I wonder, could it be that there were several stair-step aged children in the Joseph and Mary household when they had the Jesus at twelve incident of the temple? If Mary and Joseph were busy keeping track of four or five little ones as they left Jerusalem it is understandable that they would have overlook the presence of the twelve year old who did not require such close watcfhing as the little ones. I can remember taking kids on an outing, the concern focused on the youngest.
That’s right and I doubt the journey was *dangerous*.
They were with a crowd and traveling together. That’s why they did not miss Jesus for the day.
If it were just them and an only child, they NEVER would have not noticed that He was not with them.
They sure can disappear quickly!