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Original poster

My son found a toddler

410 replies

HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 19:24

My 12 year old son went out with his friends around 4.30.

He came home at 6.10, carrying a toddler in just his nappy, already on the phone to the police!
He'd found him wandering around our estate by himself in just a nappy (it's windy and rainy here) He tried to ask him where his mummy or daddy were but the toddler has just grabbed him and clung to his leg, so he's pulled out his phone, dialled 999 then picked up said toddler and brought him home so that he had somewhere warm to wait for the police.

I got a blanket for the little one, and got him warmed up. He was very scared bless him, but receptive to having a cuddle and letting us help him have some water. (My youngest is 6, so no sippy cups)

Police turned up just now with social services and took him with them. Theyre going to try and find his parents and take care of him, have him checked over etc.

The police and the social worker massively praised my son and said he was immensely brave and sensible to do what he did.
He took the officer out and showed him exactly where he had found the toddler and gave as much info as he could about what happened when he found him.

I hope the little one is OK, and glad he's safe with social services now.

I am also immensely proud of my son. He's so amazing. I would have panicked at that age and knocked on the nearest door for help.
Hes just jumped into action straight away and decided to get him warm and safe.

OP posts:
Original poster
HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 20:55

I find it odd that as a mother the OP wouldn't want to follow up on this... it's like a blaze approach as if finding a lost toddler was a usual Sunday thing...
Because I'm pretty sure the police have better this to be doing with their time than updating everyone who phones them on cases that are out of their hands. I'm pretty certain it will be SS dealing with this now and not the police unless there is a case of negligence or harm to the child which they wouldn't tell me anyway

OP posts:
blahblahblah321 · 08/08/2021 20:56

My brother escaped from the house when he was tiny, went across a road in one of those baby Walker things Shock. We were out in the garden and Mum hadn't closed the gate properly! Neighbour thankfully spotted him and the road was quiet

Polkadots2021 · 08/08/2021 21:00

@HerRoyalRisesAgain

I'm so proud of him. He knew exactly what to do.
Amazing son you have there. Very, very impressive Smile
eleanoreleanoreleanor · 08/08/2021 21:02

Oh OP what a star your DS is! Thank god he found him when he did!

I found a lost 2/3(?) year old once walking away from the shopping centre. It was Christmas and v dark. My mum and DB and I took him back to the shopping centre and contacted the security there and found his grandma who had done that old trick of saying 'right I'm going now' and hidden round the corner of the toy shop to get him to leave. Only he left pretty much straight away and, as he couldn't see her, decided to walk to the train station to go home! His poor nan must have been so frightened!

toocold54 · 08/08/2021 21:04

What an incredible young lad he is!
I think I would have panicked as an adult! I wonder if he will become a police officer or doctor or something when he’s older if he is able to keep so calm and clear minded.

I have heard and witnessed this a few times. Sometimes it’s because the parents don’t care but often the parents have become ill and the toddler has wondered off.

There was a story a couple days ago where the dad had collapsed and luckily someone found the toddler wondering around unharmed which led the police to his home and an ambulance was called and both are now safe and well.

CityCommuter · 08/08/2021 21:04

@HerRoyalRisesAgain ok calm down, no need to get so angry with me! I've already said your son did a good job in keeping toddler safe... I'm sure the police aren't inundated with lost toddlers so they could update you but that's OK if you want don't want to know...

SpindleWhorl · 08/08/2021 21:05

My DD called the police once when she was a teenager walking home one night. She saw a man attacking a woman in the front room of a house, through the window.

She got home and was distraught. Long story short, we later on called 101 and the call handler was able to confirm that the police response car that had arrived had removed the man and that the woman was 'in a place of safety'.

I guess the OP already knows the child is in a place of safety with the police and the social worker, but sometimes witnesses can be given reassurance.

Faranth · 08/08/2021 21:05

When my DB was about that age he was with DF who was doing something to the car. DB went down the drive, across the road and about 2/300 yds away to the corner shop. Walked straight up to the counter and told the lady serving 'I've escaped!' she knew who he was and took him outside to bring him home, only to see DF sprinting down the road. He'd noticed he was gone and looked out the drive just in time to see him toddling along and into the shop.

