missing 3 yr old in portugal

[dragonmist]

I have my 3 year old Granddaughter here 3 days a week. If she has an afternoon nap I sit with her and read a book. I had to answer the phone in the other room once, and she woke up alone, and was quite frightened. I wouldn't leave any child, especially one that young, alone at night. In this country it would be illegal. If that poor little mite woke up, and couldn't find her parents, she would have been very frightened. If someone passing had heard the child crying, knocked at the door and got no answer, they would realise immediately that the child was alone.
There have been cases of children in Europe being stolen for adoption in other countries. There have also been cases of children being abducted by paedophile rings in Belgium, and smuggled out of the country. It is never safe to leave children unattended anywhere.
The parents are both Doctors, so obviously well educated, and they should have known better.
I hope the poor little mite is found safe and well, but it seems tragically unlikely.

[craftykitty]

Do you know what l was choked when l listened to that when we were watching the news over our evening meal. We didnt realise the twins were only a year old, for christ sake they could choke or whatever. I feel so sorry for the child she must have/will been so scared whatevers going on. We have never left our daughter when we go on holiday and my daughter would never leave hers. l hope to God shes found soon live and well. Wendy xx

[artlandish]

It's not the parent's fault. They're not the evil ones. Can you imagine how much they must be blaming themselves already?

[silkcityuk2]

It's not the parent's fault. They're not the evil ones. Can you imagine how much they must be blaming themselves already?

yes it is...
how can anybody leave 3 kids alone while they go and have a meal
i am sadened by the whole affair

[Paulwillhappy]

Unfortunately is is the Parents fault ! The sad thing is that we live in a ME ME ME society where some parents put the care of their children way down on their list of priorities.

Lets wait a few more days and let the press give us some more back ground on the family and then we can say i told you so.

Families let their guard down on holiday or abroad, When i'm away i'm more alert.

10 years ago my wife Hilary dived to the bottom of a swimmming pool at La sirrene near Argeles su Mer in Southern France, to rescue a 3 year old who had fallen in, He was rushed unconcious to hospital and was released some days later, His parents were ungrateful to say the least and had gone back the their Caravan for a drink & a Bonk leaving little Rhys aged 3 on his own, Thinking the Lifeguards would look after him?

I was angry and wanted the UK authorities informed of their terrrible behaviour? Were the parents from a poor background NO NO they had good jobs in Banks and had decided to leave their Brains back in the UK.........

The experience spoilt this particular holiday

[dragonmist]

Sheesh. It wasn't just them. They were in a party of 4 couples with children, and all were doing the same thing. .. leaving the children and checking back on them.
If this was chavs Kevin and Sharon, the Social Services would be all over them like a rash on their return.
These are middle class professional people. What's the betting they don't even get a slap on the wrist?

[artlandish]

I've read reports that said that the parents were "distraught". Just feel terribly sorry for them. Maybe they were careless, but does any parent deserve this kind of agony? What I find more disturbing is that there are people out there who would actually be cruel enough to take a child away from their family and do God knows what to them.

[silkcityuk2]

Sheesh. It wasn't just them. They were in a party of 4 couples with children, and all were doing the same thing. .. leaving the children and checking back on them.
If this was chavs Kevin and Sharon, the Social Services would be all over them like a rash on their return.
These are middle class professional people. What's the betting they don't even get a slap on the wrist?

that just makes it worse really doesnt it
8 adults that should know better

[mogmog2005]

I know the parents must be going insane with worry, however they should NOT have left the children alone regardless of the complex being "safe" or "family friendly" or checking on them regularly. There could have been a fire in the complex or anything could have happened and sadly it did.

I hope madeline turns up safe and sound, i find this story heart breaking.

The parents are to blame for leaving her and her siblings alone.

prayers for this little angel to be returned safely.

[pheasantplukka]

I feel sorry for the parents but nevertheless this is gross negligence, parents have a responsibility to keep their children safe - no one in their right mind would leave their kids alone whilst dining - portugal is a relatively low crime area but still its total madness to leave 3 young kids under the age of 3 alone - why didnt they use the hotels babysitting services?

I really hope and pray she is found - i fear if she hasnt been found by today they are going to have to fear the worst :-(