Did I do the right thing?

[1gobluedem]

Yesterday I had a meeting at Panera Bread. My meeting was at 11:15; the place began to fill up for lunch around 11:45. This Panera is long and thin and kind of curves around at the front. I noticed a little boy (around 2 1/2 or 3) running down the aisle looking at all the tables, presumably for his mother; he didn't see her and went around the corner to the front right where the front door was. I was a little concerned so I stood up to see where he was going; he looked at all those tables too then came around the corner looking ready to cry and burrowed himself into an empty chair. I went over to him, crouched down, and asked him if was trying to find his mother; he wouldn't answer but just started crying. I said I'd help him look (meanwhile the woman I was having the meeting with was looking around trying to see if someone was looking for a kid) and said "why don't you turn around in your chair and see if we can find her." I didn't try to pick him up, or take his hand, or ask him to come with me because I know how it's pounded into kids to never go with a stranger. He didn't want to turn around so I was about to ask the girl behind the counter if she was able to make some sort of announcement when my meeting companion spotted a woman obviously searching for a child. I asked the little boy if that was his mother; it was and he ran to her all smiles. The woman kind of glared at me and said "I sent him to find a table" and went off with the little boy without even saying thank you.

Did I do the right thing by going over to him? I was worried; you can't really see the front door from the back of the place and he could easily have run out the door or been scooped up and taken out by someone. I was scrupulously careful not to touch him; I just wanted to make sure nobody snatched him. And would you send a child that tiny to go find an empty table in a restaurant full of adults? He was scared out of his mind -- I could tell. I thought I did the right thing but his mother seemed so ungrateful maybe I overstepped?

[nini]

1. yes.. .the child was lost and disoriented

and she should have the crap slapped out of her for thinking a small child could handle that task in a crowded place.


Good choice on Panera.. :9


You did good.. don't worry about that snotty mom.

[Texasgal]

2. Gee, I feel for you...

These days it's rough, kids are told to not talk to strangers. I do not think you did the wrong thing, but the Mothers reaction is what we can all expect now days.

The only thing puzzeling to me, is why did she send the child to find a table, I mean... the child was obviously scared. 2 or 3? I would NEVER send a 2/3 year old into a place by himself.

Come to think of it, maybe her reaction was brought on by GUILT!

[bettyellen]

3. you did the right thing....

the mom was just being defensive. that's kind of SOP for moms no matter what stupid shit they do.

[auntAgonist]

4. bless your heart for doing the right thing!

We all need to look after the children. That mother had NO business abandoning her child in a busy restaurant. (yes abandonging in my opinion). Sending a 2 1/2 or 3 year old to look for a table is disgraceful and irresponsible.

You did the right thing. You may have saved his life .. who knows?

aA

[LaurenG]

5. Jeez you are helping this woman and her child

and you're the bad guy? I never thought I'd say this because you always hear it from "old" folks, but back in my day people took care of their children and if an adult tried to help, the parent was always thankful and we didn't just run around restaurants un-chaperoned. You are a nice person, I'm sorry that we live in a world with dimwits because you were the hero of the day!

[fishwax]

6. you didn't overstep

I think you handled it very well.

[Strong Atheist]

7. The mom was a complete idiot. You did fine. nt.

[Misunderestimator]

8. You absolutely DID do the right thing. That woman should be ashamed of...

herself for resenting someone being concerned for her child. And she was wrong to send him to look for a table. People are exasperating sometimes. Do not let that experience prevent you from doing the same thing again for another child. Next time, it might really be a lost child and not just a poor kid with a bad parent. I know I'd want you to do that if it was my kid.

[1gobluedem]

9. Thanks, everyone, I feel better.

I know if one of my kids got lost I'd want someone to try and help them before something terrible happened. They were so friendly when they were little, they scared me silly. I never took my eyes off them.