I understand your pov. I would avoid the press at all costs too. But, to be honest, if that route is taken, there are some who would be suggesting they were being too closed off (I remember that with the Smart case).
I think they are taking the approach of lets do this now, get the press off of our back, then we can start addressing the healing process.
I have read in this thread that the parents are to appear on Oprah; did this include Shawn? If not, just getting out there and addressing the questions and then going home is an ok path. Personally, I would tell Oprah to take a flying leap, but that is me.
"I think they are taking the approach of lets do this now, get the press off of our back, then we can start addressing the healing process."
I hope you're right. But I don't feel good about this.
I think the Smarts handled it well.
And so far, Elizabeth Smart seems to be doing well.