand that many parents are at work when their kids get out of school, but there has to be a better way than letting them walk home alone. My mother taught me to trust no one and she never let us do much without her eye constantly on us. A bit overprotective, so I used to think when I was growing up. Yet, she did manage to raise four children without even one of them getting lost, hurt, or innappropriately approached. As a mother now myself, I'm thankful for the example. My children won't be walking home by themselves, nor left to play on a playground while I disappear inside. The way I see it, I only get one chance. If I mess up and take my children's safety for granted, even once, it could mean the end of my child.
3 comments from 3 users
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posted by
bushelandapeck
on Jun 20, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Somewhat related to the topic- I always keep an eye on my kidddo, too. I often wonder how many people think I don't want to make eye contact with them when we're engaged in conversation. I often say, "I really am listening to you. I just need to watch the kiddo." I know at her age, it only takes a second for something to happen. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a group of stay at home parents who could organize walking the children home whose parents are unavailable to do so? I know that could take maybe an hour of a person's time, but it might be worth it. If the kiddo ever has a friend in that sitiuation (must walk home without parent), I think I'll offer to take the kid home with us, and then the parent can pick the kid up after work, or I'll at least give the kid a ride home ( that is, after arranging this with parents!). posted by
Christina
on Jun 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I agree 100%! Were you talking about Greenacres Park? I see parents leave their kids on the playground all the time. To me, that's just an injury/accident/kidnapping/assault waiting to happen! As far as walking home, I get SHOCKED by how young some of these kids are that are completely ALONE on busy streets... it just baffles me. posted by
Sheeky
on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:52 PM
thats really dumb of parents. We have a pool at our apt complex, and it seems like other parents will just assume if they need to leave for a few minutes, that I will watch their kids. Either that, or they just don't care. Yesterday I was out there with Z-Rock, (who I don't stay further than 3 feet away from even with floaties on) and a mom with 3 kids in the pool, just up and left. The youngest kid, probably about 4, was on the pool steps, and fighting with slightly older sister. The lady left for only about 5 minutes, but she wasn't just away, I think she had actually gone back to her apt for something. She did this twice. She didn't say a word to me, but I don't know whats worse: leaving her kids in a pool alone, or with a stranger. Stupid either way.
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