leaving kids alone in the car

So my dh and I and the kids went to the post office. My Dh gets out to buy and mail stamps. As he gets back in the car he says to me "there are two kids in the backseat of the car hiding" I was shocked, the kids were about 6 -8 years old. I told my dh to wait til the parent got back. The windows were all open but DARN ! why would a parent do that?

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Because it's easier to run in and out of a store than to drag two 6-8 year olds with you.

eta for the record, I was not at the post office this am.

Message edited 4/23/2009 11:08:15 AM.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

i understand that but it's also to run the errand at a later time or to take them out and just step in and do it. I have gone to the post office with my 9 month old on my hip and my 2 year old on my hand. for me there is no excuse, IMO

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Maybe I'm alone in this but I don't think it is bad to leave an 8 yr old in the car to run into the post office. 6...maybe too young.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

LOL I usually wait in the car with the babies and let my 9 year old run in for me!

In all seriousness what is the legal age for a kid to sit and wait in the car while a parent runs in and out for something?10, 11, 12?

ETA: If I have the little ones in the car then my 9 year old runs a quick errand for me. If it's not quick then obviously we all go.
I have left my 9 year old in the car if I was doing somthing quick like running into the gas station after pumping gas...stuff like that.
It's rare that it's only just just in the car though.

Message edited 4/23/2009 11:16:21 AM.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

i just think that with everything going on in the world you wouldn't do those things.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Yet another thing to file under the "different parenting styles" section of the brain.

I feel if the parent is able to see the car from wherever they are, then it's fine. They aren't babies, and if the parent can see the car, then they aren't really left unattended either.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

I know it's not ideal - and yes there is no question you should be able to bring your kids in with you.

At one point, I suspect everyone will leave their child alone in the car for a few minutes too. Even when it's to run back & forth into the house...like when Maddie forgets her jacket & you're half way to school & already missed one train and now have to make your way back past 2 elementary schools & a high school.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

I just saw this the other day too. 2 kids in a carseat and booster so about 4 & 6 yrs old, sitting in the backseat with the windows open. Mom in the pizzeria. I don't get it. I know it's not easy to take kids out and everywhere but seriously, who does this nowadays?

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

im guilty of this..my ds is 10, but ive probably done it a few times since hes 9..not before that though..and ive actually left him in the car with the baby a few times if shes sleeping, and i can see the car..my dd was born in january, and with a 10 year old theres LOTS of errands to run..id rather her sleep then be dragged around in the snow...
i usually do take them though..my son likes to do everything with the baby like carry the seat and stuff

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Eh - I don't see it as a big deal at that age considering I see kids in my neighborhood around that age riding their bikes all the time.

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

i don't think it's a big deal for kids that age at all. it's not like they're babies

Re: leaving kids alone in the car

I don't think it's a big deal either...

A little aside:
I have to occassionally teach DH some basics that seem obvious to the rest of us.... one has to do with baby in the car... here was the conversation:

me: can you drive to curry club and pick-up the indian?

DH: why can't you do it? you'll be driving right by it with DS in 10 min!

me: becuase I don't want to wake him.

DH: Why would you wake him? leave
him in he car, get the take-out, and come back out! It only takes a minute!!!

me: ya know, people would call the cops if they saw a 6 mo old in a car alone... EVEN FOR A MINUTE. You simply don't leave babies alone in a car... ever.

DH still doesn't 'get it' but he begrugingly accepts this assessment Funny thing is that he's an amazing dad and takes wonderful care of DS... he just has his moments. I'm glad we had that conversation before he had the opportunity to leave him in the car alone

Re: leaving kids alone in the car