I continue to be curious why western parents feel that "protecting childhood innocence" means you should lie to your children. There are no ghosts demons or monsters like those described in Shrek or Harry Potter or the Bible.
Yet there are of course many real monsters who live in semi detached houses.

We fill their heads full of fantasy nonsense between 3 & 10 and then wonder why they cant de-program and cope in the real world.

I have spent quite a lot of time living in Asian countries and English parents living out there constantly complain that local children have no childhood. What they really mean is that Asian parents insist that their children have the best factual education possible and dont spend much time with games and toys.

I would rather a child have a realistic view of a person that can hurt them and how to avoid it, than be scared of something that doesnt exist.

Mike, Oxford, UK

I think the 'Mums Brigade' did the right thing. But then I think that the advertising has been over the top. Sure if I were a parent I'd want to find my child, but then I'm sure that all the parents that have ever been have wanted to find their child after they've been taken. But what makes this little girl so special? Maybe with all the extra hype about the disappearance the Police will forget to look at the parents as suspects, and by the look of it, it's working.
I say again "what makes this little girl so special", more so than all the others.
Have a heart for the other children who have gone missing, I bet you can't remember them.

Iain Record, Nottingham,

I think it's ridiculous to be able to think you can shield your children from the publicity the Madeleine campaign has achieved. I hadn't told my children until we were waiting outside a loo on the Eurotunnel train and there was a poster of Madeleine. I then chose to tell them as they asked, quite naturally what it was all about, and I'm glad I did. If it was my child I would want every exposure possible. Shame on the holier than thou Mumsnet brigade and heaven help them if it happened to them.

Fiona, Brussels, Belgium

I'm not a mother but when children go missing as happened when I was a child, you develop a sensitivity to strangers. Unfortunately my name was proudly displayed on my schoolbag and oneday I was called by my name, by a roadworker on the way to school. I never forgot it.!. Needless to say, I never forgot that lesson. And as I was the eldest child my siblings were always sheparded to and from school from that time on. Some good does come from adversity even if it prevents another child from disappearing. Children have coping mechanisms but teach them to watch-out for one another and train even tots to phone for help in emergencies.
The McCanns other children are too young to notice anything out of the ordinary I suppose?
Ask your child to draw a picture about the Madeline story- if they are worried or anxious about the TV adverts/news.It is another way of expressing their concerns which will relieve some stress at least and help put the matter in some perspective in their eyes.

Sally, Adelaide, Sth Australia

I am a mum of five,and the attitude of these,"perfect"mothers is sickening.Count your lucky stars that you can sit in a cinema with your children safely by your sides.If it was your child missing,you would want every possible thing done to help find her.But I suppose the people who complained about this ad,are the same ones who are also criticising the McCanns on their parenting abilities.It must be wonderful living in your self-righteous bubble.Every one of you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Dodo, Belfast,

I think this is one of the most selfish and self centered acts by the "mummy brigade". Just imagine the lengths they would go to if it was their child missing. Why deny the McCanns? Just to protect their own "safe" children? How selfish.

Gwyneth , Dubai, UAE

Okay, several people here have made the same comment in favor of these ads being pulled from children's features; that the children going to see these pictures aren't going to recognize the little girl anyway, so why bother.

Obviously, it takes only a moment of logic to understand that with each child there is an adult who might see that picture and be able to help find that child safely.

I think it's unwise to leave a child in the dark about crimes commited against children. If a parent wants to protect their child from information about kidnappings or unpleasant occurences, that's their choice.

Imagine that some adult in the audience of Shrek the Third might have seen that advertisment and recognized that girl. Imagine if that person might have had something valid to say about this child's abduction. Even if that might seem unlikely, it happens all the time.

Surely it would be worth a child who's safe with her parents seeing that ad if Madeleine were safe at home too.

Mandy, Tallahassee,

I think that trying to keep the truth about the world from young children is a very bad idea, and it only makes things more dangerous for them. They might go off with a stranger, not realising that it is a risky thing to do. Do you want your children to grow up ignorant of the world around them? I don't think so. Besides, lots of childrens books and films have people being kidnapped. And Madeleine's parents must be really worried about what has happened to the their daughter, so you can hardly blame them for spreading the news as far and wide as possible. How would you like it if you're child was taken from you?
There is as much chance as a child seeing and recognising Madeleine as an adult recognising. Just because they are young you shouldn't underestimate them and try to hide everything from them.

