DEAR ABBY: When my husband or I pick up our 7-year-old daughter at school -- seven blocks from our home -- we often see two 5-year-old girls who attend the same school. They walk the whole way home by themselves and pass our block every day. There are major intersections they must cross to get home. My daughter tells me that sometimes they don't look before stepping into the street. At one intersection, the light changes before you can reach the other sidewalk, and even I have to run before the traffic starts moving.
I am afraid for these children. Other parents have mentioned seeing them navigating the streets alone. To me that means there could be a predator watching, too.
On the days that my husband or I walk, we wouldn't mind inviting these little ones to walk with us. I want to give their guardians a note saying so, but the girls were probably told not to talk to strangers. I don't want a predator to see me talking to the children and realize there is no one protecting them.
Please tell me what I should do. -- AFRAID FOR THE CHILDREN
DEAR AFRAID: You have every reason to be concerned. It frightens me to hear about two 5-year-olds walking home without supervision. Talk to the school principal about this so he or she can contact the parents. If that doesn't solve the problem, report it to the police. It is child endangerment.