okay, so I'll play too...

Marce921

Those of you who won't even leave your child in the house/car while loading/unloading, do you also follow behind them through every room in the house and never leave their side for even a minute anywhere throughout the house?! I mean, it sounds a little ridiculous that you can't even leave them alone for a second. I send my DS downstairs unattended to the "baby proofed" playroom or he sits and eats breakfast and watches tv while I shower. I mean, I don't hover over my kid....

Jodi&Joe

You are a horrible, horrible neglectful parent!

momphd

It's just not the same thing at all.

For me, I am not super crazed about safety in the driveway/garage.  I just don't do it b/c I don't even THINK about leaving them in the car-- it is just not an option for me, so it doesn't occur to me in any situation. I get out and get them out by rote.

mlm1128

Please...I commit what is probably a cardinal sin.  I let dd play in the tub while I fold laundry/do chores in the next room.  I check on her now and then, but it's one of the few times I can actually get things done without a "helper".

hopefulmom

momphd...you obviously live where there are many conveniences...dirve up windows for just about evertyhing...even grocery delivery.  Those of us who live in the country do not have those luxuries.  If you DIDN'T have those conveniences...would you get your sleeping child out of the car everytime you dropped off a movie or library book.  Your mail probably comes right to your door...or even IN your door slot.  Mine is 350 feet down the driveway.  It is below zero right now and the wind is 60 mgp (gusts).  I will NOT be taking either of my kids out side to get it...but I must get it since the mailcarrier never closes the door to the box and the wind will have it down the road about 1/2 mile in no time.

MommyofAlissa

This isn't the same thing at all.

In most places (not all, but quite a few) it's illegal to leave your kids in the car unattended. You are creating a crime of opportunity, because in most situations, you've left the car running. All it takes is 2 seconds for someone to hop in your running car w/ your kid inside and take off. In those situations, they usually want your car, but what happens to your kid? You may only be a few feet from your car, but if someone was already looking for an opporunity, you may not have enough time to get back.

It's just not worth it, IMO.

In your house, presumably your doors are locked. The opportunities are not as great here, because someone breaking into your house would be less likely to do so when someone is home.

I'm not saying it isn't possible, but in most cases your home is safer than your car.