After reading many articles regarding product recalls, it made me wonder if only an object can fail to accomplish its goal or if “recalls” can pertain to people as well.
“A recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence and to improve or avoid damage to publicity.” (Wikipedia)
As we grow, we are constantly looking for ways to improve ourselves and as we face different challenges, we hopefully become smarter and stronger.
Op-Ed: Parent Recall
After reading many articles regarding product recalls, it made me wonder if only an object can fail to accomplish its goal or if “recalls” can pertain to people as well.
“A recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence and to improve or avoid damage to publicity.” (Wikipedia)
As we grow, we are constantly looking for ways to improve ourselves and as we face different challenges, we hopefully become smarter and stronger.
Recently in our neighborhood, there have been countless acts of crimes including more personal ones such as muggings. While some stories have positive outcomes, unfortunately others do not.
In such an infamous time, you would think that we’d take extra precautions with our children and loved ones. So how can it be that on numerous occasions I have encountered an abandoned child crying, left alone in a stroller outside with no one in sight? Is using the word abandoned too extreme? I think not. A parent who carelessly leaves their child unattended is clearly abandoning them and therefore in dire need of being ‘recalled’.
The most common place I find this problem and where I choose to address is outside of playgroups and daycare centers. Just recently, I was on my way out from picking up my children, when I noticed two strollers parked outside with children in them, one of which was crying. Normally when I hear a child cry while accompanied by an adult, I try to mind my own business and keep going, but with a child left alone, who’s to take responsibility for him?
While balancing my own kids, I quickly ran back inside, leaving another Mom outdoors to keep an eye on these poor children as I searched for the irresponsible mothers. Am I being harsh by calling them irresponsible? I think not. Any parent who leaves a child outdoors without supervision is irresponsible and needs to be ‘recalled’.
You’d think the mothers would have appreciated my concern; negative. What I was told instead is not to worry and that they’d be out in a minute, confirming that this is a usual event for them. Not having yet reached the level of totally depending on Hashem to watch our children when we are out of sight, I chose to stay waiting for the mothers to come out. Again, not even looking me in the eye, they ignored me.
So I am asking my fellow brothers and sisters, who is responsible for these abandoned children? Do we blame the parents? The caregivers inside? The spouses at work? Perhaps the era we are in or the tests Hashem puts us through? Are these Mommies crying out to be ‘recalled’?
I do not need to go into detail or describe to you what can happen ch”v to an unattended child within seconds. It scares, agitates and infuriates me. Can you blame me? I really hope I will never find myself in such a desperate scenario to have to choose leaving my child outdoors unattended.
What will it take for a parent, sibling or guardian to really ensure the safety of our children?
How can we avoid recalling some adults from basic responsibilities? How do we assure our children that all parents come equipped with backup “replacement kits”?
Even more so, how can we protect the public from unreasonable risk of serious consequences?
Signed,
Penina Gordon – A Concerned Parent
This Op-Ed reflects the views of its author. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CrownHeights.info or its Editors.
A reader that wishes to make his or her voice heard on any topic of their desire is welcome to submit his or her Op-Ed to News@CrownHeights.info.
i agree
you are absolutely right. there was recently an incident in yerushalayim where a baby was left alone at a sheva brachos and someone did walk off with the baby.
unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in this neighborhood, where people think it is okay because there are so many yidden around….
if this article will change someone’s mind about leaving their baby outside, ashrecha…
Mother who lives in the real world
Next time just announce that someone left a purse outside, and these Mothers(if they deserve that title) will quickly check to make sure that they have their purses securely with them. If you won’t leave cash sitting somewhere alone you can’t leave your children there either.
Chana
This is true abandonment. Grossly irresponsible. Thank you for bringing up this important subject. Hopefully your words will be a wakeup call.
antimesira
Also, whats with the sticking the strollers in the street while attempting to cross, putting your child in harms way?
I sometimes wonder if these same people (mothers and fathers alike) would do the same had they had a million dollars in the stroller.
Making a child is the easiest part of having a child. The “fun” really is in raising them. No Chochma in just having them.
Hadassa R
to not be concerned about ALL of our neighbors is ludicrous!!! All u hav to do is look up how many registered ‘offenders’ live in the 3 zipcodes that make up most of CH – there are Yidden on that list , too, btw!!! B”H, they aren’t all involving children, but some are & that’s a risk I’m not willing to take, are u?!
Zehava
you are absolutely right, well written.
Rachel Fried
Kol Hakovod for bringing up an extremely crucial point. That “one minute” may result in a lifetime of pain, chas v’shalom. I hope your came across and will be heeded.
a mom
mothers unfortunately cannot be cloned. we cant split ourselves in two places at once. it was very thoughtful of you to look for the mother but what would you have done if that other mother wasnt outside. thanks for bringing it to our attention though. may we all have strength to be able to be the best mother we can be.
It-s a CRAZY world out there...