Lily, Horsham, England

my grand-daughter has just turned 4 and she knows Madeleine is missing.. Everytime she sees Madeleine on the tv she asks has she been found. It hasnt harmed her at all, actually it might have made her more aware as she talks to her dollies as all 4 yr olds do and says I will look after you and wont lose you..So come what damage does an advert do.. they probably see more on tv that harms them.And also when we go out she tends to not run away and hide so much as she used to do..

yvonne, portsmouth, uk

Jolly well done on your little victory. A really good day's work on behalf of children everywhere.

Jessy, Birmingham,

I totally disagree,I have 4 children and I too would move heaven and earth to find them if they went missing.and if this meant placing their photo in every available advertising space so be it .
.I made the mistake of not telling them about the recent tidal catastrophe in Thailand,I thought in order to protect them from the horror.Recommencing school after the Christmas holidays assemblies ,prayers and collections were undertaken.My 6 and 7 year old were really upset that they did not know anything about this disaster and demanded a reason why this event was not explained to them.
I have learnt a lesson by this mistake and now explain all news to them in a way that they can understand-if therefore they get news from another source I can now be satisfied that they will already have a good understanding and not be scared or frightened .
We talk about Madeline alot because of the importance of not to forget her and her family.

jill page, porthcawl, mid-glamorgan

I totally agree - we did the same with the tsunami only for the headmaster of our primary school to tell the whole school in detail of what had happened. It terrified my then 6 year old son who had nightmares for months, and still worries when it rains hard that our street is going to be consumed by a huge wave.

It is for parents to decide what to tell their children about these tragedies - it is hard to believe that people have not heard about this case with the amount of publicity it has received and there is no need to show it before a film like Shrek although to show it prior to films for older children and adults I think is a good idea - it's not as if a five year old is going to spot Madeleine anyway - and she's almost certainly not in England so what is the point.

Annie, Cheltenham, UK

Whilst I can fully appreciate the authors points of view, I feel that bullying cinemas into removing the find Madeleine campiagn is an outragous insult to a family who are doing all they can to find their precious child.
Shame on mumsnet for doing ANYTHING to hamper the campaigns progress. Madeleine is the treasured first born child of a loving family, she needs to be found as soon as possible.
As a parent of 2 small children I make choices everyday which I hope are the right ones, The McCanns will live forever with the knowledge that a choice they made was not correct, but each and every one of us could easily be that family.
The split second your head is turned in a shop, the fraction of time in between taking a child from its car seat and it bolting across a carpark are both good examples of how an everyday activity can lead to disaster.
I look at my precious children every day and thank God we are not the McCanns. We easily could be.

kim marshall, newcastle upon tyne, uk

I agree with Lynne Guyton's views earlier.
One of the most important jobs all Mums (and Dads, incidentally) have to do is to explain appropriately - in a way their own child can understand - the bad parts of lreal life - stranger danger, physical and sexual abuse, bullying, animal cruelty, loss, death, abduction... unfortunately the list is a long one. Children are going to meet these things both inside and outside the cinema soon enough. How on earth did parents manage without Mumsnet advice before it was created? Very well, thank you. Should the ad have been removed? No.

Mrs. Kernoghan, Thatcham, UK

mumsnet, get real!! This is a four year old little girl that is missing. No one know where she is, if she's alive or dead, if she's happy or sad, if she's being looked after. Her face needs to be recognised by as many people as possible around the world. Fact - One is six children are found from being recognised by appeal posters etc. I would do exactly what the McCann's have done. You may only hope NONE OF YOU find yourself in a similar situation. You should be ashamed of yourselves, just imagine for one second if this was your child. God speed you home Madeleine. Niamh Brennan a mum of two.

Niamh Brennan, Colchester, UK

This issue is about the welfare of all children. What could be more terrifying to a child than the thought of being taken from their parents? They will have more than enough exposure to the horrors of this world, why not shield them before they have the emotional maturity to deal with it? And as for getting the message across to parents, is there a parent in Britain who doesn't feel the McCanns' distress. I doubt it will lessen the impact of the campaign if children's movies are eliminated from the schedule. Targetting teens and young adults who are probably less likely to feel an empathy with the issue is far more useful. Perhaps then, as they go about their gap year travels, they may be more motivated to notice a little girl they otherwise might have ignored. Anyway, give the mums a break. We're just trying to protect our children - it's a hard enough job as it is. And please, don't ever accuse a mother of not caring about the plight of a chld, whoever and wherever they may be.

