Wetterling case

The recent breakthrough in the Jacob Wetterling case was a reminder to many of how much has changed in Minnesota, and the country, since the disappearance of the St. Joseph boy 27 years ago. More than any other child abduction in recent memory, the Wetterling case shattered that sense of security that most of us associated with small town life. If it could happen in St. Joseph, many believed, it could happen anywhere.

Parenting hasn’t been the same since, nor has childhood for that matter.

While tragedies like the one that befell the Wetterling family are frightening and sad, it’s worth noting that they, thankfully, remain exceedingly rare. The number of stranger abductions, such as was experienced in the Wetterling case, number in the dozens in a typical year in the United States. A child is at least as likely to be struck by lightning.

While vigilance is certainly justified to protect our children against the unknown dangers that lurk out there, we can’t lose sight of the far more common dangers that kids face every day, often in their own homes. These are the kinds of dangers that concerned parents can often easily address with a few preventative measures and common sense.

Accidental injury remains, by far, the leading cause of child death. One of the best means of protecting our kids is to make sure they are properly buckled in an approved child safety seat when they’re riding in the car. It may seem obvious, but too many parents still don’t take the time to do it.

Keeping guns locked up is another step parents need to take to protect their kids. Far more children wind up dead or badly injured from playing with unlocked and loaded firearms than from abductions. And such injuries and deaths aren’t always accidental. By age ten, suicide becomes one of the top three causes of death among young people. Most successful suicides take place with a gun. Taking away that access significantly reduces the risk of suicide.

Drowning also claims many victims, which argues for always wearing life vests. Many children are injured or killed each year in bike accidents, which is why parents should insist their kids wear helmets when they are out for a spin.

And many more children suffer or die from preventable childhood illnesses than are abducted in this country, yet too many parents still don’t get their children vaccinated. While some still argue that vaccinations come with risks of their own, they undoubtedly pale in comparison with the benefits of proper immunization.

None of these suggestions are intended to frighten or alarm parents. Childhood should be joyful for both parents and children, full of spontaneity, creativity, and boisterous enthusiasm. Parents must let kids be kids, while providing unconditional love and the necessary guidance to help reduce the risks that all of us face every day.

Patty Wetterling probably said it best, in a statement she issued last week in response to the outpouring of concern for the family following the discovery of Jacob’s remains. “Everyone wants to know what they can do to help us.

Say a prayer. Light a candle. Be with friends. Play with your children. Giggle. Hold hands. Eat ice cream. Create joy. Help your neighbors. That is what will bring me comfort today.”

In other words, be aware, but don’t let fear run our lives.