It is hard to accept a tragedy that claims the lives of eight small children, 5 months to 7 years old. All were related, and all died in an early-morning fire that consumed a bedroom in a Carbondale, Ill., home last week.

The mother of three of the children, who was baby-sitting the others, wasn't at home when firefighters arrived. Authorities are considering criminal charges.

It seems easy to condemn in such tragic cases. Most parents would never consider leaving small children unattended.

But this goes beyond the issue of supervision. It is a matter of responsibility. An adult in the house isn't good enough. It must be a responsible adult.

What harm could come from leaving sleeping children, especially if the doors are locked? What would it hurt to leave a child in the car while running in for a quick errand? Children told not to go near the street should be OK if the phone rings.

But children will be children. They don't always follow the rules. They play with matches, not realizing the consequences.

Responsible adults must maintain a constant vigil to keep children safe and sound.