My three-year-old, Johnny, suddenly began dreading daycare, throwing heartbreaking tantrums each morning. After brushing it off as a typical toddler phase, I finally listened to my instincts and showed up unannounced during lunchtime. What I saw through the glass left me shaken—a staff member was force-feeding Johnny, shoving food into his mouth while he cried and choked. Furious and protective, I burst into the room, demanded answers, and made it clear this would never happen again.

That day changed everything. I had a serious talk with the daycare, and from then on, Johnny was treated with the respect he deserved. His fear vanished, the tantrums stopped, and I learned a powerful lesson: children may be small, but their voices—and boundaries—matter deeply. Sometimes, the best thing a parent can do is show up, pay attention, and fight for their child’s right to feel safe.