BellaOnline Forums Family Special Needs Children What do you think about the following situation?

A couple who is not married but has a two years old son seperates. They still share the same apt, but she is looking for a new one. She wants to move out, and she wants their son to stay with his father - the father wants that too.

One day, when I visited the father, he complained about his ex-girlfriend saying: "Look at this!" - He grabbed into a bag she has left on a table in the apt, and took out some pills (against fever and pain, rather strong ones). "Look what she is doing - how dangerous this is for the child! She does not think of the child!" - And then HE PUT THE PILLS BACK INTO THE BAG AND LEFT THE BAG AND THESE PILLS ON THE TABLE WHERE IT IS EASY FOR THE CHILD TO GRAB THEM.
I reacted. I have a child myself. I did not ask "may I", but snatched the piils and stored them on the highest shelf I was able to find in the apt.

Please, help me and tell me what do you think is really going on inside (the inner core, or whatever I should call it; I hope you know what I mean) the father!
He keeps on saying: "My son is my one and only", and things like this, and he is (or seems to be?) really close to his son, and love him. - But this situation with the pills...

There is a saying, that actions speak louder than words. And this is completely, absolutely true.

It's paracetamol.

Paracetamol is acetaminophen ~ best known in the USA as Tylenol.

Maybe you can find a book like The Safe Baby or The Consumer Reports Guide - Protect your Baby and Child from Injury at Home and on the Go at your local library or bookstore to share with the parents?


Most women carry OTC medications in their purses because they need it while they are out and about; even those who are child-safety conscious may not realize that their purses or diaperbags are vulnerable to the attention of toddlers.



A locked closet with a high shelf is the best place to keep medications, because kids can find a way to climb on counters and investigate high cupboards or medicine cabinets. Visitors, babysitters and especially relative's purses are often seen as treasure chests by kids who know that candy and toys often can be found in them.

Pam W
SE of Seattle

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Child Safety - Pills, Purses, and Suitcases

I don't want to hear the answer that came to my mind - but to put these pills back to this place is a - subconscious - invitation to commit suicide.

I knew people who committed suicide, and I know, and have known very lively children and their parents, and the problems which arise from having to deal with a lively child. And that child is more than lively.

The same thing with the bathroom. Detergents and cleansing agents are stored there. Well, the bathroom is locked - from outside, WITH THE KEY LEFT IN THE KEYHOLE.

I have a very lively son myself (I am a single mother; my son is 20 years old now) - I know it means caring, caring, caring. Sometimes I thought 'would not anybody help me? I cannot cope with this any longer'. But I wanted, and I love my son so much, that these thoughts disappeared, and I kept on caring for him, loving him, and I'd never have done things like these (pills, bathroom). Because I wanted to keep my child.

He was a planned child - even though I am a single mother.

It is not a matter of lacking the knowledge of safty-methods but a matter of too much strain. This is the problem that has to be solved.

Yes, we have enough problems to go around, that's for sure. Emergency room nurses believe a great deal of the problem is lack of knowledge about basic safety issues. But there is almost always 'too much strain' adding to the risk.

I'm glad that you are looking out for children in your circle of friends and family.

Pam W
SE of Seattle

Child Safety - Pills, Purses and Suitcases
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art62309.asp/

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