Good parent/Bad parent?

[Darla Shine]

So this week a New Jersey mom had her daughter taken away from her after she left her alone to attend a wedding. The girl was 12 years old and the mom stocked the house with food and necessities. Yes, the mother was gone for six days but she had asked a friend to check in on the girl regularly. A neighbor noticed the girl was alone and called authorities whom put the teen in foster care.

Six days, house, shelter, friend, 12.

Also this week we learned of 16 Abby Sunderland who was trying to sail around the world on her own. She ran into trouble in the Indian Ocean after getting caught in a storm. Rescue ships had to be sent out, clearly costing thousands if not millions. Abby left on her journey May 21st and clearly has been alone and on her own for more than six days. Why are her parents not being punished? Why is Abby not being put into foster care?

Now, you may say 16 is old enough to be on your own. Some argue she was experienced enough as a sailor to fight the big seas. But some could aruge the 12 year old is more than capable of being able to care for herself in her very own home.

I think the mom who left her daughter alone is just stupid. I think the parents who let their daughter try to sail the world are selfish fools.

But maybe I am over thinking this. Lets face it in some countries girls marry and have babies at age twelve. In some countries 16 year olds go to war. Well even some 12 year olds are forced to war. Even here during the American Revolution.

But I thought we evolved. I thought we were more educated than this. And I thought we were a country who protected its children. But that is wrong. Every day children are abducted, molested, raped and murdered here in America.

To be a civilized nation we need to protect our children. And the consideration needs to be applied to every child under the age of
18. Across the board!

[happytucsonmommy]

I hadn't heard this story, but I am appalled. Who does this? Who leaves town for 6 days with a 12 year old at home, alone! Friend or no friend no 12 year old is capable of being alone for that long. As for the 16 year old, same thing!! Parents are too liberal with their children and too self absorbed to make the sacrifice to be with their children and keep them safe. To quote Darla " You had these babies, now go home and raise them!" It is our jobs to keep them safe, happy, healthy and well cared for until they can do it on their own and then sometimes well beyond that time frame.

We are parents from the date of conception until WE die... be a parent!

[lauramt]

That story about the girl sailing around the world by herself bothered me too. Leaving a 12 year old alone for a few hours is very different letting them sail the ocean....alone....

When I was 12 Darla, I was taking care of myself almost completely. My mom worked long hours. I had to get up, get myself ready for school, make my own means, schedule apts. everything. I think it's one thing to leave a 12 year old home 12 hours like I did vs. 6 days, to go to a wedding.... Do I think the girl should be in foster care, no. Do I think the mom needs a reality check... yes.... but foster care... no....

In other countries 12 year old are on their own. I was on my own except for having to make the money..... I personally, couldn't do it, but I know my mom didn't have much choice...

[jreidmomof2]

Leaving a capable 12 year old at home for ONE day or night to attend an event, with someone able to check on them.... thats ok.

Leaving a 12 year old at home alone for six days, NOT ok. Do I think she should be in foster care...No. But I think the mom should have had more common sense.

And no I don't believe that 16 year old had any business doing what she did. And they say anyone with education in sailing would have known not to go in that area this time of year because of the weather patterns. I think that was irresponsible and neglectful.

[Darla Shine]

That was my point. Why did the 12 year old get taken away when there is no punishment for the parents of the girl who was out sailing the oceans alone for a month.