To have been surprised by a mum outside the supermarket?

[tigerdriverII]

As I was going into the supermarket - big busy one with a busy car park - a small boy came running straight out, he would be 3 or 4 I should think. An older woman and I both clocked that he was on his own and as he was heading towards the car park I went to see if I could stop him and look for whoever was with him. His mum then appeared, not looking remotely concerned, and told him off as "she had told him to stay by the trolleys" while she was inside out of sight doing some unspecified thing. He had been out her sight for at least a minute, could easily have raced straight into the traffic.

Just found her reaction/non-reaction odd, but even odder the idea that a child of that age would stay put.

[Primafacie]

Nothing happened. Forget it and move on?

[rockybalboa]

Beak out I think.

[WorraLiberty]

Why is it an odd idea that a 3 or 4 year old would stay put when told to by a parent?

[tigerdriverII]

Charming rocky. I didn't stick my beak in, didn't speak to the mother or attempt to. Would you prefer it if I'd ignored the child, maybe watch him run into the traffic. Just commenting here on the attitude.

[ouryve]

What was she supposed to do? Put him over her knee and spank him?

[BrianTheMole]

Did he look like he was going to run into the traffic? My 4 yr old is a little monkey, but he does have some sense of self preservation. Did you need to stop him from racing out in front of the cars?

[hmc]

If I am reading this correctly - the small child was left unsupervised and told to remain by the trollies whilst his mum left him (out of her sight) to deal with something inside the supermarket? Is that what you are saying?

[ThatBloodyWoman]

It would surprise me too op.

[Mrswellyboot]

I agree it is very dangerous! Only takes a split second, but he's her responsibility

[scaredoflabour]

What warral said. My ds knows about cars but doesn't always stick to boundries. I wouldn't make assumptions about her reaction.

[mom2twoteens]

I think it's everyone's responsibility to look after a child in need of assistance. However, the mother may have been worried about what had happened but too shocked or embarrassed to let you see how she really felt.
I can remember when I was little and wondered off my Mom got cross with me. It wasn't until I was a Mom myself that I realised how fear can manifest itself.
My daughter was hit by a car after wondering off in a car park. I'd hate to think someone might have seen her and ignored her 'cos she wasn't their responsibility. I know it was my fault, but if someone could have prevented it but didn't step in well ........

[BrianTheMole]

Crikey, hope she was all right mum2twoteens.

[thebody]

not suprised at all.

as a TA I am constantly amazed at the times we are asked to look for a wandered off toddler, usually the same drippy parents who then bleat what can you do with them

er I want to shout he's fucking 2 you twat. lock in the pushchair or get reins

[mom2twoteens]

Brian
Broken collar bone. The guy drove off and I whisked her to hospital. They asked me for the reg no and I hadn't got it, I thought they were going to accuse me of something. Despite her complaining her shoulder hurt, the A&E doctor gave me a leaflet on head injuries and sent us home. It was the GP the next day who sent us back for an x-ray and discovered the broken collar bone. That's another thread though. She's 16 and fine now, no lasting effects. Surprised me how quick she could move though.

[mom2twoteens]

er thank the body

We all get distracted sometimes. Gosh! If only I were perfect.

[BrianTheMole]

Thats frightening. Glad she was ok in the end though.

[mom2twoteens]

Brian.

Thanks, it was worrying at the time. Part of being a parent, I hadn't developed the eyes in the back of my head then, they came later.

[BaronVonShush]

I wouldn't ever entertain the idea of leaving a 3-4 year old outside a shop where I couldn't see them and they were near cars. Utter insanity. Why is that ok?

Yanbu.