One of the WORST Moments of My Life..

[Breezy]

Dad just picked up and I told him. He thought it was kind of funny and said even if she had woken up she wpuld have been fine. He said sorry to me that I had a stressful morning. I said alls well that ends well right? Whew!

[SilverSabre25]

And as for telling them, I would definitely tell, but with a laugh and a "OMG the craziest thing happened, my DS is SUCH a stinker!"

See, I discovered the hard way yesterday that my front storm door doesn't latch tightly all the time...either that, or DS is tall enough to open the door (possible, it's one of those lever-style handles)--DS has just mastered crawling up and down the steps and is CRAZY to practice. We have a bi-level, so there are six stairs, a landing with the front door, and six more stairs. We often leave the front door open with the glass storm door closed. I went downstairs with a basket of laundry and DS was following me at his pace. He stopped, as always, to gaze out the door. I went on down to put the laundry in (laundry room is right at the bottom of the steps) and after a minute one of those "mommy alarms" went off in my head--maybe I heard the sound of the storm door, I'm not sure--and I went to check. Sure enough, DS was out the door, on the porch, and when he saw me he grinned and tried to really quickly get down the six-inch step to the sidewalk so he could run off. He was MAD when I brought him in!! Of course, I'm a bit aghast at what *could* have happened and am taking appropriate measures--but at the same time it was kind of funny. My point is, these things do happen, and they don't make us terrible people. They make us HUMAN.

(((HUGS)))

[Blackcat31]

So glad this worked out well and (((hugs))) for the stress that happened with it....

I am also so glad you told the dad. I would prefer my daycare provider be accident prone versus being a liar or being untruthful....kwim?

This kind of thing could definitely happen to anyone and since it can and does, now you just learned a good lesson and know what to do and not to do to prevent it from happening again.

Again, so happy things worked out well for you, I am sure you were super stressed and worried as we all would have been. Happy day!

[safechner]

Don't beat up yourself. It happens someone like this. I remember when it happened to me.

We moved into a new house in Aug 2004. I only have one daycare girl (was 14 month old at that time) and my daughter was just turned two years old. We were playing outside in the back yard while I painted the stain into our fence so I can watch them at the same time. We just enjoyed that day. I told the girls to go back in the house to get ready to go pick up my other daughter who was in preschool and I will be inside a min after I closed the paint can. When I went back to the door and it was locked by my daughter. I asked her to open the door for me and she couldn't able open the door for a while. I freaked out every more. I knew my front door is unlocked and I went the gate to open but I can't because it locked in the front and I can't climb to get out the gate. I had tried to climb but it doesn't work. I cried for about 30 mins because I do not have a cell phone at that time. I finally heard someone who building the next house from my house and I yelled at him and beg him to come in the front to open the backyard door and he did. I thank him for that. I was embarrassed and worst of my life like this.. I was stuck for an hour in the backyard. We went to pick up my daughter at preschool and it was 30 mins late and I explained to them what happened. They laughed and told me not to beat up myself and it happened to them like that. I relieved to know that I am not alone. I also told my daycare girl's mother about what happened at pick up and she laughed about it.


It is up to you to tell your daycare mother about what happened. If it were me, I would tell them. It is your call.

[Countrygal]

I know you feel bad, but really that could have happened to anyone. Hide a key outside, just in case.

Yes, I would tell the parents. You never know who saw the firemen at your house.

What Sharlan said! It could happen to any of us!! Cut yourself some slack. Just the fact that you feel bad tells me it wasn't something you normally do. Her idea of hiding a key outside is a great one.

Now, take some {{{{HUGS}}}} and try to forgive yourself!

[Breezy]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. I feel so much better. And yes I did tell DH that it was my decision if i was going to tell DCF. I would not feel right keeping it from them. I also told him that if they werent understanding and pulled DCG then they may as well stay home with her because it could happen ro anyone and if it did happen elsewhere they cant be guarenteed that it would have been handled the way it was here. Swiftly with no incident. I very well could have left my phone in the house and then I would have been more stuck! But I was texting my mom at the time so I had it on me, thank goodnesss.

Also glad I remembered DHs new work number so I could call him to come home and nothing had to be broken. They say your brain stops remembering numbers because we all put them in our phones now. So glad I remembered it! He only told me once but the last four digits were 5432. Easy!

