Wandering is a clear and present danger

I have some friends who have a toddler. They recently invited me over to see their new swimming pool. I was astonished because there was no fence around the pool, so I asked the husband, “Don’t you need a fence to protect your child?” He said, “What for? He hasn’t fallen in yet.”

Sorry, that’s not a true story. I made it up, but it is exactly the kind of logic I have heard many times from caregivers when I warn them about the dangers of wandering. I’ve heard them say, “We don’t have a problem. He hasn’t wandered yet,” “He does not leave my side,” or “I cannot be out of his/her eye sight.” Continue reading “Wandering is a clear and present danger”