January 19, 2007

Stranger Abduction Fears

Like so many parents, I've been captivated by reports about the Missouri boy who was kidnapped and holed up in a creepy 40-something man's apartment for four years. The boy was literally scooped off the streets while riding his bike. Another boy, who was allegedly held by the same man, allegedly had been kidnapped while getting off his school bus.

This story plays into every parent's worst fear. If we allow our kids to be out of our sight, will they be vulnerable to some creepy stranger?

Lately, I've been cautiously allowing my 10-year-old more autonomy. She has gone to the movies with a friend. She's walked herself home from school a few times. But when a story like this is in the news, I question my judgment. Isn't it safer to keep her under close supervision?

I keep reminding myself, however, that these stranger abductions are quite rare. And my daughter, as a tween, craves and deserves some independence and responsibility. It's necessary for her maturation, too.


StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!

posted by pam at 12:14 PM 0 comments links to this post

 
   
 

Copyright 2006 Pamela Kruger. All rights Reserved.
This material may not be reprinted in any form without permission from the author.

 Contact Pamela Kruger »