Nicole, London,

I believe that the ad should be shown at theatres, but that it should include vocabulary that's not so harsh for u, g, and pg rated films. The phrase "snached from her bed" is pretty harsh for a young child, especially one that hasn't heard about this tradgety yet. Children do often notice more things than adults, and showing an ad would be helpful, but only if it had less harsh words and phrases in it. I feel awful for the McCanns and wish them the best of luck in the search for their daughter.

Kate, Boston, USA

It say a lot when the mums on mumsnet have so much spare time to witter on about child rearing (rather than getting on and and actually doing it) that they can actually stop a worthy campaign - they should be ashamed of themselves.

Lynne Guyton, London, UK

bravo to all the people who have wide and wonderful ideas to help in this world wide search for Madeleine, and raspberries to the negitive, uninformed knockers ,who cannot see past their small suspicious little minds, to see the big picture of loving wonderful parents as Gerry and Kate ,don't you think they have enough agony without having to bear the pain of standing accused ,HELP THEM DONT HURT THEM, keep going Gerry and Kate millions are behind you world wide . beverley in australia

BEVERLEY JOY MAYNARD, bundamba, australia

i really could have done without reading that article. i suggest if you this kind of "victory" in future, please make it a quiet one...

Karl, Annalong, County Down, NI

I agree with removing the ad from cinemas - it clearly could have been presented more sensitively so as not to frighten the youngest of us who have only fear to gain from knowing the details. My boys, aged 4 and 6, both saw the news reports - their attention immediately alerted seeing one of their own age in trouble. They do have sensitive minds and it only takes one fearful thought to embed itself in their psyches to undermine their innocence. I understand the plight of the parents and hope with all my heart that there is an ending to their tragedy soon but they do need to consider other people's children as well.

Liz, Cambridge, UK

to greg in northampton

You are obviously not a dad and can not relate to parental suffering! Every child matters and there are people world wide trying to prevent the international atrocities that occur - getting through the 'red tape' in these sort of countries is the problem. How can you help a country when they do not recognise their own problems. Grow up! Wise up! A mum

G Doset, wareham, UK

Oh and just a further thought...people keep asking why you show this to such young children ? Duuuuuh ? Madeleine is 4 years old....who better to be able to look into other children's eyes than another child ? They are the right height and don't attract suspicion as an adult would, bending down to look for her special eye mark.

Clare, Leicestershire, uk

I feel that teaching my children that the world isn't a fairy tale is FAR kinder than giving them rose tinted specs until they are a teen , then ripping them off suddenly ! Yes, you need to be careful. You need to explain on their level and give them reassurance that you already have things in place to assure their security. My children are very well balanced (ages 8 and 4) and they are not being told a jolly little lie that the world is safe and marvellous ! Kids are strong and open minded...they just need the truth to know what they are working with here.

Clare, Leicestershire, uk

I wish the melodrama surrounding Madeline would end. So many outpourings of almost hysterical grief over one missing European child, when children starve to death in uncounted numbers, are slaughtered, kidnapped and raped, forced to serve as drug-fuelled miniature soldiers, sold as cattle and undergo religious multilation in countries few could indicate on the atlas. Is their suffering worth less than Madeline's? Are their deaths less worthy of note, or is it simply that they die in such massive numbers that their suffering bores us? How many African babies have to die to warrant the column inches devoted to one European child?
Wake up, grow up.

Greg, Northampton, England

How absolutely pathethic! How would you feel if it was your little girl? You would do everything you possibly could to find her. Really, you should be ashamed of yourself and yet here you are boasting about what you have done!

God bless Madeleine McCann.

