Information on a new vaccine available to girls to help combat cervical cancer
How has the Madeleine McCann case affected us?
The disappearance of Madeleine McCann has inevitably struck a chord with every parent. A selection of mums and dads discuss how the case has impacted on their lives
'I don't know any parent who, after the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, hasn't become more wary or held their child's hand that little bit tighter.
'I'm desperate for news about her. She's my first thought when I see the news or a newspaper and I feel deeply ashamed and disrespectful to the McCann family over my increased paranoia.
'Recently we stayed at a holiday park in a three-bedroom chalet. Despite us sleeping in the room next to our 22-month-old daughter, and my parents being in another on the other side of her, I woke constantly through the nights imagining people breaking in to steal her. It's ridiculous and totally irrational but it got worse as the week wore on. It happens at home too. I wake at any noise and feel immense relief when I hear her mumble or move.
'A few days ago there was lots of publicity about the lack of freedom that children have these days. In all honesty, the risks to children are probably no greater than they were when we were young but in this media-hyped world we are far more exposed to the potential dangers even if they are one in a million. Of course the supposed low level of danger is no consolation to the parents whose child is that 'one' and that's what's holding us all back.'
Kirstin, mum of one
'It's a tricky one really as I think it's such an unusual case. It's not like she was snatched in a crowd or anything. Whoever it was broke into the apartment to take her.
'We were at a wedding in Cape Town last year and the hotel provided a baby sitter service. We used it, but we gave the sitter and the hotel management a good grilling first and went to check regularly. Amelia even left early to go back and take over. We also took Jess with us every time we went out to eat.
'I guess I'm saying that while it's such a terrifying thing, it hasn't really changed how I do things.'
Fraser, dad of two
1 | 2 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
