I shadow my 2 year old and let the 4 year old run around and do what he wants. I check for him every minute or two, but I'm definitely not watching him the entire time.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but not on purpose. And I wouldn’t really say “out of sight” but more that I’ll be focusing on my toddler who is a runner/risk taker and I can’t keep my eyes on both at the same time. So my 4 y/o will technically be within my sight line, but I’m learning it’s really hard to have eye on 2 kids at once. Which is why I’m always surprised by the “perfect parents” out there who rush to judgment whenever another parent suffers a tragedy after taking their eyes off their child for a moment.

Same. My 3rd just started walking so I know it is going to be even harder if I'm taking them by myself. With larger parks, I tend to go very early in the morning before the crowd. For example, Watkins Park. Once it gets too crowded, I am ready to go!

Anonymous wrote:Worrying about abduction at a park is like worrying your kid is going to get struck by lightning.

Well, I watch my young child at the playground and I get them away from the pool or tall trees when I see a storm approaching. It's possible to take relatively easy measures to lower risk.

Worrying about abduction at a park is like worrying your kid is going to get struck by lightning.

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I’m surprised by the responses here. My DD just turned 5 and it’s been a year or two since I would have been freaked out about her being out of sight briefly at a park.

Me too PP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope, never. I have a child that might elope, so, I'm always nearby and watching at all times.

Wait, what?

I think she means “run off”

Elope means to take off. Doesn’t everyone know that? Very common word is the nursing community also.
NP

Well usually people mean run off and get married when they use the word elope. Kind of a weird choice of word in this case.

It's a common usage for parents of kids with disabilities/SN. Google "autism and elopement."

It’s also common to use “elope” in the context of elderly adults in assisted living facilities who take off as well. It’s not a weird choice of words at all.

To be fair, if my child were likely to come back with a 3 year old wedded spouse, I would likely keep a closer eye out.

Never. I have my eyes on him at all times. He’s almost six.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope, never. I have a child that might elope, so, I'm always nearby and watching at all times.

Wait, what?

I think she means “run off”

Elope means to take off. Doesn’t everyone know that? Very common word is the nursing community also.
NP

Well usually people mean run off and get married when they use the word elope. Kind of a weird choice of word in this case.

It's a common usage for parents of kids with disabilities/SN. Google "autism and elopement."

I'm the PP who said yes with a friend or sibling. Editing to add NO if they are alone.

Yes, if he/she is with a sibling, or friend. With a random kid I don't know, no I would not. But if I got a park and meet a friend and both of our 4 year olds are running around, I do not need to see them at all times.

I generally have a rough idea of where my 5 year old is but after reading this thread I think I should try to keep a watchful eye on him.

Yes, but not on purpose. And I wouldn’t really say “out of sight” but more that I’ll be focusing on my toddler who is a runner/risk taker and I can’t keep my eyes on both at the same time. So my 4 y/o will technically be within my sight line, but I’m learning it’s really hard to have eye on 2 kids at once. Which is why I’m always surprised by the “perfect parents” out there who rush to judgment whenever another parent suffers a tragedy after taking their eyes off their child for a moment.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope, never. I have a child that might elope, so, I'm always nearby and watching at all times.

Wait, what?

I think she means “run off”

Elope means to take off. Doesn’t everyone know that? Very common word is the nursing community also.
NP

Well usually people mean run off and get married when they use the word elope. Kind of a weird choice of word in this case.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. My 4 year old gives herself boundaries (I won’t go outside the path, mom) and is an extremely cautious, so I don’t worry much. She’s constantly checking in

I had a kid that like. He has an anxiety disorders. I never realized this was a sign.

She shows no other signs of anxiety. Just careful.