Meg, New York, USA

My daughter is 3 and a half, and we told her in sentences she could understand about 'the little girl who was taken away from her parents', and that 'mummy and daddy were sad and praying that the little girl would be returned to her parents soon.' No harm done. My daughter has seen pictures of Madeleine, she's seen me reading news updates and to-date has not had a single nightmare.
For the love of reality, tell me, would you rather your kids believe in the unrealities of Shrek than develop a compassion for others starting at a young age.
If all the kids who had attended the cinema had been told about Madeleine I am pretty sure the children's reactions would have been different, and the overly anxious and worried parents would not have over-reacted. Children are susceptible to emotions and will pick up on anything their parent feels. Example, teaching a young child to swim. If you as a parent are scared of the water then you pass on that fear to your kid; if not, the kid swims!

Judith, London,

i suggest you all read some of the things people write on mums net. Some of the regular mums are extremely rude, aggresive and are out to cause offense to anyone who makes a valid statement. Instead of listening to these women i suggest you look and make your own opinion then you will realise that removing the madeleine trailer at the shrek film had nothing to do with the content just an anti mccann movement

mrlampard, london, england

I hope all these selfish mothers are proud of ther little victory. Thanks to them, the Harry Potter books didn't have the bookplates and get the world wide exposure that Madeleine deserved. I hope they also never read them any more fairy stories as children get abducted, killed and prey upon in them. I hope that if a predator ever god forbid, comes for their children that their children will know what to do. Or, will they believe the world is all candy-floss and Shrek movies.
Argh! I know these types of mothers and they make me nauseous! Look after your own types and as long as it's not happening to them.

JL, Sydney, Australia

In my opinion, if this were your child that was missing, or someone elses, or even someone that was dear to you, you would want as much public awarness as possible, i know i would. Who but who, brings the children to the theater, but the parents. So if they can make as many people aware of her disappearance as possible, so be it. They are not harming anyone in wanting there child back, and doing what ever it takes to make that happen, as any parent would. This is a plea to the world to bring this poor baby home. This is a real situation and well known that this is very common, sheilding your child is making them oblivious to the true fact. They should know that if a stranger has them to scream like heck, thats what my 4 year old knows.

Annette, sault ste. marie, canada

Most of the comments here seem to suggest that if it were your child (my child) that was snatched then we wouldn't be arguing against showing the advert in cinemas. This is a deeply flawed logic and makes an incorrect assumption, namely that showing the advert to a bunch of five year olds will help find Madeleine. Yes, there is a remote possibility that one of these kids may see Madeleine, but lets face it, it's a tiny, tiny possibility. This, then, has to be weighed against the very real and very certain distress that this will cause to both the kids and their parents. Couple this with it being unexpectedly thrust at these children when they were waiting for an entertaining treat, affording them no opportunity to escape, is simply wrong. No one, however desperate, and however much we want to help them, has the right to force traumatic information down the throats of toddlers in glorious technicolour.

Nicholas Ord, Guildford, UK

I am astonished that Ms Lane would feel that having the ad removed was a "victory." It is a misuse of "Mumpower" and I have no doubt that if this were her daughter she would also want to use every avenue to find her. I remember the agonising 30 minute wait for the return of my daughter when she was 4 and got lost in Regents Park. Ms Lane should bear the McCann's agony in mind before crusading to remove an ad to help find their daughter. I went to see Shrek III last night with my 19 year old daughter and remembered that when she was five she was scared of films like these where cats turn into donkeys and towers fall on princes and a prince uses his sword to chop off a head of a deer! That is the stuff of nightmares, not an event that can be explained rationally to a child and where reassurence can be given. Perhaps the lesson Ms Lane needs to learn is that her daughter is not ready to go see an animated film yet on a large screen, and stick to the Tele Tubbies for now.

jessica lawrence, west harrow , london

Heartbreaking is the power of Mumsnet !
It is important that the plight of the McCanns is not forgotten or brushed aside for a parent's discomfort and inability to communicate to their child that one little girl has gone missing.
Shameful of the Odeon to bow down to such pressure, better had they not agreed to show the ads in the first place - they should be shown at adult showings at least.

I pray that Madeline is returned safely to her parents every day.

Reena, St Albans, Herts

I think everybody, no matter of what age, gender ,or race should be aware of Madeleine. My children do! age 6 and 9. You can not and should not she;ter your children from reality beause one day it may be happening to you and them. They should be prepared what to do upon such an occurance. Don't be so judgemental or ignorant, imagine if it were you!

