A reader of the Herald has suggested we write an editorial on the dangers of parents leaving small children at home unattended, We heartily concur that this is a bad practice – one to be avoided, The same might be said for leaving tots unattended in automobiles or ther vehciles. In fact, Provo, Orem, and perhaps other communitites of the area have city ordiances on the later. 0rem’s ordiance, born of actual problems and hazards experienced locally, prohibts leaving unattended children under six years of age in a vehiie on parking or drive-in facilities offered the public in the city, for more than 10 minutes. A child is unattended within the meaning of this law if the oldest person with him is under 12 years of age. Provo’s law is similar. How about the practice (not prevalent, we hope) of leaving small children unattended in homes? Either asleep or otherwise? Serious problems can and have happened under such circumstances – tots getting into the medicine cabinet, finding matches, tinkering with electric appliances, turning on the water. playing with firearms and ammunition. Any of these pastimes, which might seem innocent enoughlto a child, can be dangerous indeed. Lives and property are endangered. Police departments have reported small children have been left unattended in grocery stores, in parking lots, and even in front of taverns. Sometimes wellmeaning parents who expect to be “right back” get carried away with shopping or whatever and fail to return as promptly as anticipated. Then they may discover a child is missing or has gotten into some real trouble. To provide constant care for small children is a challenge that might seem monumental to parents, at times. But it’s a task that must be accomplished one way or another, Leaving tots unattended F even though asleep – is fraught with potential perils. It doesn’t pay to take a chance.