Dec 10 2008
Why Do People Leave Young Children Home Alone?
It is not with pleasure that I write this post, but with somewhat of a warning… a reminder…
Yes, you guessed it. There was another tragedy reported in the news. Two 18-month-old baby girls were asleep on the couch in Northeast Houston, when their mom thought that was a great time to turn on two gas stove burners and leave them there sleeping. That’s right. The neighbor called 9-1-1 around 12:30 am, but it was too late. The fire had already engulfed the couch the babies were sleeping on. For the full story, click here .
Since IQ, common sense, or mental agility are not requirements for becoming a parent, we constantly hear of tragedies involving young children. During the summer, people forget and leave babies in hot vehicles or unsupervised children run off to the nearest pool, jump in, and can’t swim. Apparently, during the winter months, we have to be cautious of home fires.
Accidents happen. I realize this. We can’t watch after our children every minute of every day. God forbid something like this ever happens to me.
On the other hand, some may argue these are examples of things that are within parental control. Where should we draw the line between accidents and things that we make a conscious and intentional decision to do (abuse) or not do (neglect) in caring for our children?
The really awesome part about it, is the mother was questioned and released with no charges. Was this an accident? Was this neglect? Was it abuse? Child endangerment? Or even criminal homicide… two counts?
Another part I found interesting is that the mother was outside screaming that her babies were trapped inside at the time firefighters arrived. I wonder how many parents would have killed themselves to at least try and save the lives of their babies. Interesting.
So–since all you have to have is a viable uterus to give birth, let’s rehash some safety tips for parents and parents-to-be to avoid an incident like this one in the future:
1. Never leave your young children home alone. Not very many states have passed laws on a legal age minimum. BUT, the child must be able to care for him or herself and know how to respond in case of an emergency. The maturity of the child and the particular situation should be taken into account. The magic age is typically 8 years old or older for short periods of time (like latchkey kids waiting for parents to get home from work) and 12 years old as the most common recommendation. Therefore, an infant around, say… 18 months old…is too doggone young! Check with your state laws to see if there are legal age requirements.
2. Never leave a stove on if someone is not there to monitor it. Check and re-check to make sure your stove is off before you leave your home.
3. If there is something you absolutely must do outside the home and you would rather not take your child with you, leave your child with a responsible adult to watch or call that adult over to watch your child. It does not matter how long you plan to be gone…5 minutes…10 minutes…10 hours. Something may happen to you while you are out that may delay your return.
4. If you cannot find anyone to watch your child, tough. Whatever it is will have to wait. Review #1. Remember, there is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of the children you have been blessed with the responsibility of taking care of.
5. Don’t want to be a snitch? Want the blood of someone’s children on your hands if you could have helped to prevent a tragedy? Report anyone you know of who leaves their children in harms way.
The featured picture is of the sweet Wilson twins, that are tucked away nice and safe at home with one of my best friends. Thanks for giving me permission to use this photo, Tasha.
Most recent news report update: the mother left the stove burners on to keep the children warm in her absence. How thoughtful.
Melody, I think we’re on the same page with this one.
Windmill, thanks for the tag. I have a few more posts waiting to be published and then I will post your tag along with the award. Thanks again for thinking of me.
Nicole, I’m paranoid too. I tell myself, “It’s better to be safe than sorry”.
Melissa, sounds like you have a lot of experience in doing what it takes to keep your children safe.
Anne, I understand where you’re coming from, but relax. It seems like your children fall within the commonly acceptable age/ maturity range to be left alone for short periods of time, as mentioned in my post under #1.
Susan, I don’t know what the heck an Omega-3 video has to do with this post. I considered deleting your comment, but decided to leave this reply to you instead. I don’t mind people promoting their businesses or agendas in the comments on my blog AS LONG AS IT RELATES TO THE TOPIC. Please consider this in the future. Others may report such activity as spam.
Thanks for all the comments folks and come again!
Davida
Wow. I often think nothing shocks me anymore, but that doesn’t mean it can’t break my heart at the same time.
What bothers me is that parents who have done something minor, like a case that happened here last Christmas where a woman pulled up to the curb at a department store, jumped out locking her young kids in to put money in a salvation army kettle and then jump back in was charged with child endangerment (it was dropped after many months), yet there are other cases of physical abuse and children are repeatedly given back to those parents until one day that child is beaten to death. One such case a few years ago, the women ended up beating her little boy and then throwing him down a flight of stairs killing him. He was 3. he had been removed and returned to her custody many times.
My mom was a single parent from the time I was 4. She never left us alone except for, as you pointed out, when we were older and were latchkey kids. We had very close neighbors who were home though, so we were always monitored in some way.
It also adds to the question of how old is too young to be a babysitter? I know people have 12 year olds watch their kids. I don’t know how comfortable I would be with that.
~Kelly
http://30somethingandsearching.today.com