03-07-2015, 09:37 AM
My blaming of the mom stems from only the facts we know and what can be extrapolated from them. Trinity according to the story was melting down because she did not get her desired outcome, in this case the shotgun seat. Standard behavior modification dictates that children are pretty simple and straightforward in their approach: they stick with what works. And quickly discard what doesn't. At some point in Trinity's young and immature existence she was given positive reenforcement for melting down, and got what she wanted out of a tantrum. Therefore, she got the idea that sitting in the middle of a busy road was an effective way to get what she wanted from her mom again.
That is the fault of the parent.
Everything else is sheer speculation on how often she may have tantrummed, what kind of kid she may have been, etc. Fact one: she was the charge and responsibility of that parent whose only job was to keep her alive and train her properly. Since she is now dead from doing something extremely self-destructive and stupid, I'd say mom failed spectacularly.
Legally speaking, this case should be ruled an accident and a tragedy. But mom is going to live with her failure for a very long time, and I'd be willing to bet if we were in a position to know her thoughts, there's zero doubt who SHE thinks failed her daughter.
Bottom line is, there are some select few parenting situations that require and demand a strong and instant reaction. You don't talk your child out of imminent danger, you snatch them away from it. By the hair if that's the only way you can.
That is the fault of the parent.
Everything else is sheer speculation on how often she may have tantrummed, what kind of kid she may have been, etc. Fact one: she was the charge and responsibility of that parent whose only job was to keep her alive and train her properly. Since she is now dead from doing something extremely self-destructive and stupid, I'd say mom failed spectacularly.
Legally speaking, this case should be ruled an accident and a tragedy. But mom is going to live with her failure for a very long time, and I'd be willing to bet if we were in a position to know her thoughts, there's zero doubt who SHE thinks failed her daughter.
Bottom line is, there are some select few parenting situations that require and demand a strong and instant reaction. You don't talk your child out of imminent danger, you snatch them away from it. By the hair if that's the only way you can.