Sarah, Tamworth, England

My 3.5 year old son does not know about Madeleine McCann. I am not 'shielding him' - He cannot read, he does not watch the television news, and it is not discussed at nursery. Other subjects he is unaware of are Iraq, Darfur and the 3 year old girl kidnapped in Nigeria. He does not have the understanding or experience to put any of these events into context. I do not think that hearing about a girl his age being snatched from his bed will be useful to him or any other child as the chances of them being in a similar position are vanishingly small. I am more concerned that he learn the green cross code.

Meanwhile, there have been very long threads on Mumsnet where people have suggested and carried out practical actions to help the McCanns. I agree with others that this advert perhaps didn't reach anybody who wasn't fully aware of the case. If nothing else, however, the subsequent discussion has kept her in the public eye.

kirstie, london,

How sad. Poor little Madeleine and poor McCann family. I wonder how you'd feel about media support if it were your child. Maybe the cinemas should show it at adult rated screenings. They may have information.

Elizabeth, Mackay, Queensland Australia

I can't believe that your inability to explain this issue to your child should trump any effort made to find Madeline McCann. For shame.

Christie, Raleigh, USA

my 4 yr old son saw me crying while watching the maddie story on the news , i told him calmy and truthfully what had happened , but also told him that me and his dad are here to keep him safe - i would not be over the moon to have seen this ad , but i would be more concerned about him scalding himself with boiling water,which the writer does not seem bothered about - that appalled me much more than anything else she said - my son has seen bombs on the news and pictures of Iraq , and i talk to him honestly about war etc , and he has never been traumatised yet - i ensure my home is made safe , but also tell him the world is not perfect , and if he has any questions to come to me and i will tell him to the best of my ability without sensationalism - i add that the teachers at his pre-school said he was among the most well-balanced and empathic child they had ever taught.

sue, london,

Good on you I say. We have chosen to shield our children from Madeleine's abduction, because realistically, what can an almost 4 yr old do to help find her? I have been following the story and my heart is filled with compassion for the McCanns and I have forwarded the chain email on to as far away as Argentina but I say show the ad to an audience that might actually be able to help! A very young child is not able to understand the true risk to them of being snatched from their bed while they sleep. They will think it's going to happen to them, possibly the very next time they go to bed! I believe it is up to individual parents what their children are exposed to. It's true the world is not perfect, but an abduction like this is so rare in our culture. I truly do not see how showing this ad to young children is going to help bring Madeleine home.

Sharon, Canberra, Australia

You post your it message so innocuously, as if you are some kind of normal parent. Do they exists?Your child had 'a' nightmare probabaly about the green monster in Shrek - you'll have us believe it was the advert about Madeleine - but the reality is it, showing the advert was an afront to you as a parent, taking away your control. My child has had two or three nightmares in her short life, one of which was about a height chart on her wall - it happens. I cannot believe you have made such a fuss about something so insignificant. Get some perspective on this and consider the times when God forbid you leave your box on whilst upstairs doing your laundry and your children see some wholly inappropriate TV - Trisha - Jeremy Kile depicting the sad and sorry times we live in - staged fighting and insults - what is more damaging here?

Are you going to create as much fuss when your daughter trots off to the docs for the pill and you don't have the right to know - get angry then

Karen T, Hereford, UK

It's ridiculous to take this ad off the shrek movie. Obviously the mccanns want to find their daughter they are doing all they can and then we have these selfish people who wreck it by saying their children are having nightmares. Don't let them watch tv if this the case.. thats how ridiculous it sounds!

Jessica, Australia,

Shame on you! How would you feel if your child was taken in the middle of the night, and most likely by a pervert!
You would do anything to get her back as they are doing.

Plug your ears, or hide your child's eyes but please don't take away the family means of finding their lost 4-year old baby girl.
Have some mercy and compassion for a fellow parent for God's sake! SHAME ON YOU! Help find Madeleine.

Anne, Los Angeles, USA

I took my daughter to see Shrek 2, and there were scenes of torture that were supposed to be funny. I vowed never to take her to a Shrek movie again, and haven't. I think she would be more likely to have nightmares from such scenes than about a campaign to highlight the plight of a little girl. If a child is old enough to see such a movie, then they are probably old enough to learn that the world isn't a perfect place. Don't you see that your complaints are only making headlines because there are no important leads on the investigation. That's what upsets me.

