Guest Author - Sunniej Jackson

As parents we sometimes consider our children as a means to keep our spouse/significant other at home or as a bargaining tool to get what we want from the other parent. This can be very detrimental to our children both mentally and sometimes physically. Children should never be put in the middle. We have to find a better method of communication and negotiation between parents. A child being used as a pawn is demonstrated and publicly highlighted in the disappearance of Trenton Duckett.

The news of two years old Trenton Duckett’s disappearance in Leesburg, Florida swept the airways in late August 2006. All kinds of speculations swirled around on the news and newspaper headlines as the search teams went about their normal procedures.

What makes the case more intriguing is the fact that his mother Melinda Duckett committed suicide two weeks after Trenton’s reported disappearance from his bedroom. A screen in his bedroom had been cut and this was the way Melinda Duckett suggested the abduction was accomplished. Looking further into the case a lot of issues began to be revealed including custody battles over young Trenton between each of his parents and grandparents, previous marital problems and abuse accusations. Lots of disturbing information was shared by The Department of Children and Families of the brewing trouble within the family. At the time of Trenton Duckett’s disappearance the couple was not together.

Police reported finding some of Trenton’s toys in a dumpster behind the apartment complex where he was living with his mother. This information shined a bright light on Melinda Duckett who became a prime suspect and raised a lot of questions. It is all of this attention and pressure that some say caused Melinda to take her life leaving lots of unanswered questions. Melinda Duckett left behind notes to her parents, grandparents and the public but did not provide any additional information on Trenton’s disappearance.

To date Trenton Duckett has not been found and his father, Joshua Duckett, continues to believe that Trenton is alive and well. A new witness recently came forward that remembers seeing Melinda and Trenton together the day before his reported disappearance. This was a period of concern as the police try to establish timeframes to piece together the events leading up to the time of Trenton’s disappearance. The police are looking for anyone who might have seen Trenton during those important hours. If you have any knowledge, or see Trenton Duckett please contact the authorities

I know we are all holding our breath and praying that Trenton will be found alive and well. Take a good look at Trenton Duckett’s photo and pay attention to little boys his age as investigators can use all the help they can get from the public.

It’s a shame that this is not an unusual occurrence, children are reported missing everyday. Some stories get national attention and others only local media coverage. The main thing is that we have to stay alert at all times and watchful of strangers, strange situations and have to step outside of our comfort zones sometimes and become involved.

I look forward to writing about Trenton’s safe return home soon.

Let this be a lesson for all of us to think about our actions and interactions between parents and children. We must remember the children belong to both parents and we must protect them and the relationships the child has with both parents equally and not make them a pawn to use against each other in any way. If our children need protection from one of the parents, let it be solely for the benefit of the child not out of anger or revenge. This is not an example we want to set for our children and their future families. Remember we are all products of our environment. Lead by example. Let the environment we create for our children be one filled with love and respect for others.