Ask:
I have a friend who leaves her kids in the car for a short time to run quick errands.
Ie: Running into the store to grab some milk. Her oldest is 6, her youngest is 1.
What are your thoughts? Do you ever leave your children in the car if it is a quick jaunt? I would love to be able to do this once in a while. You know, run an errand without having to get ALL three kids out of the car for the 2 minutes I go inside! But I am just not sure how I feel about this. At what age do you feel it is okay to do this?
Thanks!
Answer:
Never, not until they're about 13. We have had too many carjackings and kidnappings. All it takes is once. And at six they can accidently hit the wrong button or gear on the car. Isn't it actually illegal?
Answer:
I have left them in their carseats while I run back into the house and grab my cell phone, purse, whatever, and one of my friends told that was wrong, although I can see them the whole time and I live in the safest neighborhood in our town... (she also has only one in a car seat, so it's hard to judge getting three out of carseats...) Never ever ever would I go into a store. Not even the dry cleaners - I drive across town to use one that has a drive through.
If I have run out of milk - that's my own fault and my penalty is to take all three into the store. They don't deserve to be kidnapped because I'm forgetful!
Answer:
No, never. I'm too scared that something will happen. I know a girl who runs into convenience stores and leaves her DD in the car with the car running She says she can see her the whole time, and I'm sure she can, but I'm waiting for her to see someone driving away with her daughter!
Answer:
OK I'm bad I'll admit it! I have left them in the car with it running but locked to get milk while in my sight the entire time and to pay for gas.(we have to pump our own in PA)
I lock my truck and have my spare key so it's running w/heat or AC on. I know in NJ it's illegal but I don't think in PA it is.
Answer:
I have left mine in the car to pay for gas and once to go to an atm. I absolutly hate every second of it and try to avoid it if I can and literally run to do whatever I need to do. I don't leave the engine on, I lock the doors, set the alarm and watch the car like a hawk.
-Lucky
Answer:
Nope, besides, its illegal here to leave a child under the age of 12 in the car, even for a minute. All it takes is for someone to see the child in the car and call the cops, and you could be arrested.
Answer:
I have never done that, and my oldest is 9. I am just too scared of what may happen if I do!
Answer:
Most of my kids are older so if my ds 12 is in there I will leave them in the driveway if I forget something, just to run back n the house, but never at a store and I will never leave ds 3 in there by himself not for anything. If he falls a sleep and I need to pay for Gas I hit the help button explain, and ask them if they will come out and get my money I have to wait a little while sometimes but to me it is nothing when you think about what could happen if I left him in that car..
Answer:
Never.
I feel bad when I park in the preschool driveway, right next to the door, and leave the 2 year old there while i walk the 4 year old 4 feet to the door.