Who's Watching the Kids?

Dear Alisa and Gina,

A friend of mine is in a group of mothers who walk their kids to school. One of the mothers doesn't keep a close watch on her six-year-old. She just seems to assume that the other moms will do the watching if she's in a conversation or gets distracted. This worries and annoys the other mothers. When my friend said to the mother, "you can't depend on others to know when you need them to take over if you don't ask," the mom in question got really defensive and angry. Now, my friend feels she shouldn't have said anything at all. What do you think? ~ Puzzled

In matters of safety I think we need to be as clear as possible. As uncomfortable as your friend was about confronting the distracted mother, I think she was right and that she should confront her again if the behavior continues. It's not about attacking the other mother, it's about ensuring the kids are safe. ~ Alisa

I know how your friend feels. I'm like the baby police. ("Hey, excuse me, ma'am, your child is standing in the shopping cart you left three aisles over. And he's holding a large glass jar.") Tell your friend I said "Bravo." She did the right thing. ~ Gina