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

'Like most people around the country I have had a really profound reaction to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. I have a little girl myself and I feel like my reaction to the situation has been much more acute than before I was a mother. Just seeing those images of Madeleine everywhere makes my stomach churn and her family's relentless campaign to find her reduces me to tears nearly every time I see it on the news.

'It comes with the territory to be protective of your children and Kate McCann's words 'please don't frighten her...' stayed with me for days. I can only imagine the guilt and desperation of the McCann's as their frantic search continues with no positive outcome. I am really supportive of their efforts in what must be becoming more and more desperate every day.

'It won't affect our holiday plans. You have to be mindful of the odds of something like this happening to your family, but it's still horrific that you have to acknowledge that this sort of thing happens at all, especially to our most precious and vulnerable. If I'm truthful I'll have an extra eye on my daughter and probably be that little bit more vigilant on holiday and when we're out and about generally. Even this weekend, I found myself hopping out of bed to double check that her bedroom window was closed tight.'
Katie, mum of one

'I'm seeing lots of comments (not just here, everywhere) on the lines of 'I won't let my children out of my sight for a moment' and 'these days the world is so dangerous', and it got me thinking about the 'good old days'.

'I don't think these things are happening nowadays more than they used to. In this world of mass media (and mass hysteria) we just hear about them more often.

'When I was a child, my parents were very protective. I wasn't allowed to go to discos or clubs when I was a teenager. But as a little girl I was left home alone with my sister while my parents worked. My Grandmother used to come and keep an eye on us but she wasn't there all the time. I was allowed to play in the park and fields with my older sister and cousins.

'I guess my point is, that things aren't really any more dangerous these days, and perhaps we shouldn't let ourselves get carried away by 'smothering' our kids and not allowing them any freedom or independence, on the off-chance (and it is an extremely tiny chance) that some evil lowlife is waiting for the opportunity to snatch them away.

'That isn't to say I'm lax with my boys' safety. I do keep an eye on them but they do leave my sight occasionally. Last summer we managed to lose them both, separately, when they wandered of in a fun park. Thankfully we found them safe and well, and my heart was in my mouth until we did, worrying about what had happened.

We have left them in hotel rooms while we had supper in the restaurant (with the monitor switched on of course). If there are baby sitters or baby listening services we would use them, but they are not always available.

'Of course, God forbid, if anything did happen to them I would never forgive myself for not watching them enough, but I am not going to go through life constantly worrying that something will happen.

'Madeleine is very much in my thoughts and I am hoping and praying that she is found safe and well.'
Zofia, mum of four

For further information about Madeleine visit www.bringmadeleinehome.com