young child left alone in a car

[pheonix777]

My mother in law left my 4 year old son alone in the car while she popped into a shop to get bread the other day. She did this because he was having a "strop" and would not get out. Apparently she parked right outside and only had her eyes off him for a "minute or so"

I personally find this unacceptable and think there is no excuse at any time for a child to be left unattended in a public place. Am I being unreasonable?

yes you're being unreasonable - sounds totally fine to me and a good lesson for a stroppy 4 year old

All four of us used to be left, unrestrained, in the car while my parents did the supermarket shop - horrendous now, but we would choose it over going in with them!

I don't think your MIL was BU, but then neither do I think you are BU for asking her not to do it again.

Also, I'm with Christine - all the handbrakes I've had have been pretty hard to let off - plus co-ordinating the button push, slight pullup and let down. I think a 4 year old would have to be taught how to do it surely (and likely wouldn't have the strength)