Yesterday, I experienced a frightening incident that I feel compelled to share.
To provide some context, I am currently navigating the challenging transition that comes with summer break. This time of year is a paradox—both joyful and overwhelming. Is it possible for something to be both delightful and chaotic? Because that encapsulates parenthood perfectly.
The shift from having all three of my children in school for over six hours each day (while I managed work during that time) to having them at home constantly has proven to be quite a challenge. As I’ve noted in previous reflections, summer can be unyielding.
My daughter Lily, who turns 3 next week, has developed a fascination with two things: electrical outlets and her baby dolls. Here she is, attempting to show her doll the outlet in her bedroom. #multitasking
Fortunately, this year feels a bit easier than before, thanks to my children’s growing independence.
Yesterday afternoon, after a fun outing at the park, my boys jumped out of the car, excited to hear some neighborhood kids playing next door. I allowed them to go play while I took Lily inside. She was a mess, covered in dirt and remnants of her snack, so I quickly stripped her down to her diaper.
As I dashed to the bathroom, Lily trailed behind me, her usual role as my little shadow. Just then, my mother called. She wasn’t feeling well, and I struggled to hear her over the noise in the background. At the same time, my toddler began to get loud, further raising my stress levels.
To regain some focus, I slipped into my bedroom and closed the door. When I emerged a few minutes later, the house was eerily quiet. A wave of panic washed over me as I realized my heart had momentarily stopped.
The back door was wide open.
I rushed outside, calling out for Lily. She was nowhere to be seen. In a state of panic, I heard a neighbor from across the street shout that she had just seen a little girl run through the backyards.
“She went that way!” the neighbor exclaimed.
Without a second thought, I bolted barefoot through the yard. My heart raced, and all I could think about was finding my daughter.
I soon spotted Lily just one street over, wearing only her diaper and holding a toy pet carrier with a small stuffed dog inside. The expression on her face when she saw my distress is something I will never forget.
“Never again,” I told her firmly.
“Not with my dog?” she asked, confused.
“Never, ever. You must stay with a grown-up,” I replied, wiping away my tears.
I share this story to emphasize how quickly children can wander off. Many times, I’ve wondered where the mother was in similar situations I’ve read about. But in this instance, I was there. It happened despite my vigilance.
I consider myself a responsible parent—aware and attentive. Yet, children can be quick and silent, and unexpected things happen. Today, I am hugging my little ones tighter, grateful for their safety, and reflecting on the reality that some parents aren’t as fortunate.
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In summary, this experience serves as a stark reminder of how quickly children can go missing, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in parenting. I am a good parent, but even good parents can have moments of panic.
Keyphrase: toddler safety
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