To all these "good samaritan" people, I'd say:
- Let's not jump to conclusions.
- I do appreciate your concern for a child you don't even know. Perhaps I will thank you in a while after I get over this scare, but for right now, all I am is upset.
- Before you call the police, could we talk for a few minutes?
- If you call the police, they will come and likely make me go through parenting classes and community service, if I spend every penny I have on lawyers. That will mean I will not have the money to feed and clothe my child as well. You've scared me with that threat. I will never do this again.
- Why do you think the police can take better care of my child because I made one mistake? Because I'm not perfect?
- Yes, I make lots of mistakes in parenting. Are you perfect at taking care of the people who depend on you? Should we suspend your status?
- The Good Samaritan did more than just get help for a situation. He gave himself. He sacrificed. A lot.
- Are you aware that kidnapping is almost always done by someone close to the family?