families on holiday

It still shocks me how some parents on holiday let their young children roam about the complex or the beach, a good bit away from them. I've seen evidence of it a few times over the last two weeks. After the Madeleine McCann terrible tragedy I'm gobsmacked that they are not more vigilant. Things can happen in the blink of an eye.

Re: families on holiday

I don't know why it shocks you. Seems to me many parents take more care of their car than their kids.

Re: families on holiday

Yes, some people are more interested in material things.

I'm not a perfect mother, but if I had young children nowadays I wouldn't take my eyes off them outside the hotel room.

Re: families on holiday

Absolutely right Alice - especially today, you cant let them out of your sight ......

Re: families on holiday

I'm far from perfect but I wouldn't let any child I was taking care of roam around, these are exactly the kind of places I imagine a paedophile, or similar, would frequent. makes my blood run cold just thinking of it.

Re: families on holiday

I'm shocked at the way parents allow toddlers to trot about on their own on pavements. I've seen a few narrow squeaks lately when cars are whizzing past within inches of children. They've only to stumble or lose their balance at the wrong moment and they'd be under the wheels of the vehicle. Doesn't anyone use reins these days? Or at least hold the hands of tots.

Re: families on holiday

Well having recently become a parent again, I can only say it is easy to say these things but we can't live in fear and treat her like a prisoner, as kids we wandered and we have to let children still have some freedom. This weekend we will be going to the park, I will be walking the dogs and she will want to use the child's play area, can't take the dogs in there so will ask one of the mums or dads to keep an eye on her for me. Pick her up on the way back through.

I don't think I am a terrible parent just one who has to teach her a little about being independent and looking after herself, like I did with the other kids and like I was taught myself.

Re: families on holiday

Well done Julie. You're absolutely right, you can't treat them like prisoners or constantly wrap them in cotton wool.

Come on Alice, just how many children are injured or abused as soon as they're out of their parents sight? Very very very few I'll bet. Children have to learn a bit of independance and parents have to learn not to become so controlling.

I'm shocked too - shocked at the paranoia in some of these responses.

Re: families on holiday

Having raised 2 perfectly well adjusted children to adulthood I think I got the balance right, however I still keep little grandson close when out - I simply cannot get little James Bulgers murder out of my mind.
It only takes a minute, I don't think it's paranoia at all. He plays in the park and enjoys it but I or another adult are never far away.