s/o escaping toddlers

sarahandeddiejune212008

I took the girls to Chick Fil A for family night tonight. While we were there the girl in charge of crafts gave DD#1 all the left over paints and paper. I took them out to the car while the girls played with my sister and BIL. As I was coming back in I saw a little boy standing near the parking lot alone. I would guess he was maybe 2, 2 1/2 at the most. There were no other adults around so I took his hand and took him back inside. We finally found his mom. She was in the far back, just about as far from the entrance as you can get. She saw me with him and said she thought he was in the play area. She seemed shocked when I told her I found him outside. Then later I watched him push the front door open all by himself, but this time mom was with.

I was astonished she wasn't supervising her toddler. It was crazy busy. There is no way I'd let my kid out of my sight. She is so lucky he didn't get hit by a car or kidnapped. I will never understand why some parents are so irresponsible.

sarahandeddiejune212008

I would have never thought he opened the door by himself until I watched him do it. He went outside looking for his dad. Poor kid was excited to meet him for dinner.

I get really annoyed at our chick fil a because I'm usually the only parent inside the room with the play equipment. One week I had to break up a physical fight between two little boys. I think some parents are just lazy. So many kids have very little supervision and guidance and then we wonder why kids are the way they are.

snickersforeveryone

This happened to me tonight! We were in hobby lobby and had just checked out. We (my mom and I) were trying to get ourselves together with our bags, kids, purses, etc. Em pulled away from me and went into this little alcove where there was a couch for sale. I thought it was just a display area because it was far from the entrance doors, so I didn't rush over, I just walked. it turned out to be an exit!!!! With automatic doors!!!! The door were closing as I came around the corner. I freaked out and sprinted to follow. She had gone through the doors and was about to go through the second set of doors to the parking lot. She turned and saw me, then gave me this smile like it was a great game! I caught her and just held her, thinking of all the horrible things that could have happened in that ten second span when I couldn't see her. I was so incredibly lucky.

I think I have a billion more gray hairs after that fiasco.

zyas

That is really scary!! How could she not be watching him? So irresponsible!

KarmB

that scares me. Lilah is an independent walker when we go to stores but we're right there. once I get too pregnant, she'll go in the cart. there was one time, she got away from me but I saw what store she walked into...the puppy store. it was literally 5 seconds. I don't know what I would do if she went OUTSIDE. she cant open doors yet

sarahandeddiejune212008

It was so scary. I was praying someone didn't leave the little guy there on purpose. I think all parents have experienced the panic feeling when their toddler is out of sight when you've looked away for a second, but who knows how long this kid was outside. On top of the fact he had to find his way to the door from the opposite side of the restaurant. I still am upset about it today.

KarmB

toddlers: fastest creature on earth