How do you react when you see a child alone and in danger?

1. 72

   Ciel Clarkposted 13 years ago

   How do you react when you see a child alone and in danger?
   
   Recently I stopped a toddler from running into traffic.  He was barely talking or walking, couldn't find his mother, and was and crying.  I had to pick him up to get him to safety and then carry him around until we found the mother.  The sad part was --I felt uncomfortable doing this normal thing!  Kids are taught not to trust strangers, and adults are taught to leave children alone--  But what about when it is okay?

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2. 73

   Cre8torposted 13 years ago

   I understand your uncomfortability with the situation and think you did the right thing. In today's world, having any conversation or contact with a "strange" child must be done with great care. Having coached little league for some years now I've had times where a child was hurt (mild) and I had to tend to them, did something good and in excitement gives me a hug, even say I love you with mom and dad standing right there....awkward. Anyhow...
   
   ...I think the big thing is to react calmly. The child may already be shaken up and needs "brought down". I would avoid contact unless absolutely necessary and stay put until someone came back or authorities are contacted and arrive. In this way, you can help without puting yourself on trial for being there to help.

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   1. 72

      Ciel Clarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am usually calm in an emergency-type situation (and react later).  Good comment.  I taught preschool for a long time and I remember there was the three-second hug rule.  Of course it is necessary, but sad too

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3. 61

   Frenchtoast78posted 13 years ago

   What you did was right. Despite of that notion that children should stay away from strangers, we can't just leave a child alone who's in danger. If i were the parent i would be forever grateful of what you did. And i think it's one of those situation where the rules that we believe don't apply.

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4. 94

   peeplesposted 13 years ago

   What you did was right for that situation. I can't stand seeing small children left unsupervised. I don't understand how you lose a small child. That being said one person's opinion of danger is another person's normal and sometimes rightfully so. I had someone call the cops to my house last year because my 7 year old was playing outside in our yard unsupervised. I do not hover over my children. He knows the rules and follows them and the lady who called the cops just couldn't understand how a 7 yr old would be allowed to play outside alone. She actually waited at the end of the road (2 houses down) for the cop to get to my house and was furious when the cop told her I was doing nothing wrong. So for a child that is in true danger people should protect them, but for people who think children are in danger if they play alone before 15, those should mind their own business and seek therapy!

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      Moon Daisyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I get how that would be annoying, especially as you know your child and you know that he knows your rules. We have similar rules, and neighbours often peek in to check I'm aware she's outside, (not realising that I am watching through the window!)

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   2. 72

      Ciel Clarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Years ago on a road trip my older son wandered away in a big (empty) store. When I found him, he was peacefully reading, and said, "I heard you calling, but I knew you'd find me."  Now when we travel he wears a tag with our phone number.

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5. 74

   Moon Daisyposted 13 years ago

   Of course you did the right thing.  In this situation there is no question about it because if you had done nothing then the child would probably have died or been seriously injured.  I hope that the child's mother was grateful - I can't imagine anybody not being very grateful in that situation.
   
   I agree that in other, less urgent situations it can be difficult and may feel awkward to have contact with a child.  But in my opinion if a young child is alone and it is clear that they are separated from their parent then somebody has to intervene.  The wellbeing of the child has to always be put first.

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6. 70

   Julie Fletcherposted 13 years ago

   It is okay to feel uncomfortable, but you did the right thing. I have small children and my ten year old has autism. Sometimes, even when you are watching them like a hawk, there are instants when you are distracted. Kids are fast!
   
   I would have fell all over myself thanking you and you probably would have seen a very stressed out mom running all over the place looking for her child if that had been my child.
   
   I'm glad there are people like you out there willing to rescue a child.

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7. 35

   edhanposted 13 years ago

   I see what you mean as if when stranger picks up a child, it will be seen as bad. But when situation requires to do so, it must be done.
   
   For me, I would arouse attention before doing so, This way, people will know that I am not having any ill intention of helping a child. This will avoid unnecessary issue.

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8. 60

   Paige Ronchettiposted 13 years ago

   I think I would feel uncomfortable too, just because so much emphasis is placed on "stranger danger" that I wouldn't want somebody to think I was doing anything wrong. But you absolutely did the right thing. That poor kid. What the heck was his mother doing that was so important?

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   DeanSextonposted 13 years ago

   I'd help the child, or at least try to find some kind of authority figure. We live in a crazy world where parents kill their children and give them as collateral for drug money. It's good to know that there are still heroes in the world, you did the right thing.
   
   It's society that makes you feel uncomfortable, they see any person of age as a harm to a child, sadly even their parents. I have a seven year old step-son and people look at me strange when he hugs him in public. I think there's a lot of forced paranoia that has been bred throughout the last twenty odd years. I think it's important to protect the rights of a child, but that it's ridiculous to judge every adult as a stranger and possible threat, it's a negative outlook that breeds negative attention.

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10. 0

    JThomp42posted 13 years ago

    I would do the exact same thing. Children are so helpless. They are precious, and priceless. Some people don't deserve the blessing of having a child. I think it is always okay to help a child who is in danger. That child's life is far more important than it's parent's ego or reputation.

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11. 77

    bernard.sinaiposted 13 years ago

    I react quite angrily. I don't understand how a parent or guardian can leave a child unsupervised.

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