the story of madeline mccann comes to mind. actually the parents left THREE children on their own at night, not just Madeline. and not just for one night. They were leaving them alone all week.It is sad, the situation you describe. I think the worst part is that sometimes there are no do overs. Years ago, in our neighborhood, there were parents dropping their very young children off at the local McDonalds' ball pit to play, and leaving! They were trying to use it as a free babysitter while they ran errands. That particular restaurant eventually removed the play area. How could these people place such little worth on the safety of their children?