What was supposed to be a simple family trip to a shoe shop turned into a nightmare resulting in the death of a little girl. A 2-year-old dies after a mirror reportedly falls on her at a Payless shoe store in Georgia, USA. The horrific incident occurred on Friday when the toddler, identified as Ifrah Siddique, went to visit the store with her family.
A 2-year-old dies but nobody knows exactly how
While it isn’t clear as to how the wall-mounted mirror fell over her, authorities were called at 8pm only after a neighbouring store worker heard the crash and came to the store to check.
Latisha Culpatrick, an employee at the Metro PCS, told Fox 5, “I could hear the crash and the mom screaming. Everybody was crowded around the door. It’s just tragic.”
Soon after the tragic incident, Payless told TIME:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ifrah Siddique during this time of incredible loss. We are devastated by this tragic event and are fully cooperating with authorities to research and understand the nature of this accident. Out of respect for the family, no further information will be provided at this time.”
Since the case is with the police at the moment, not much is being shared with the media. Our hearts go out to the devastated family at their tragic loss.
However, the case does highlight the need for parents to be more vigilant and for stores to be more child-friendly.
5 things to remember while shopping with kids
If you are a parent and often take your kid out for shopping, here are a few things you may need to bear in the mind in the future.
1. Prepare beforehand
Prepare your shopping list beforehand. Always plan to buy what you need first. Get your wants later based on your child’s mood and the time available. It also helps if you discuss a few safety instructions with them.
You can tell them that they are expected to follow a few basic instructions. You can begin with “I expect you to sit in the stroller while I push,” or “Stay close to me,” or even “We walk, not run, in the store.”
2. Choose a time when the child is well-fed and rested
Do not go shopping when your child is cranky or hungry. He may choose to exhibit signs of both while you are shopping, and throw a mega tantrum. So just to avoid any handling problems, make sure you feed your child well before stepping out, and that he is well-rested.
If it’s not possible, try to find a baby sitter or go another time.
3. Allow your child’s participation
In order to keep your kid close, you can ask them to participate in the shopping. Ask them for their opinion and even perhaps let them choose a few things.
Giving kids a chance to choose and have a say in decision-making helps them feel competent and powerful. Most importantly, it engages their mind and distracts them from naughty activities.
4. Keep a close eye on your kid
You cannot let your child run amok in a store, even if it’s a toy store. So make sure you have your kid in your line of sight at all times. Ask them to hold hands, if possible. And if they want to check out something in the store, they should let you know.
If you get separated, head to the security guard or the store manager for help.
5. Take a few minutes to tend to your kid
Once you are done shopping, ask your child about his or her experience. You can also encourage him to help you with the items.
And most importantly, if your child is thirsty or hungry, tend to his or her immediate needs before you go anywhere else.
Sources: ACJ, Yahoo, Fox 5
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