Dominique, Sydney, Australia

Well done Harriet , It should be your choice what your child see's and hear's .
Whilst i do sympathise with the Mcanns , does the ad really need to been shown before a childrens film ? i think not. A 15/18 cert is sufficent enough.
Why should other children suffer because Madeline has ?

sarah, wolverhampton,

I think this is a very misguided mother if she thinks all her 5 year old needs to know is "she musn't wander off in the street or open the door to strangers". It is important that children realize the reality of these dangers and be taught what to do should the situation ever happen to them. I showed my just 6 year old Maddie's website and explained to her what happened. It helped to show her that what Mommy and Daddy explain in words really can happen and that's why we teach her to be careful. Shame on these parents that dare to complain about their children's nightmares or questions while they are safe at home, how about Maddies nightmares while in the hands of a stranger? I'm sure if it were their child out there it would be a different story.

Suzy, Norwalk, CT

I am stunned. Day after day people consume the sensational aspect of missing Madeleine McCann. It goes as far as pointing a video camera at a suspected gravel grave and hoping to find the remains - I am sure all mothers at mumsnet would have followed this closely and safely from their homes.

When, however, the exposure comes too close to home, people start turning their back and run - shame on you - put it into perspective. You would do the same. Help find Madeleine.

Janine, Irvington, NY

Regarding the website you say "as your children graduate from potties to iPods, you’re still there" - are you qualified to make that comment? You say in your article that your eldest is 5.

Please tell me that you dont have a child of 5 years of age that owns an iPod?

Guy, Paris, France

I'm father of an almost 2 year old boy here in Caracas, Venezuela. I do totally agree with Harriet Lane and applaud his actions. You shouldn't unnecessarily scare HUNDREDS or THOUSANDS of kids for the sake of helping Madeleine to appear alive and well. Fear is part of life. It must be handled. But, is there any need of adding UNNECESSARY fear to my kid's heart? NOT AT ALL. At the soccer World Cup, after each ame finished, they showed distressed kids, dressed with the colors of their favorite teams, sobbing and crying in the stadium giant screen and thru the satellite TV transmission all over the world. Can you imagine how harmful IS THAT? Why UNICEF doesn't act against FIFA for this unresponsable act?. The kid tell his neighbours and friends he'ps going to the World Cup to root for his dad's team. He gets hats, T-Shirts, he paint his face with the team colors. And at the end the whole world sees the boy crying in his mom's arms 'cause his team lost. That's just a criminal TV action.

Carlos Sicilia, Caracas, VENEZUELA

so its ok to read them nursery rhymes and stories about big bad wolf and wicked witches but its not ok to hear about real life. Your child will see madeleines image its everywhere. when will parents stop wrapping their kids in cotton wool. This is 2007 not the waltons. children are not stupid they will be concerned thats a normal feeling but with good communication your child will be fine and will be aware of stranger danger.

della, london,

We must not forget the plight of the missing children. So, you may find it inappropriate to show the ad in a theatre...get over it. This kid is missing and it needs to be kept in the open. So, your uncomfortable with it. Think if it was your baby. Have compassion, lighten up. Use the opportunity to explain the dangers of strangers and safety. No one wanted to offend the movie goers. Bravo to the theatre operators for showing courage by showing this ad...I would rather see this then an ad for a burger.. Look outside yourselves, Complainers, and have compassion..we must not give up hope or give in when it seems inappropriate...Everything in our human power must be done to address the plight of missing children. Our prayers must continue. You want to complain about something, complain about lack of punishment for perpetrators of crimes against children. Pray for Madeleine. Be supportive in the plight, Get over your "uncomfortableness" of seeing this before a show. BIG DEAL.

Cheryl, Ladysmith, Canada

I agree with this article totally.

It is our responsibility as parents to protect our children for as long as possible. While they are very young, the fear engendered by this tragic event is something that we can and should protect them from. Advertise to the older kids and adults by all means, but help us protect our little ones. Lord knows I find what has happened to Madeleine terrifying enough, but I am an adult. I would like to spare my child the same terrors.

Natalie, London,

I think it is other children who are most likely to recognise the missing girl Madeleine Mccann. I know when I am busy food shopping my 6 year old son is the one most likely to notice that the girl in fruit and veg section is wearing a pink dress with blue buttons, wearing heelys and carrying a tube of smarties. Kids are so much more observant!
A small victory for the parents of mumsnet but what about Madeleine Mccann?
If my childeren have a nightmare or feel scared I can cuddle them and make them feel better.
Who is there to comfort Madeleine during her nightmare?

