I am terrified that one of my children will be abducted. I feer it every waking hour and do not sleep well at night. I put chairs under the doors as well as lock them. Does any other parent fear as much as I do, considering school bus stop abductions and shooting etc.
2007-03-16 19:06:41 · 17 answers · asked by Tammy M 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Part of your job as a parent is to keep your children safe. If the headlines were about lovely things happining in the world, your fears would be unfounded. Rarely, but all too often nevertheless, we do hear of children being abducted from their homes. If you want to know about real stories in your locality then you may contact your local chapter of :
http://www.parentsofmurderedchildren.org
You can train your children to be vigilant and you can teach them to be wary of even people that are known to them (not only strangers) however, you may transfer an obsessive fear to them. You should be realistic in your concern and what you do to control the problem.
Perhaps if you install an alarm system in your house it would be more effective than the chair under the door. By the same token, can the children escape if the house is on fire? Some people make their children's rooms so secure from break-ins that it is difficult to get out. There must be a reasonable balance. You can be involved in your neighborhood watch program and other community programs to make your neighborhood safer.
Doing something about the threat is good.
Just worrying about what might happen is not good. Do you see the difference?
2007-03-19 06:47:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I often fear this as well. The best way to get rid of the fear is to face it head on. Educate yourself and your children about what to do in this situation. Research on the internet. Empower your child so that if anything does happen they will have the resources to do something. Then let go of the fear because it won't change what whether or not it will happen, it will only ruin things as though something has already happened. Let go of it and enjoy your children everyday. If you stop and worry about everything that could happen you will be paralized. Take control and confidently know that you have the power and have done everthing you can to prevent it. Cellphones for you child, their name, address and phone number hidden in the lining of their shoes, fingerprint them at birth, teach them to fight back, and that no matter what happens you will never stop looking for them. I hope this helps and its normal to feel the way you do.
2007-03-16 21:42:34 · answer #2 · answered by lucky1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can say that I get up several times in the middle of the night to check on them, I hate having them out of sight for a few minutes, and lots of other more paranoid things-but I have anxiety issues, which you may have. With all the news about the abduction and murder of that poor little boy in Fla, and Jessica Lunsford's killers' trial, it's hard to feel confident in the safety of your own home anymore. If you live near one of the areas where that happened, it may be harder. If you can afford it, get an alarm system. If you can't, there are these mini-alarms you can attach to doors and windows-if you open them they make a really loud ringing noise. And if your fears are bad enough to interrupt daily life, you may want to talk to someone.
2007-03-16 19:15:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definately - especially since the spate of child abductions and murders here in SA lately. It has gotten so bad here that I am afraid to let my children play outside in the garden!!! You just don't know who you can trust these days and I often wonder whether I have done my children an injustice by bringing them into this sick and depraved world. I mean children are being abducted by people they know and trust so all I can say as a parent of two is that we need to be extra vigilant where our children are concerned and if your gut tells you something is wrong - LISTEN!!!!! But your are definately not alone in your fears and concerns
2007-03-16 21:12:15 · answer #4 · answered by CLEVER 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This has always been one of my biggest fears. I double check doors and bedroom windows every night and we have role playing games to teach the kids how to handle situations once a month. But you are going a bit overboard. you can't live your life on what ifs and you are going to instill fear of life into your children which will harm their social skills. Try to get your fear under control and protect your children without harming them.
2007-03-17 01:30:06 · answer #5 · answered by Trisha 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not alone. I am fearful too -- TV doesn't help! Teach your children all that you can...take safety precautions....talk with bus drivers, other parents and teachers to help ease your fears. Having a plan and being prepared can help ease your mind. Then seek God with all your heart and ask that He gives you a peace that surpasses all understanding! Much love to you -- I'm glad you care that much about your children.
2007-03-17 05:38:57 · answer #6 · answered by japarino 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of us feel that at one point or another, especially when we see something like that happening to some other child, it just reminds us fragile life is. I do think you may fear it a little too much, make sure to teach your children what to do if a stranger comes in contact with your child and teach them what to do if someone tries to get them.
2007-03-17 04:13:30 · answer #7 · answered by Urchin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calm down. being obsessive like that will not only hurt you but also your children. just relax. take all necessary measures for their protection but with a calm mind. once you take them, there is no reason to keep worrying yourself about their safety. teach them how to take care of themselves for when you are not around (school bus, school, parties, etc).
relax! fear for your children is absolutely normal, just dont let it take over your life. you should not lose sleep over it if they are tucked in their beds in their room and the doors are locked. and let them have a life too. let them sleep over at friends' houses just make sure you know there will be someone in charge and everything will be set and good and secure, and just sleep. you are damaging your health if you dont sleep. actually i need to go to sleep.
good luck.
kind regards,
tomorrow
PS:
i have children, and whenever i get up at night to go to the bathroom or when i wake up for some reason i go check on them, make sure they're alright, make sure the windows were not left open, make sure they haven't thrown their blankets off their bed and are lying cold, or they arent too hot. but just checking on them, and then i go back to sleep.
2007-03-16 19:47:50 · answer #8 · answered by tmrrwtdy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course. Most parents feel that way.
Especially with the overt threats constantly bombarding us with the news and Child Protective Services issues.
Ever notice they don't need a warrant?
The truth is that it is not likely to happen. Take the precautions that you feel are necessary, but don't let it paralyze you! There is only so much that you can do as a parent.
Of course I say that knowing that I took my kids out of the country completely and have gone around the world with them. But I am just as freaked out, just aware of the odds. Less likely than you imagine, but fear can be healthy if you don't let it take over your life.
2007-03-16 19:11:15 · answer #9 · answered by Chali 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am a mother of a 7yr old girl and YES YES YES.... i wouldnt go as far as puting a chair under the door but my fear is always there.. when shopping she is always holding my hand... this world is a scary place... i NEVER leave her bedroom window open at night.... i dont care how hot it gets but she has her fan... Im glad im not the only crazy mum (or are we crazy???)
2007-03-17 01:42:28 · answer #10 · answered by jenni b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