How old would your child be

Temp925407062502290 · September 2010

before you left him/her in the car to run inside to pick up your child at school? I went to pick up Nate at school today and noticed this mom had her windows 1/2 way down and her purse right there to grab. I was like that isn't safe. Then I continued to look and her son was in the back seat. He was young enough to still be in booster.

So then I started thinking how old would I let Nate be before I could leave him in the car for me to run inside. I would have to say he would have to be out of any kind of carseat.

Also just because your in a church parking lot doesn't mean everything is safe. I wouldn't leave my windows down in this hot weather and my purse sitting right there for someone to jump in take my purse and my child.

Maybe I am too much of a safety person and thinking too much about it?

K&P414 · September 2010

I think it depends on the situation. I've got a kepad on my door so I'm a little more comfortable locking my car while it's running and leaving either kid in the car to run in somewhere quickly. I feel better about leaving Tess than I do Emma because Tess is buckled in her seat and Emma could technically get out or open the door if she wanted too. I typically don't do that, but it has happened.

momof2inatl · September 2010

I am so paranoid about this. It would be my luck to have my car highjacked! It happened at the mall a while ago and the kids inside were like 12 and 4! You would think you were fine leaving a 12 yr. old in the car....but there are so many psychos out there. The mom was on her way out when she saw the man drive off in her car with her kids. ughh! The car and kids were found later and they were fine, but that was enough for me to trek my crew with me wherever I need to go.

As for church parking lots, last year we got a letter saying that thieves were waiting for parents to "run" in and drop off/pick up kids and leaving the car running...purses, wallets, phones etc. were being stolen.

ally-cat · September 2010

I don't think I'd ever just leave my kid in the car. I'm just not going to take any chances.

LaruC27 · September 2010

I even get nervous doing it in my driveway much less ever considering it in a parking lot. I also recall getting a letter at church last year about leaving things in our car because of break ins at the church daycares in the area while parents ran in to get their kids. When we were little, I remember my parents leaving my brother and I in the car while they ran into the store really quick but I was old enough that I remember it but that was also 20 or more years ago. That being said, it will be a VERY long time before I even consider it.

ebearwife · September 2010

I wouldn't do it. Children should never be left unsupervised in a vehicle, locked, engine running, windows down, whatever. Its just too dangerous. As much of a PITA as it is to haul (sometimes VERY unwilling) children into and out of places "just for a second" I would rather put up with it then lose them in a senseless way. If its just that much of a big deal to take them out of the car then I just don't go into the building if its not necessary.

slwprincess · September 2010

I still won't leave my 11 year old niece alone in the car. I drag her inside with me no matter how quick the trip. If her brother is also in the car, I would leave them- he's about to be 16 though. So somewhere between 11 and 16- hahaha- I guess I'm paranoid. And I am also pretty paranoid about the daycare thing and our center is located in a HIGH security building with camera surveillance. I will occasionally leave the car running just to cool it off while I go in to get Gavin, but I never leave my purse/laptop in there- never never never. No matter how high the security is, it's still not the best neighborhood and honestly, you just can't trust anyone.

bkenan · September 2010

I am way to scared to leave them in the car. I think they are too young right now anyway. But like pp said dd could get unbuckle herself and get out if she wanted to. When I get gas, I usually go to Kroger and they have a pump right by the window at the one I go to so if I have to go to the window for some reason they are only 10 feet away. I know something can still happen but that is about as far as I will go.

I always get looks at the redbox because I have a infant carrier and a 4 year old standing with me when the car is not 30 feet away...better safe than sorry!

Want a personalized experience?

How old would your child be

Re: How old would your child be

Choose Another Board

Search Boards