Zoe, London,

I cant believe that this world has become so selfish that all you could only think about was shielding your child from what waas nothing but a reality. While that few seconds spot of advert might have disturbed her, I suspect it was more you than her. The reality is simply that - A child has been abducted and she is possibly out there missing her parents very much and they her. The McCanns are doing everything that they could to find their daughter and if one could not do more to help, one should certainly not thwart their appeals for help.
I dont see what is there to be feeling victorious about except that it is a sad day for humankind and all the children in the world if they were to grow up believing that being shielded from reality and facts of life takes precedence over everything else including being gracious and generous to your fellow human being in need of help.

Gladys CLS, Singapore, Singapore

Mumsnet "will not tolerate txtspk or sloppy grammar."

Shame it tolerates posters using the F word every other word. It put me off the place entirely. Not exactly setting a good example for their own children, are they?

Jane, London , UK

I agree with the original author. Ads for missing children should not be shown in conjunction with children's programming and movies. I don't think there are many people who don't know this story. I doubt that scaring young children was the McCanns intent. They seem like nice sensitive people and wouldn't want there message spread in this manner.

John, Franklin, MA / USA

The person who wrote this article and caused the advert to be axed is a very selfish woman. Is it just me or is empathy really lacking in a lot of people?

jutta, Surrey, UK

I dont think the girl will be found ( if at all) in England. I think we all know what she looks like.

We dont need to scare preschoolers to find her.

algernon, a city,

Hold on a second here ...

Just exactly what was supposed to be achieved by screening this advert?

Unless parents have been living in a sealed cave for the last 2 months (in which case would they even know that Shrek had been released?) then I think it is safe to assume that there was not one adult in any auditorium who was unaware of the Madeleine case... so no need for re-enforcing the message to them.

Is it expected that children will run across Madeleine at School?, Playgroup?, Nursery?, Park?... somehow I doubt that whoever has Madeleine (making the big assumption that she is still alive -unlikely in itself given the level of publicity) is going to be taking her to normal childhood activities ... so pretty pointless showing the ad to the kids.
Apart from anything else, to use the phrase 'snatched from her bed' is alarmist and not even proven to be the case!!! Good on you Harriet, and Mumsnet for taking care of your kids - if only the McCanns had taken as much care.

Molly, Luton,

When out and about shopping with the children I generally find that they are far more observant about other children than I am. My six year old is more likely to notice the girl in the fruit and vegetable section wearing a blue dress with yellow buttons, Heelys on her feet and a tube of smarties in her hand than I am!

Children spot such fabulous details through car windows, on buses, in the park and out shopping. I think that demonstrates why the advert was directed at such a young audience. Children can help too!

Children make up such a large part of the population that they are crucial in supporting the campaign in finding Madeleine.

I am sorry that the writer’s daughter had a nightmare but was pleased she was reassured and comforted at midnight by HER mother.
Who is available to comfort Madeleine during her nightmare?

A small victory for the Mumsnet parents maybe and another closed door for the McCann’s.

Zoe Winfield, Enfield,

I understand your point here, but instead of putting your efforts to stop this ad that is actually a good cause, finding a girl, why dont you complain about the trash of media that your children are getting every day even in shrek, homosexuality, revenge, sexual jokes, attack to masculinity , etc(think of a good "example to follow" male character in the movie ¡¿?!) I understand you want to protect your children, i also want to. but this is a reality and you cant avoid it ,that doesent mean you show your children every bad new on tv, but instead of avoiding we should teach our children values to distinguish good and bad , and WE SHOULD FIGHT TO STOP ALL THAT MEDIA BAD STUFF THAT IS SHOWED TO US EVERY DAY AS THE PERFECT LIFE STYLE AND TRY TO SUPPORT ALL THE MEDIA GOOD THINGS EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT IMPLY A SMALL SACRIFICE. Critizice the bad stuff , but please dont demolish the few good stuff

Gaorme, df,

It seems a victory for you...
It.s a shame for me. If the little missing girl was your daughter??Wouldn't you do the same Mccanns are doing? You won't protect your children against all the horror in the world, unfortunately. I have a 3 year old girl and I try to talk about almost everything. It will help her to face the REAL world. Disney's princess world is wonderful, but I'm afraid it's not real...

