'Tough' toddler found alive after 2 days in woods

[Peikko 1,575]

When I was 6 I got left at a convenience store/laundry mat. I was asleep in the van and Mom and my 3 brother went inside. I woke up and went inside looking for them just as they were leaving. I came outside and the van was gone. I sat on the steps and cried. Some Hispanic guy wanted to take me home which was even more upsetting. I just waited and then the van came back and everyone was happy to see me. Mom thought I was in the van asleep the whole time until she asked everyone what they wanted for ice cream and realized I wasn't there. Moral of the story I think when you have more kids and responsibilities going on that it's harder to keep track of them all. I think it's understandable that a child might slip out of your sight. I've known parents who were shattered when their youngest slipped out of there sight and into the back yard where he drowned in the pool. Not only were there parents there but also older siblings able to watch him but mistakes still happen. He was lucky and I am glad they found the boy.

Things can happen to even the best parents. It's less likely of course, but this idea that it is possible to be in control 100% of the time is fanciful.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

When I was 6 I got left at a convenience store/laundry mat. I was asleep in the van and Mom and my 3 brother went inside. I woke up and went inside looking for them just as they were leaving. I came outside and the van was gone. I sat on the steps and cried. Some Hispanic guy wanted to take me home which was even more upsetting. I just waited and then the van came back and everyone was happy to see me. Mom thought I was in the van asleep the whole time until she asked everyone what they wanted for ice cream and realized I wasn't there. Moral of the story I think when you have more kids and responsibilities going on that it's harder to keep track of them all. I think it's understandable that a child might slip out of your sight. I've known parents who were shattered when their youngest slipped out of there sight and into the back yard where he drowned in the pool. Not only were there parents there but also older siblings able to watch him but mistakes still happen. He was lucky and I am glad they found the boy.

Things can happen to even the best parents. It's less likely of course, but this idea that it is possible to be in control 100% of the time is fanciful.

Yep...that's why we are our brother's and sister's keeper. It takes a village to raise a child.

[jundp 191]

Of course it's possible for things to happen. No matter how good a parent you are or how much you love your children or how responsible, etc., mistakes do happen. But at the same time we can't live our lives in fear with the child on a leash 24/7 or we spread that paranoia to them.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Of course it's possible for things to happen. No matter how good a parent you are or how much you love your children or how responsible, etc., mistakes do happen. But at the same time we can't live our lives in fear with the child on a leash 24/7 or we spread that paranoia to them.

I agree. The prevailing notion nowadays is to immediately question whether the parents were being neglectful. Even the way the original story was written - father was sleeping and mother on the phone...implies that. It's a shame, really.

Edited May 7, 2009 by Col. 'Bat' Guano

[Marilyn. 340]

kids can be sneaky and quick..