| Missing Children | |
This week, I want to talk about missing children. I had a very scary incident earlier this week with a kindergartner I babysit. He gets dropped-off from the bus, in front of my house, at 11:15 AM each day. Well, last Tuesday, he didn't show-up. My first thought was the bus was late, or he was home sick, or maybe he was with his Grandma for the day. So, I gave them 15 minutes, and at 11:30 I called his school. And, they DID NOT know where he was! They confirmed he was in school and had been on the bus. (His mom happens to be a teacher at the school he attends, so it was easy for the office to confirm these facts.)
My personal note: If a child is missing, experts say the first 24 hours are the most important. For young children. (2 or 3 years old), I would search everywhere, strange places like cupboards, under beds, cars, etc. But time is important. So, I guess one hour would be enough for a 2 or 3 year old.
Now, it turned out, there was a substitute bus driver this day. And the boy I watch fell asleep on the bus. He was found asleep in the bus parking lot, alone on the bus. The bus driver brought him to my house, about 1/2 hour late. But, before they found him, I was scared to death! I had visions of a massive police search. And his mom was called from her room, and the office wanted to know what her child was wearing that day. Can you imagine the fear that she felt!
But, for some parents, this fear doesn't end as well as it did for us this time. So, here are some Internet links for parents whose children are missing. And if you ever need one of these links, please know that my heart goes out to you. We could all be here at one time.
This is a great site, with information about missing kids, how to keep your teens safe, and even a database where you can search for a missing child!
This site is different because you have to download any information about missing kids, but it might be useful as a resource if your child is missing.
Lots of 1-800 numbers for run-away-kids, abused kids, etc.
For a 4-7 year old, well, they are more independent. So, unless you give them a specific time to come home, they may be gone at their friend's house longer than you want them to be. We have light-sensitive street lamps in our neighborhood, and my rule is, "come home when the lights turn on." If they are late, then no bike-riding for a week.
