why don't the authorities check the the mileage of the hired car
robinson, peterlee, united kingdom
I am sickened by the fact that everyone ignores the criminal negligence on the part of these so called parents.
To leave 3 babies alone like that, so far away at the tapas bar, that is criminal. There was a huge pool in between...they could have wandered out and drowned. They could have found matches and started a fire, or fallen out a window or any other number of horrible scenarios.
To me, these parents have been given a "free pass" from the hungry media...let's be honest here. They are at least guilty of negligence. I hope the Portugese get the strength to prosecute them.
Look at the picture of the resort...leaving babies alone like that is criminal.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_mXbRBcSh0gs/RlowOZfs4eI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NnmhuElEmVI/s1600-h/Aerial_Photo_Ocean_Club_Eng.gif
Cheri, Fort Lauderdale, USA
It's ironic that people don't believe in Satan anymore, to the degree that two parents, both with degrees at the doctorate level can leave three 2/3 year olds in a makeshift nursery apartment in a complex where everyone knows they take off at night and leave their children alone crying. For a crafty criminal, who knows Satan exists and has sold his soul, this may have been too easy to pass up. But then again, evil lurks in the hearts of the British (remember Shakespeare) and it could be that the dad, who doesn't appear to have a clue about the boundaries that authority impose on human beings, went a little overboard on the doctoring. The only thing worse for a child than finding out that Satan roams about the world, seeking the ruin of souls and bodies, is that his fellow human beings make crappy movies like Shrek that turn the healthy world of fairy tales and beauty, completely upside down. But then, souls go pretty cheap these days.
Anna, Middleton,
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,
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 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,
why don't the authorities check the the mileage of the hired car
robinson, peterlee, united kingdom
I am sickened by the fact that everyone ignores the criminal negligence on the part of these so called parents.
To leave 3 babies alone like that, so far away at the tapas bar, that is criminal. There was a huge pool in between...they could have wandered out and drowned. They could have found matches and started a fire, or fallen out a window or any other number of horrible scenarios.
To me, these parents have been given a "free pass" from the hungry media...let's be honest here. They are at least guilty of negligence. I hope the Portugese get the strength to prosecute them.
Look at the picture of the resort...leaving babies alone like that is criminal.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_mXbRBcSh0gs/RlowOZfs4eI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NnmhuElEmVI/s1600-h/Aerial_Photo_Ocean_Club_Eng.gif
Cheri, Fort Lauderdale, USA
It's ironic that people don't believe in Satan anymore, to the degree that two parents, both with degrees at the doctorate level can leave three 2/3 year olds in a makeshift nursery apartment in a complex where everyone knows they take off at night and leave their children alone crying. For a crafty criminal, who knows Satan exists and has sold his soul, this may have been too easy to pass up. But then again, evil lurks in the hearts of the British (remember Shakespeare) and it could be that the dad, who doesn't appear to have a clue about the boundaries that authority impose on human beings, went a little overboard on the doctoring. The only thing worse for a child than finding out that Satan roams about the world, seeking the ruin of souls and bodies, is that his fellow human beings make crappy movies like Shrek that turn the healthy world of fairy tales and beauty, completely upside down. But then, souls go pretty cheap these days.
Anna, Middleton,
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,
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 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,
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