Poor DB has had to endure 30 years of being asked if he's 'escaped' at every opportunity.

It wasn't till I had my own DC that I realised how bloody fast they can move! But strangely not if you need to get somewhere on time or catch a bus Hmm

Hopefully the little one OPs DS found is just an escape artist who's been reunited with his loving and undoubtedly frantic parents.

Enwi · 08/08/2021 21:06

Unfortunately these things absolutely happen. A good friend of mine had an awful experience a few weeks ago where her son (aged 2) was sleeping on the sofa in the living room. Mum was cooking and dad was hoovering the cars on the drive. Her son woke up, went outside to find Dad and for some reason decided to walk straight past him and out onto the main road out front. They only realised at all because the Dad noticed a commotion out front and went to investigate. There were cars all over the road with his little boy just stood in the middle of it all. Horrifying.

Well done to your son. He did everything he could have done.

Original poster
HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 21:06

@CityCommuter I'm not angry Confused I was just explaining why I won't be pestering for an update.

OP posts:
Original poster
HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 21:07

There were cars all over the road with his little boy just stood in the middle of it all. Horrifying.
Oh god, they must have felt sick to their stomach seeing that!

OP posts:
LH1987 · 08/08/2021 21:08

Why would the police update the OP on a child that is not related to her? Children have a basic right to privacy as well. The OP made sure the child was with the authorities and safe there is no more she can do.

@HerRoyalRisesAgain, your son did really well, you should be really proud.

Horehound · 08/08/2021 21:08

My granny had a son, who at 3, escaped through the gate and over the road and unfortunately a coal truck was making a delivery and crushed him to death :(

I'm glad this has a happy ending.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 08/08/2021 21:09

Well done that young man!

Whydoiwearsomuchleopardprint · 08/08/2021 21:10

Well done to your son, amazing to cope so well so young, you must be very proud. Am so hoping the child is ok .

Original poster
HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 21:10

Horehound oh gosh, how sad Sad

OP posts:
VienneseWhirligig · 08/08/2021 21:13

When I worked security at festivals this happened frequently- parents would get high or pissed and forget they have a small child with them, the child wandered off and I'd end up with them in my control room, entertaining them whilst waiting for the police to come. Your son is brilliant.

FatCatThinCat · 08/08/2021 21:14

This happened to me. I was 3 and just left to play in the street while my mum went to pick my brother up from school. I wandered off and then couldn't find my way home. Thankfully a nice woman found me crying in the street and called the police. It took hours for them to take me home as I had no idea where I lived and my useless fucking family never reported me missing. I was dark when they finally found where I lived, from driving round the city asking me if it looked familiar.

Nowadays my family think this is a hilarious anecdote. I think it's evidence of what utter fuckwits they were then and still are today.

DinosApple · 08/08/2021 21:15

Your son did a fab job OP.

At 12 I'd have lacked the confidence to act so decisively. In fact I'm going to brief my own DC so they know what to do.

Cukku · 08/08/2021 21:15

I found a toddler in a car park.

EarringsandLipstick · 08/08/2021 21:17

Well done OP's son 🥇 & well done OP for raising him so well. ✨

SaltedCaramelIcedLatte · 08/08/2021 21:17

Your son is absolutely amazing! You have clearly done a great job raising him. Hopefully it turns out well for the little boy x

Original poster
HerRoyalRisesAgain · 08/08/2021 21:18

@FatCatThinCat that must have been terrifying for you. Im glad you're OK.

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 08/08/2021 21:18

@DinosApple

Your son did a fab job OP. At 12 I'd have lacked the confidence to act so decisively. In fact I'm going to brief my own DC so they know what to do.
Very good point.

Many 12 yo would have had no idea, myself included I'd say.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 08/08/2021 21:19

Your son reacted brilliantly.

The rest is beyond your control and I totally get why you haven't chased for any more updates. You're right, they wouldn't be able to tell you anyway.

Just hope the poor little bugger is alright!