You are getting beat up over the distance between mom and the child. I have to agree with you.
Five feet in a grocery story (long straight aisles) is not far.
Ten feet (or even 20) in a public park or field isn't far because it's open and you can see what's going on and where the child is.
OTOH, five feet (or even 3) is far for a 3 year old when your view is obstructed in a crowded and/or cluttered uncontrolled environment.
Thank you. I won't back down despite all the rhetoric.
OTOH, five feet (or even 3) is far for a 3 year old when your view is obstructed in a crowded and/or cluttered uncontrolled environment.
I never trusted my kids so I kept them close. My house was "child-proof" and a store is not.