Also glad telling DCD went well and he is an understanding person! Im truly blessed!!!


Thanks again ladies!

[Blackcat31]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. I feel so much better. And yes I did tell DH that it was my decision if i was going to tell DCF. I would not feel right keeping it from them. I also told him that if they werent understanding and pulled DCG then they may as well stay home with her because it could happen ro anyone and if it did happen elsewhere they cant be guarenteed that it would have been handled the way it was here. Swiftly with no incident. I very well could have left my phone in the house and then I would have been more stuck! But I was texting my mom at the time so I had it on me, thank goodnesss.

Also glad I remembered DHs new work number so I could call him to come home and nothing had to be broken. They say your brain stops remembering numbers because we all put them in our phones now. So glad I remembered it! He only told me once but the last four digits were 5432. Easy!

Also glad telling DCD went well and he is an understanding person! Im truly blessed!!!


Thanks again ladies!

I think telling DCD that it happened showed him that you ARE a capable and logical provider who acts swiftly in the moment of chaos as well as kept a calm head and did what needed to be done. You proved your worth today for sure!

[Breezy]

I think telling DCD that it happened showed him that you ARE a capable and logical provider who acts swiftly in the moment of chaos as well as kept a calm head and did what needed to be done. You proved your worth today for sure!

Aw thanks! Yay me! happyface

My mom must have spread the word to my family members because I am getting texts from them saying how well I handled it as well

[DCBlessings27]

Here's a note...make sure you check every once in awhile to make sure the spare key is hidden if you keep one outside.

We got locked outside one day awhile back by a dcg. She had gone in to potty. I stayed outside with the kids bc she's old enough to go by herself. Well, she couldn't open the door and must have started flipping locks. I went to open the door and was locked out. I didn't panic. I *knew* that we had a key hidden in the front of the house. Guess what? It wasn't there.

I always have my phone on me while outside, so I did call dh at work. He wasn't thrilled about the possibility of driving home, but he would have. Luckily, I got dcg to move to the front door that has easier locks. She unlocked the front door. Now, I take my keys with me outside just in case.

[Kaddidle Care]

Aww honey - I'm sure it's happend to many of us.

It happened to me - my oldest was in one of those old walkers that are on wheels - I stepped out to get the mail and the little booger slammed the door on me - unfortunately it was locked!

I could hear him running top speed through the house (I had hardwood floors at the time) - WHEEEEEEE!

Thankfully my bathroom window was cracked open and I managed to remove the screen and climb back in.

Ever since then it has become habit to put the keys in my pocket and pat my pocket just prior to stepping out.

Not going to beat you up at all. All is well.

[JaydensMommy]

Something similar happened to me... Only it was my son in a car in very hot weather. I had set him on the seat to go around to the other side of the car. Well before I could get around to the other side he hit the lock button for the doors. And I had also set my keys down.. I freaked out and felt absolutely horrible. I called my husband and he had me call onstar, they wouldn't help since I didn't pay for the service so I called the police, they ended up busting a window since the tow truck took too long and it was so hot and my son was crying. I felt like a horrible mom for a while. And now even though my son is four I never ever close the car door when he is in there. I do think it could happen to anyone. And I think you absolutely did the right thing.

[Former Teacher]

PLEASE no judgement. I am beating myself up as it is already and my husband is not too happy with me.

DCG was sleeping soundly as she has been since she was dropped off early this morning. DS was playing quietly and watching Sesame Street. I was cleaning up the kitchen. I had some garbage to take out and figured I would get the dogs some water since it was getting hot.

I stepped outside onto the patio, shut the patio door since there are tons of flys out there that have been coming in the house, and threw the garbage in the trash about 5 ft away from the door. I turned around to come back in and pick up the water bowl on the way in and my 15 month old DS grabbed the lock on the door and locked me out!

It took me a minute to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The fact that the gate to the front was locked with a padlock and the key was in the house. The window to my bedroom was shut and locked and thats the only window on the back of the house. Our fence is 6ft brick so no chance of me climbing it.

I thankfully had my phone on me and called 911 who transfered me to the Fire Dept Dispatcher. She said they would be out in a few minutes. Meanwhile, I tried my hardest to remember the number to my husbands shop (new shop so I don't have the number in my phone yet) and called. I told them it was an emergency and they dispatched my husband in from the flight line to call me.

