Is this Grandparent irresponsible?- Read Below?

Question

A grandparent who provides childcare to a 4 yr. old is accused of being irresponsible because the child took a pill container out of her pocket unawares and ate one of the pills. All medicines in the home are out of the reach of children.The person has to take medications several times daily. The person knew which pill the child ate.The grandparent had just reminded the child not to get things out of another pocket. Was wearing really loose shorts with baggy pockets and was unaware when the child took the pill container.
Grandparent called 911 and then poison control and took appropriate actions, the child is fine but the parents are irate.
Have been to the person's home and consider it to be child safe. I just think the parents are being over emotional. They both work and the grandparent provides enriched, loving care for free.

To:fishface. I've known this person for 17 years and I take care of the house when they are on vacation and their pets. You didn't thoroughly read before you judged.

Answer 1

You know, these things sometimes just happen. IT would be different if the grandparent was not in thier right mind (but then the parent should know it, and not leave the child with them.) The parents should feel lucky that the grandparent is able and willing to watch that child. The parents could very well put the kid in childcare, where it will be around a bunch of strangers, probably not getting the attention wanted from the caregivers. I am with the grandparents on this one. The parent needs to get over it and realize that accidents happen.

Answer 2

Yes, but I understand why they are upset: I think I would have been, too in that situation, because their kid could have been seriously hurt. Even if it was an accident: as a parent the thought of what could have happened: possibly the death of that child is intensely emotional.

I think they will eventually get over it, though eventually, because it was an accident, and that the grandparent should maybe wear tighter pants in the future when their grandchild is around, so that they will be able to tell when someone is rifling through her pockets.

Answer 3

Yes, that was irresponsible. However, we are human and we make mistakes. I am sure that the grandparent will not make the same mistake again, feels guilty about what happened, and will be more vigilant in the future.

My own mother did something similar while watching my son, who was 2 at the time. She left a box of pills on the kitchen table (in the middle) and didn't realize that the baby could reach them. Thankfully, everyone survived. And I get to rub that in her face anytime she makes me mad =)

These incidents could have been fatal. But one needs to keep in mind, so can a lot of things. It's all in how people react after the fact. Is there a new sense of being more vigilant, or was the incident poo-pooed by the caregiver?

Answer 4

Slick little kid getting in the shorts. I do not feel the grandparent is irresponsible but I would put the pill bottle somewhere like on top of the refrigerator or an upper cabinet from now on. Even if you use childproof cap, the child may take the bottle and then grandparent has no medication.

Answer 5

From your description it sounds like the parents are overreacting from understandable emotion. Saying accidents happen doesn't make things any better when you're the parent. Years ago, I had a similar situation occur when I was working in a daycare center. I forgot that I had a couple Tylenol from the weekend in my jacket pocket in a closet locked away from the kids. That was the one time that a toddler got into the closet and made a beeline for the inner pocket of my jacket. I felt terrible and the mother was furious with me and the entire staff for a couple weeks. Eventually all was forgiven but I still have nightmares about it nearly 20 years later.

Answer 6

this is sad but i think she is being irresponsible. what if that would have been a gun in her pocket. kids are going to be curious about things they are not suppose to have no matter what you tell them or what theyre taught.
the grandma should have had the medicine up high and locked away.
what i dont understand is that the children of this grandparent are so upset..this is their parent, the child is ok. they need to get over it and go pay some stranger to care for the child.

Answer 7

I agree with you. Accidents happen in every household with the most responsible parents, grandparents, or other caregivers. I can understand how the parents feel over emotional. This is their child. Not only are they upset about the incident, but they must be feeling extra guilt. It's hard enough leaving our children and feeling the guilt, but when an accident happens, it's human nature to place blame, and try to deflect some of those extra guilty feelings.

Answer 8

no i wouldn't consider that iresponsible.i think the parents are iresponsible for not teaching the child not to take something that doesn't belong to them and not to eat something that they dont know what it is.any parent with half a brain knows you teach children not to take medicines or tablets unless its given to them and that a locked cupboard doesn't mean that a child can't unlock it?the parents took it for granted that a locked is infallible and didn't teach the child properly and also took the grandparents for granted.both parents work?well doesn't that mean they put more value on money than thier children?ppl who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?
besides all that its no ones fault its just one of those things that happen.people are to quick to point the finger these days instead of taking responsability for thier own actions.
EDIT>you should never assume that anything is out of reach or locked away from a child.
edit.what sort of idiot would suggest changing the way you dress because of a child taking tablets?

Answer 9

I think the grandparent isn't irresponsible at all. It was a mistake, a big mistake but the grandparent didn't mean any harm. The parents are upset and it's reasonable. But I wouldn't call the grandparents irresponsible.

Answer 10

this could of happened to one of the parents also. it was a simple mistake the parents have a right to be upset but not to overreact. as long as the child is ok and no harm was done they should forgive the grandparent. i'm sure the grandparent feels horrible about this whole situation.