Cinthia, Curitiba, Brazil

I cant believe that this world has become so selfish that all you could only think about was shielding your child from what waas nothing but a reality. While that few seconds spot of advert might have disturbed her, I suspect it was more you than her. The reality is simply that - A child has been abducted and she is possibly out there missing her parents very much and they her. The McCanns are doing everything that they could to find their daughter and if one could not do more to help, one should certainly not thwart their appeals for help.
I dont see what is there to be feeling victorious about except that it is a sad day for humankind and all the children in the world if they were to grow up believing that being shielded from reality and facts of life takes precedence over everything else including being gracious and generous to your fellow human being in need of help.

Gladys CLS, Singapore, Singapore

If it was your child missing, think about it that way. I have a 3.5 year old son and I have told him about Madeline. I also told him about the Blue Angel pilot who died here in SC and about the war in Iraq. I just make sure to do so in such a way as to make it make sense for him and to not upset him unduely.
Children KNOW, even without you telling them. As another commenter said: Children are a highly observant percentage of the population. Would you rather be known to your child for hiding the facts as if they are too stupid to understand or known to them as the wise teacher who explained it openly, honestly and in a way they could understand?
It really boils down to how you want your child to see you, not how much you want your child to see. They will see no matter what you do. Your job, as a parent, is to try to make it make sense.

Tracy, Charleston, SC

i as a mother am astonished by other mums complaing about this campaign i hope it never happens to them that they never have to be so helpess and desperate to find their child who is god knows where in possible danger.

it can do absolutley no harm whatsoever for children to be made aware of strangers etc.

i hope the feel better about being able to be so powerfuull and having such a victory over stopping a message which could potentially save madeleine and get her home safe not every one in the world is aware of her disaperence although it may seem like it the world i a big place and she could be anywhere but one thing is for sure the whole world can view a film at their cinema and that was one way of appealing.

what else are these perfect parents going to do next as there are posters everywhere that they can be there is the news the papers sports people appealing you childs favorite popstar appealing are you going to try and stop that as well rather then explain to your child

stacey, london, united kingdom

I believe that a compromise could and should have been reached, opposed to just pulling the ad. I am a Mother of a 3.5 year old and can relate to the article's author. However, I can also empathize with the McCanns and others in that situation. Children are a large and observant percentage of the population. It may be a child who notices Madeleine.
Perhaps, instead of using the word "snatched", the ad could be tailored for the child audience of U, G and PG films. The ad could simply relay the information that Madeleine's parents are looking for her and that they need people to keep an eye out for her.

Rebecca, Grand Rapids, MI

If it was your little girl
I think you would be writing a totally different tale as to what you have written
Totally agree what you say about sheilding your children
But you can soften the story to them to make them feel better
The Mccanns are desperate people who want their little girl back at no matter what cost and i don't blame them .
All you have to do is try to explain to your child in the softest and gentlest way you can .
I bet the Mccanns wished thats all they had to do with MADELEINE . Think about it and lets hope that other advertising agencies are not put off putting out the desperate pleas of the Mccanns just because you feel that your child should be sheilded and protected from this terrible wrong that has been done .
GOD BLESS MADELEINE AND ALL THE OTHER POOR CHILDREN THAT ARE MISSING XXXGOD BLESS THEM ALLXXX

Gail Taylor, Barnsley, England

I wonder how you will feel when they take your child!

Antje , Berlin, GErmany

I have alittle girl who is nearly two. Thankfully I don;t have to answer any of those questions just yet. If she was older, I agree, the opening to Shrek is probably not the time I would choose to discuss with her (if I chose to discuss it with her at all).

What concerned me is your confidence that your daughetr knows not to answer the door to strangers. I read about some research quite recently, I don't recall where. A number of children were told specifically not to answer the door while their parenst 'nipped out' (for the research).

While out, a staged 'stranger' knocked on the door. Every single child ignored the advice of their parents and opened the door.

I don't want to terrify my daughter, but I am loathe to tell her and that she should lose her innocence and also have to suffer this tragic incident. Where is the line?

I believe I will just have to watch her every move until she is old enough to be told.

Joanne, Halifax,