Mom Accused of Giving Marijuana to Toddler, Recording It

Jessica Gamble probably thought it was cute to videotape her 2-year-old toddler smoking marijuana.

Unfortunately for her, though, the Hamilton County Ohio prosecutor's office got a hold of the YouTube video and has indicted the young mother on charges of child endangerment.

The video shows the little girl standing in front of a television, holding the marijuana cigarette and smoking it in a way that, unfortunately, appears to be familiar.

According to county investigators, Gamble, 21, gave the child marijuana in August. A copy of the video was given to the state family services agency anonymously.

Gamble, who is heard laughing on the video and telling her daughter not to "blow on it," is currently in jail. She faces up to 11 and a half years in prison if a jury finds her guilty of the charges.

These types of news stories are heartbreaking.

As mothers, we have an obligation to be the gatekeepers of our children's health. This mother acted irresponsibly and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, but I am afraid that she isn't alone.

Far too many parents are turning to YouTube as a vehicle to showcase acts involving their children that are morally reprehensible. Unfortunately, these stories spring up daily, with incompetent parenting appearing to be the order of the day.

Parents who fail to teach their children proper values and expose them to risky behavior start their children's lives at a disadvantage. Our children already face a number of obstacles from the door.

We have to protect, nurture and prepare our children for this world.

If we don't, no one will.