A thread to discuss DEVELOPMENTS regarding Maddie McCann

[jampot]

We can discuss parenting styles in a few weeks

Twiglet I think that one of the reasons why people have the need to know what is going on is that many people have children of similar age. or have had children of similar age, or have perhaps been in a situation where a child has slipped away for a split second and have momentarily had those feelings of dread and panick that those parents are now experiencing. People feel genuine empathy for those parents, because although most have never been through what they are now going through, they look at their own children and have a glimpse of how it would feel to be in that situation. They have a need for news because when something like this happens to such a young child, it send shock waves through a whole country.

but that just means that they want to know, UM, not that they need it or, i would contend, have any right to it.

I can not even begin to imagine what those poor parents are going through.
I hope and pray that the little girl will be found safe and well, Her parents must be going out of their minds with worry thinking all sorts of things. is she alive, is she scared, is she hurt, is she cold, is she hungry? I would go out of my mind I really would.

I have just waved my DS1 off for a long weekend mini cruise with my mother and sister and I will be so relieved when he gets home again.

its ghoulish over-sentimentality IMHO

I have a child of the same age and name

I am incredibly sorry any parent is going through this .. but really they deserve official help and public sympathy but also privacy .. are they likely to get this now and when the case is resolved (hopefully positively) .. I bloody doubt it

I think endlessly discussing them (people you don't know) and their situation (almost revelling in someone else's grief) gives some people a frisson of an emotion that they in someway find enjoyable .. because there is distance there .. its 'interesting', its 'emotional' .. but its not OUR story

uttermadness - I fully agree. I am praying for her family and of course her that Maddie is found safe and well. I have a dd her age and the thought of losing her, well it's unbearable. I echo Twigs sentiments in wishing them strength and grace and pray that there is a positive outcome to this horror.

I think it is strange that they have a suspect but haven't done anything about it yet? Maybe they are not be as sure as they are letting on. Are they trying to make things seen calmer and more under control?

I don't think anyone is 'revelling' in their grief Twiglett

This is just too horrific for words, isn't it? I simply cannot begin to understand the agony those poor parents are going through. Not knowing, and trying not to let your imagination run wild. Because let's face it any of the possible scenarios are awful.

I hope and pray for the whole family.

twig i find this all a bit icky too...

I find that quite offensive Twiglett.

sorry quietmouse .. I think rather a lot of people are

I totally agree Twig. It's like people are trying to experience it in a strange sort of way, without actually going through it. Hard to explain but I know what you mean.

but what exactly are you doing, quietmouse? why is this your business, really..? genuine question.

It's awful and of course I really hope she is found, but I can't understand why people are constantly on the thread going over and over it. Almost wallowing in it.

Oh Twig. This family is going through something alot of us fear the most and everyone is just desperate for good news because should happen to anyone else we want to hope that sometimes there can be a 'happy ending'... I'm going to leave this thread now, I'm not here to argue I just wanted to offer my thoughts and keep updated.

errm....

it's obviously not my business personally but I feel heartbroken for them. Really and truly. And I am following the case closely as I am wishing and hoping she will be found safe and well. That's all.

I have a dd the same age and similiar looking so it has struck a chord but even if I didn't it would still devastate me that any parent is going through this.

Is that okay? Right answer?

No one is wallowing in anything, they are concerned for the little girls whereabouts and safety and are hoping that there is soon some good news, thats is not wallowing.

it was a genuine question, no need to be sarky back. i feel exactly the same as you, although my dd is younger. i'm keen to hear that she's back safe and sound. i'm really asking what you're getting out of being on a thread on MN when you could listen to the news. it's all the hand-wringing i don't get. it's not happening to us or any of our families.

Not every can sit listening to the news all day.

I have been using this thread to check for up to date info, as if I miss anything I know someone else will have posted about it.

okay, I'll leave this thread now.

I hope she is reunited with her mummy and daddy soon.

Not my family no but I'm still finding this very upsetting, I'm following this thread because other posters are feeling the same.

I don't believe that anyone on here is wallowing in anything. Everyone on here knows such a thing is their worse fear and to my mind most posters are thinking, 'there but for the Grace of God, go I.'

will just repeat what i said on other thread.

fortunate for her to have a distinguishing mark in her pupil.. as abduction seems to be the way of thinking... some hope there.

thoughts with the family..

i'm not suggesting you should leave the thread, quietmouse, and i was really only addressing my questions to you cos you'd written something i wanted to respond to, so please don't feel singled out. the bbc website is updating regularly on the story, as i say i'm just not sure what is being achieved on this thread specifically, so that's why i was asking.

isn't it called empathy? This is a scenario we can all imagine ourselves being in. It's our worst nightmare.