Years ago, Megan Burnside found herself in a situation that still haunts her today. Witnessing a mother physically struggling with her screaming 10-year-old son, she felt compelled to call the police, concerned for the child's well-being. Little did she know, the boy had autism, and the mother was doing her best to calm him down.

Unfortunately, such stories of well-intentioned interference are not uncommon, often causing undue stress and trauma for both the child and parent. The misinterpretation of situations, especially involving disabilities or families of color, can lead to dangerous consequences.

Haunted by guilt after realizing her misjudgment, Burnside decided to share her experience on Facebook. When a similar incident occurred to a friend, she emphasized the importance of offering assistance to struggling parents rather than immediately resorting to authorities.

She shared, "The reason I am mentioning this today is because a call was made to DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services) regarding my cherished friend."

Her friend, a bedridden mother with a respiratory infection, became the target of someone's misguided attempt to "help" by calling authorities. Burnside urged for a more empathetic approach, advocating for people to ask how they can help rather than assuming the worst.

The post went viral, resonating with thousands who agreed with Burnside's message. Concern for others is commendable, but she stressed the need for empathy in approaching such situations.

Burnside's plea is for people to reach out and assist one another, avoiding hasty judgments. She believes that a compassionate world stems from self-compassion, encouraging a shift towards helping more and judging less.

In a Facebook message, she stressed the transformative power of compassion, stating that self-judgment is the underlying source of all other forms of judgment. Many have shared how her post will change their responses to struggling parents in the future, offering hope for a more understanding and supportive community.

While recognizing the importance of addressing genuine cases of abuse or neglect, Burnside's call is to encourage thoughtful consideration before taking action, reminding us all to think and feel before intervening in the lives of others.