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Should I write a letter that may get the children's playspace closed, or should I do nothing and hope nobody gets hurt?

Asked by jca (36062points) April 29th, 2009

At the Danbury Mall, there is a children’s playspace (an indoor playground, enclosed, carpeted). Parents are expected to accompany their children and watch them. There are posted rules, like no running and no fighting. There are recommended maximum heights for the kids, because the space is intended for babies, toddlers and little kids, not teens or bigger kids, but nobody ensures that parents and children abide by the rules. I have found that at times, the play area is chaotic, with big kids in amongst the toddlers and babies, kids chasing each other, etc. (kids acting the way kids do). Not every kid is accompanied by a parent. I had written a letter to the mall about three months ago, about what i had seen, and recommending they post someone to make sure the rules are followed and no kids are left while the parents go shopping. No changes were made.

Last night, I went to the play area with my two year old daughter. There was a little boy sitting alone, looking sad. He was about four years old. He started crying. I asked the parents in the area if any of them were his mom or dad. They all said no. I tried to talk to the boy but he was crying and saying “mama, mama.” I did not see mall security in the area so i called 911. In the meantime the kid was hysterical and one of the mothers there comforted him. The police called mall security. Security guard came, dad showed up (he left the kid there probably to go shopping), guard told him next time he’ll get arrested.

Someone told me if i write another letter emphasizing that they should just post a guard to enforce the rules, they may close the playspace and that hurts everyone. My conscience is clear because I wrote one letter already. Should I write another one? I feel like they didn’t take my concerns seriously but a kid could get hurt or worse.

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