We can never play it too safe when it comes to our children
 Like most people, I was shocked to read of the tragic loss of Mike Tyson’s daughter, who had died in an accident at her family’s home in Phoenix, Arizona. Police say 4-year old Exodus Tyson, was very likely playing on the treadmill when her head apparently slipped inside a cord hanging from it and she was unable to free herself.
She was discovered by her 7-year old brother, and while emergency services rushed to the scene, the girl’s mother tried to revive her, to no avail. She was then rushed to hospital in an extremely critical condition, and was put on a life support. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries soon after.
Tyson’s daughter’s very unfortunate and untimely death is upsetting, but it isn’t an isolated case, not even in Tinsel Town. In another celebrity-related accident, actor, Billy Bob Thornton’s estranged daughter, 29-year old Amanda Brumfield, was recently charged with child neglect. Back in October, she babysat a 1 year old child, when the baby fell from her playpen and passed away due to a fractured skull and subdural hematoma.
According to reports, Brumfield waited two and a half hours to call the police because she believed the small child was uninjured after the incident. She noted that the baby’s tongue was bleeding, but the baby appeared “happy and playful.” Brumfield then decided to take a nap, but woke up to find that the child’s body was limp.
These recent tragic occurrences reminded me of another high-profile incident – the death of Eric Clapton’s son in 1991. In a freak accident, 4-year old Conor Clapton, fell to his death from an open window of the 53rd floor of a New York skyscraper.
Although these nightmarish accidents garnered worldwide attention because of the celebrities involved, it bears a chilling reminder to the rest of us that it could happen to just about anyone.
The first things that generally come to mind when we hear of an accident involving children are that: 1) It was preventable, and 2) It was parental neglect. Although none of us would want to raise our children in a state of constant paranoia, it is true that we can never keep too close an eye on our children.
While a watchful eye is undoubtedly necessary, so is cautiousness. For example, no matter how small a child’s head injury may appear to be, it is advisable to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible, because that could very well save the child’s life. I guess it goes without saying that, with children; we can never take things for granted. After all, as parents, it is our duty to make sure that everything is as safe as possible for our kids.
* Adline A. Ghani is an assistant museum curator tandem mummy who resides in Petaling Jaya. This multi-tasker is also pursuing her Masters in Art and Design.
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