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1. lglau
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   I saw something Sunday morning on Alki that bothered me and wanted to put this out for comment. There was a young child (around 3), who was playing in the water and sand bars during low tide. Both parents were standing up on the walking path watching. There was no one down near the water close to where the child was playing. Had something happened, neither parent could have gotten to the child quickly. I'm curious as to what people think the best approach to responding to this type of issue would be, or if they even think it is an issue.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

2. singularname
   Member Profile

   I wouldn't have been comfortable with that with my own child at that age; however, I also do not see that as "negligence" on their part based on the conditions you describe.

   Stepping on a piece of glass or jellyfish--live and learn. Toddler's first tetnus shot and scar from childhood story.

   High tide, "sharks in the area," biting winds or hailstorm, kid terrified of the situation and wailing about it ... I'd probably give 'em a dirty look.

   I always find it interesting to see where folks draw the line. Oddly, if someone's kids are let loose in a restaurant and allowed to scream and approach me thinking I'm going to think they're cute, I'll say something. Don't ask me why that bugs me more.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

3. HunterG
   Member Profile

   

   First of all - it is none of your business how someone is raising their child unless you see that the child is in CLEAR danger, and just playing on the beach doesn't seem like a life and death situation, unless a rabid seal was after them or something.

   Personally, I think that today's youth as a whole has been so "overparented" that they are going to grow up being afraid to make any type of decision on their own.

   I do understand the concern - maybe a toddler on the beach alone is iffy, but I didn't hear or read of any headlines about a disaster involving a kid down on Alki.

   Tragedies happen, but in my opinion hovering over your child's every move "to keep them safe" is only going to cause a larger problem. This child on the beach will probably grow up being able to make decisions for itself because he/she is actually allowed to make choices and maybe scrape a knee every now and then.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

4. maplesyrup
   Member Profile

   

   I'd have wanted to be closer not out of worry but just because they're fun to watch.

   But I don't think it's a big deal.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

5. shihtzu
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   One thing that drives me crazy about raising kids is the absurd overprotectiveness that many people have. It is just as lacking in common sense and harmful as not caring what your kids are doing. IMO.

   That child was very very likely perfectly fine and enjoying the beach. He/she will also probably be able to take care of themselves when they are older.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

6. WSB
   Member Profile

   

   The OP sent this to us as e-mail and I pointed them to the forum. So welcome, new participant.

   Funny about overprotectiveness. Some experts say if you are close when they are very little, it will help them be confident enough to spread their wings when they are older. Sure worked out that way with ours.

   That aside, one thing that struck me when I read this person's e-mail: A child can drown in an inch of water.
   http://www.aap.org/family/homewatr.htm

   Does not mean you have to stay inches away, but it's not necessarily the beach itself that is the hazard.

   Preschool/toddler age is a tough time. You want to give them a little more rein. But you want to be close enough to protect them. A vivid incident I remember on Alki when mine was somewhere around that age, was some guy coming up and wondering if he could photograph my son. I said no, he moved on to other kids.

   Later saw a photo of him in a police bulletin. He was wanted for child porn.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

7. shihtzu
   Member Profile

   Yeah, there is a fine line at times. I guess I don't mean the posters concern was absurd as I probably wouldn't be that far away from a three year old (four? maybe) either.

   Different people have different comfort zones with their kids. I for one let my five year old ride his bike on the sidewalk in front of our house without me right there. Many I know wouldn't. On the other hand, I would never hire someone via a babysitting service or use a nanny, but many would and that's OK.

   I guess at least the perv asked if he could take a picture instead of just using a zoom feature as many probably do...

   Posted 11 months ago #         

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