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Original poster

2 year old walking the street by herself feel so sick

312 replies

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:07

I went to the shop with my 6 year old son and my nearly 3 year old daughter was home with her dad. When I was coming home from the shop round the corner I saw loads of people outside my house so I ran home wondering what had happened. My little girl had tried to follow me to the shop but I had gone another way, and got all the way to the end of the street and even crossed the road before a nice couple picked her up and she told them where she lived. I feel so sick and furious with her dad and like a terrible parent. I can’t believe he didn’t notice she had gone. I can’t stop thinking she might have gone with the wrong person. I feel terrible

OP posts:
StSwithinsDay · 08/02/2025 19:08

God almighty. What happened? Was her dad out looking for her??

Saturdayfever · 08/02/2025 19:09

Oh gosh, did her dad not notice?

Don’t worry OP. Take a deep breath. She’s ok!

DurhamDurham · 08/02/2025 19:10

Thankfully she's ok, I can imagine how sick you must feel. You'll be thinking of all sorts of scenarios in your head. I'd be furious with her dad, I know mistakes happen but this is a big one.

cestlavielife · 08/02/2025 19:10

She is ok.
now learn from this that she will try again
Door locks.
Eyes on child.
No going to loo without checking doors etc

Florally · 08/02/2025 19:10

Why can she get out? Is it not possible to keep a key in the door?

poor you - so scary.

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 08/02/2025 19:12

Luckily there's plenty decent humans out there who will step in to keep a wee one safe. These things do happen! My youngest was about that age when she worked out how to open the Yale in out front door. Quickly earned a reputation as an escape artist in our street.. 😳

Original poster
Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:12

Her dad just said ‘oh I thought you took her’

OP posts:
CaptainBeanThief · 08/02/2025 19:12

How on earth did he not notice?!
Op, I'm so glad your little girl is ok and that no harm has come to her.
That being said, I will be shocked if nobody reports this to SS ( from your street).
What has your husband said about all this? I don't know if I could even look at mine if he was this irresponsible.
I hope you are ok.
X

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 08/02/2025 19:13

Hmm. I'd be looking for more of a reaction from him than that. (I don't mean to make light, by the way- obviously it's scary when it happens!)

LazyArsedMagician · 08/02/2025 19:13

I had something similar when one of my other kids (only 4) opened the front door and my then two year old was (luckily) seen and brought back by a neighbour. Where we lived at the time, the end of our street had a four lane very busy B road at the end.

I almost vomited when I opened the door and the neighbour handed me my baby, so I completely get you.

I guess now you know then you might need to add a bolt to the top of the front door (that's what we did).

Original poster
Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:13

The type of front door I have is one where you can open it from the inside she only has to turn it and it opens I need to get a lock that requires a key.

OP posts:
Devilsmommy · 08/02/2025 19:17

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:13

The type of front door I have is one where you can open it from the inside she only has to turn it and it opens I need to get a lock that requires a key.

No, you need to make your husband give a shit about his two year old walking in the street alone. I can't believe he was so blasé about it. My DH would be dead if he did that and then basically shrugged his shoulders about it. Thank god you've got good neighbours

coldcallerbaiter · 08/02/2025 19:17

Myself and a couple of my friends had similar happen to us, the small child got out when we were in the house. Your dh thought she went with you, so kind of less to blame than we were, as we thought the child was quietly playing in another room.

All I can say is don’t be quick to blame, it can and does happen to good parents.

A bell that rings if the door opens, like a shop is a good idea. Or a top bolt

But dh should have been much more concerned.

Floralnomad · 08/02/2025 19:19

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:13

The type of front door I have is one where you can open it from the inside she only has to turn it and it opens I need to get a lock that requires a key.

No you need to get a better husband and father for these children .

Comedycook · 08/02/2025 19:20

I don't want to rub salt in the wound but this is a poor show by both you and your DH. Who has a front door like that when they have small DC? And if you do, surely you'd both be extra vigilant?

richspoilt · 08/02/2025 19:21

OP thank goodness she is fine and I think you will hear similar stories from many people.My 2 year old was found at our local rec across the road .The carpet cleaner guy left our gate open.
We luckily live in a quiet village.She was spotted by a neighbour.All was well .I had literally just noticed the gate open and was already looking for my daughter…bloody scary !

Ameliepoulainandthephotobooth · 08/02/2025 19:22

I would be livid. What a useless piece of trash he is!

I’m glad that she’s ok.

Original poster
Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:23

we live in a maisonette and the front door is downstairs so usually I can keep a very good eye on her and make sure she’s upstairs. I feel so guilty

OP posts:
MaMoosie · 08/02/2025 19:24

If he thought you had taken her then surely this is about the communication between you both thats the issue?

Comedycook · 08/02/2025 19:26

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:23

we live in a maisonette and the front door is downstairs so usually I can keep a very good eye on her and make sure she’s upstairs. I feel so guilty

How about a stair gate at the top of the stairs?

ChangingHistory · 08/02/2025 19:26

Why would you have that door? Get that fixed. In the meantime put a doorstop inside and whoever is coming in will have to knock.

Didn't your say 'dh I'm going to the shop, you're in charge of toddler'? Why would he think you had taken them?

I think you need reporting to SS so they can help you ensure your DC are safe, you need helo thinking about the scenarios.

FernwoodRydal · 08/02/2025 19:26

We have a door like that. When ours were a similar age my husband came out the loo to find them standing next to the open door -they'd opened it but luckily decided not to go anywhere. We just got a little bolt and put it high up. Take it as a lesson but don't feel too bad. I'm sure it happens to loads of people but most are lucky like we were.

Theuniversalshere1 · 08/02/2025 19:27

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:23

we live in a maisonette and the front door is downstairs so usually I can keep a very good eye on her and make sure she’s upstairs. I feel so guilty

It gets worse... so he let a 2 year old wander down stairs by herself and let herself out.

How did he not realise he was supposed to be looking after her?

Op you seem very blazee about his reactions too. He needs a very stern telling off

Seems like he just does not give a damn

Theuniversalshere1 · 08/02/2025 19:28

FernwoodRydal · 08/02/2025 19:26

We have a door like that. When ours were a similar age my husband came out the loo to find them standing next to the open door -they'd opened it but luckily decided not to go anywhere. We just got a little bolt and put it high up. Take it as a lesson but don't feel too bad. I'm sure it happens to loads of people but most are lucky like we were.

Itsm orenthe fact he didn't care to realise he was looking after her.

Do you not have baby gates at top of stairs?

denhaag · 08/02/2025 19:28

Cantthinkofonenow · 08/02/2025 19:12

Her dad just said ‘oh I thought you took her’

Why did he think that?
Was there no putting on of coats and byes or other communication?