Losing a Child

Can you imagine losing a child; as in a child who is in your care goes missing?  
 I'm reading a novel about that very thing. It's entitled "Year of Fog," and a seven year-old girl, who is in the care of the fiancee goes missing when the attention of the fiancee is diverted for what she perceives to be only a few seconds. 

This is a fictional story, but what if..?  It would be bad enough to lose your own child like that; but somebody else's child?! Oh, hell, no. What would you do? Tell me. It is so hard for me to even go to that place.  Then, I reflect on the number of children whom I see neglected by their parents in stores on a regular basis. In a split second, a predator could swoop a little one up and be gone, while the parent is perusing the clothing racks or what-have-you. I have seen mothers try to reason with a three year-old by wheedling; i.e., "Now, what have I told you about staying by me?" And immediately after the wheedle, the kid runs off again; so out comes another wheedle. Honey, it's time to just snatch that little rascal up and let him know exactly what's what.

Parents, please stop being scared of your children and/or treating them like small adults.   are responsible for their well-being.  They are in your charge, and if you really love them, you will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Too many parents are afraid that their children will not love them if the child is disciplined. People, please! How will your children learn if you don't teach them? And by discipline, I don't mean that you take a big stick to them. Get out the dictionary and look up the word discipline. It is not synonymous with beating; nor is it synonymous with punishment. However, punishment should not be a bad word, because sometimes your child needs to be punished, so that she learns that actions have consequences. And if one of your kids has the audacity to threaten you with 911, then you might want to consider going Madea on their behind so that they will know not to EVER even think about uttering those words to you again. And I'm sure Madea wouldn't mind if you keep her on speed dial.