Watch your kid like hawks…they are your most precious commodity and there are some major psychos out there. As the mother of small babies I know how hard this can be and there are times when luckily I am in the right place and time(Empire Kosher -Thursday night anyone???)and I meet a friend or a friends daughter and offer trhem 5 extra dollars to spend watching them with their mothers permission while I run the errand..I have even asked strangers(Lubavitchers of course that I’ve seen around CH alot)to keep an eye on my car with my kids in it while I ran into the pharmacy for 2 minutes so I wouldn’t have to take both kids out(a frustrating task when they have no interest in getting back in 2 minutes later).I alwayss make sure to take their name and number down…a tak that takes all of 30 seconds as an added precaution. People are wonderful about it!
There are alternatives to leaving ur child unattended C’V! Ask for help .9 out of 10 times you will receive it. Don’t C’V live to regret a seconds decision you’ve made…
thanks a bunch
On a brighter note: this morning at ohel sara day care I had my 2 kids I’m dropping off and then a third who in a stroller that came for the ride. Thank u greatfull guy who helped shlep me down the steps on the way out. Helping anyone with the stroller is always very much appreciated.
CH Cynic
Nicely put. Another thing that gets me hopping is when a parent enter a street with their stroller and baby in front of them to see if there are any cars coming before they cross. What are they thinking!? I think its the parents that need to be in the stroller, so holed up in their own little world they are. Sad
totally dissagree
Who do you think you are. Mind your own buissness. Do you think I don’t know what’s going on in the world just bc I may leave my child in the street for a second doesn’t mean that I am irisponsible.
Not everyone is as capable of taking their kids were ever they go. Somtimes u need to leave them for a second.
Concerned
It troubles me too seeing the strollers stick out into the street just inches from passing cars. Don’t use your kids as stop signs. A couple times I told parents to stand next to the front of their strollers and see how close they are to the cars. Also when buses and tractor trailer turn, the back wheels come very close to the sidewalk even though the front wheels are towards the middle of the street. This is very dangerous especially if the stroller is jutting out into the street.
you are right!
im so glad to see this article for years i lived in c.h. and was shocked! the most shocking was to see mothers put an extra kid in the basket of their stroller or sitting on top of the hood! one bump and the kids is done. i would always stay with an unattended child and when the mom would come back not only was there no thank u but upset at me. and how about seeing a young child standing outside his apt. building waiting for a younger siblings bus to come? it takes one sec. for someone to snatch both of them and it takes a sec. for u the mom to come and wait for the bus ppl need to wake before they learn the hard way!
AGREEABLE PARENT
COMPLETELY AGREE! VERY WELL WRITTEN!
This is crucial point and hope everyone will take it seriosuly!
DO NOT LEAVE KIDS UNATTENTED WHATSOEVER!!
to the concerned parent
whoa! very nice article mrs gordon.
nicely put and to the point!!
thank gd i never had to witness much of those incidents…
just me
Thank you for bringing this serious issue to light.
whatever
I agree with disagee. The authors nose is too long and their mouth to loud. Nowdays if somone is upset at some lady they are geleos of they just write a oped on chinfo
agree with the author
To totally disagree:
While many Brooklyn residents (both CH and BP) routinely leave children on the sidewalk in carriages while they shop, it does only take a second for a tragedy to chas v’sholem occur. Then chas v’sholem, no one would be allowed to “mind their own business”. They would have to spend time, money, and effort searching high and low for the child.
Leaving a child alone outside, even for a “second” is child neglect and endangerment. What if a non-Jewish passerby decides to call the police and report you?
As to sticking strollers in the area of traffic, these babies are getting loads of toxic fumes from vehicles, as well as being in danger of being hit by a car.
We imagine that we are better parents than our non-Jewish neighbors, who we assume put more emphasis on shopping, manicures, and hair braiding than on children but sometimes I am hard pressed to see a difference.
SO POSITIVE!
just to show, 18 comments and only one negative one (i wish her luck) means that this is a non-controversial issue and everyone is on the same page (BH!!) halevay, all op-ed should turn out such a positive outcome.
Thank you Mrs. Gordon for this op-ed i have decided to try to be more careful while crossing the street whith my stroller and doing it the safe way.
Keep it up!
Finally, from the mouth of a real woman. I think should have more inspiring words.
Maybe start a forum or weekly/ bi-weekly blog “From the Moms Mouth”
With crazy work schedules and hectic days, I’m sure I speak up for many people who can use, a friendly reminder of the how to’s and what nots to continue raising our kids in proper manner.
Thank you CH.INFO for posting this Oped. It is really crucial to remind everyone that CHILDREN COME FIRST.
to totally disagree..
Really? you find it ok to leave ur child unattented for a second?
How will you live with urself if Gd Forbid for that second u left her unattented would be last time u saw her?
I can’t believe how naive u r.
brenda
we need to iook ourselves in mirror and be vigilent with all the crime today i beg everyone to watch your children and yourselves if not you will be sorry