A 7-year-old boy goes missing in Singapore on his very first day of primary school. His anxious mum reveals, “I was so shocked I started crying, and called the police for help…”
Boy goes missing in Singapore
The incident was first reported on Shin Min Daily News, and the boy’s mum Madam Wang reveals that it happened at around 1 pm on Jan 2, 2018, his first day of primary school.
Apparently, the boy was instructed to board a school bus after school, which took him from his school at Woodlands to a childcare centre.
Madam Wang is quoted as saying, “My son was supposed to reach the centre at around 2 pm. However, even until 4.30pm, I did not hear from him.”
“I felt that something was amiss, and asked the centre to check up on him. It was then the teacher informed me that my son was missing.”
“I was so shocked I started crying, and called the police for help.”
The mummy panicked and immediately took leave. She headed straight to the centre by cab. The childcare centre teacher was also worried and anxious.
And things turned more tense when one of the parents informed that, “The school bus driver had left my son at the entrance of the centre, at around 2pm.”
“The driver instructed my son to follow that particular parent to the centre.”
What could possibly have happened after that?
Didn’t he want to go to the centre?
“However, upon reaching, he shook his head to indicate that he was not going to the centre and left.”
We can only imagine Madam Wang’s state of mind when she heard that news. Where had her son gone?
And then, finally, at 6:30 pm, she heard what she was waiting for. Madam Wang’s son had been found. A kind-hearted lady called her informing that her son was at Bugis MRT Station!
Apparently, the boy had realised that he was lost and approached this lady for help. He had been able to provide his mummy’s phone number. They had then approached some MRT employees for assistance.
A relieved Madam Wang has been quoted as saying, “Fortunately, my son remembered my number, so they could call me.”
“The centre’s supervisor quickly drove me to Bugis MRT Station to pick up my son.”
And so, mummy and son were finally re-united. And of course, mummy made sure to give him a piece of her mind for all the stress and tension he had given her.
Madam Wang is most grateful to the kind soul who helped her child, “I almost lost my only son. To me, this was a nightmare.”
“Fortunately, the kind auntie extended a helping hand. She not only got in contact with me but also treated my son to a meal.”
“I am really grateful for her help.”
Boy goes missing in Singapore: What we should teach our children
Parents should always prepare their children for emergencies. Here is some important information that every parent should teach her child:
- The child should know his first and last name. That’s the first thing your child will be asked when he’s lost.
For younger kids, before you go outside (especially to crowded places), it is good to prepare a name card ready with the child’s and parent’s details. This particularly holds true for autistic children.
Even if your child can recite your phone number, it is always a good idea to write it where he can keep it, in case he forgets.
Some parents are known to opt for wearable tracking devices, like smart watches, which can be tracked by a mobile app.
- Your full name and mobile number (For younger kids, write it down and put it somewhere easily accessible).
- The child should be taught not to go anywhere, accept anything from, or get into a car with anyone. Tell your child to yell loudly if anyone tries to make him go somewhere.
- The child should also be wary of of grown-ups asking for help. If grown ups really want help, they’ll approach adults, not kids.
- Teach your child about safe strangers, people he can approach in case he is in trouble.
Also READ: The tragic truth behind why this Singapore mum leashes her child
(Source: Shin Min Daily News)