The fire Dept turned up and came to talk to me over the fence to assess the situation. All the windows were shut and locked as were the doors. The only way I was getting in was to have a window broken or the door broken down. DH called me just then and I told him what happened and asked him to come home.

The Fiire Dept said they would wait for him to come to save me from having to have something broken and to make sure all was well. A million things were running through my head like what if DCG woke up and started crying and I wasnt there to get her up. What will I tell her parents. Thankfully DS stayed next to the door the whole time so I knew where he was but he was upset that I wasn't coming in and he couldn;t figure out how to unlock the door for me.

About 15 minutes later my DH got home and unlocked the door. The fire man who was standing next to the gate with me said I was saved! And I thanked him profusely and said how sorry I was to have bothered him but I didn't know if I would have been able to get ahold of my DH. He said not to worry its what they are there for and it happens ALL the time.

As soon as the door was unlocked I ran into the bedroom to check on DCG who was sleepying soundly still. I then went outside where DH, DS and the fire man were and shook their hand and thanked them some more.

DH stuck around fror a few minutes while I gathered my composure and calmed down and then he headed back to work.

Seriously it was one of THE worst moments in my life. It could have ended badlly I know, and I will NEVER go out there again without another way to get in the house. I didn't know my DS could even reach the lock- MY how he has grown.


So, ladies... How would you have handled this situation and the even bigger question: Would you tell DCM and DCD? If no, why? If so, what would you say?

And PLEASE no judgement. I already know I am getting the Worlds Worst Mom and Provider award this year.....

Aww Breezy- loads of hugs! The last time I checked we are all human so its okay! happyface

One of my worst moments happened years ago (long before cell phones and all that good stuff) at my former center. We didn't open until 6:30 however I would get there at 6:15 or so to get my things together etc.

There were ALWAYS parents who would sit and knock on the door even though the lights in the front would be off. Likewise they would sit on the porch waiting for me to unlock the door.

Well I had just arrived and a parent pulled in. It was 6:15. I knew who it was and she had a 15 month old girl. She kept on knocking on the door. Going back to her van, then coming back, just knocking. A normal knock. I kept thinking: you are waiting! Your knocking isn't going to make me open the door.

Well 6:30 came and she was waiting at the door. I no sooner opened the door and she pushed herself in and said I need to use your phone. My car door locked and Valerie is in the van and its running.

I was like WHAT?!?! Why didn't BANG on the door? I would have answered to an emergency knock! Her response? Well I don't think its to much of an emergency since you were planning on opening in 15 mins anyway.

I so wanted to say what were you doing getting out of the van anyway at 6:15 but I bit my tongue ::

Some parents

[Creek]

*Hugs*

I had a babysitter over to babysit DD who went out my front door to sit on the porch while DD was up in bed. There is a lock on the door knob that if it's pushed in will lock the door from the outside. That's exactly what happened. Luckily she had her cell phone on her. She tried all my first floor windows with no luck and called 911 to let her in. They broke my bathroom window to get in. It was a surprise when we got home alright, but I was just glad everything was ok. I was more concerned for the babysitter having to deal with that kind of stress. She was visibly upset. DD was fine, and asleep.

If you want to share with the parents what happened, then share. Truth be told, my husband would have NO say in my relations with my DCF's. I don't tell him how to work at his job, he provides me with the same respect. I would hope he would be more concerned about your stress factor at the time with your child and a DCK in the home. You do what feels right to you.

[Creek]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. I feel so much better. And yes I did tell DH that it was my decision if i was going to tell DCF. I would not feel right keeping it from them. I also told him that if they werent understanding and pulled DCG then they may as well stay home with her because it could happen ro anyone and if it did happen elsewhere they cant be guarenteed that it would have been handled the way it was here. Swiftly with no incident. I very well could have left my phone in the house and then I would have been more stuck! But I was texting my mom at the time so I had it on me, thank goodnesss.

Also glad I remembered DHs new work number so I could call him to come home and nothing had to be broken. They say your brain stops remembering numbers because we all put them in our phones now. So glad I remembered it! He only told me once but the last four digits were 5432. Easy!

Also glad telling DCD went well and he is an understanding person! Im truly blessed!!!


Thanks again ladies!

Glad to hear all went well!

[Ariana]

Stuff happens right?!! You learn from it and move on!! You handled yourself very well and the sitation was taken care of. We're all humans who make mistakes