to get upset by parents who...........

[GhostOfMumsnet]

leave their children in the car and then go into the other supermarket to do their shopping?

Depends how old they are. I'm sure you wouldn't be upset by my 13 and 15 year old being left

no should've said children under 6

Is that legal? They'd be arrested in Aus!

If it isn't then it should be. I'm getting fed up sitting in my car at ASDA with my sleeping kids watching others leave theirs

Does popping into the village shop count? I do that but think leaving them for anytime is actually illegal - wouldn't go into the supermarket though - that is really bad form. Online food shopping exists for a reason.

Ghostofmumsnet - pack a handy little sleep mask and earplugs into your glovebox and join them zzzzzzzzzzz

I don't understand why what other people do should affect what you do, How does it make any difference whether other people leave their kids? Surely it is their business if they do and yours if you don't?

Is it illegal then. I've been trying to find out but can't see it.

TBH I think that seeing children in a potentially dangerous situation is everybodies buisness. If I shouldn't beother about it then would you also say that I should ignore the situation if the child wakes up and starts screaming?

I started a thread similar to this last week about a toddler alone ina car eating a packet of crisps. Responses were mixed...

have to say I"m suprised about that.

I wouldn't leave a child under the age of 6 alone in a car for more than a couple of minutes eg: going to pay for petrol. I'm sure lots of people have done it without any problems, but I wouldn't be happy to do it.

an old friend of mine got reported to ss for doing this.her and her dh left their dd (who was about 2 at the time)asleep in her car seat and went to a couple of shops...they were gone for about 15/20 mins and when they got back the cops were waiting to question them.they were'nt arrested but they had a few ss visits etc.

15-20 mins?
I was anxious about leaving dds (5&7) outside Po for 5mins and I could see them !

I'll go into the petrol station and watch ds like a hawk but I would never leave him out of sight. >

I think leaving small children in cars for extended periods of time is wrong - and it is our business. I called the police a few years back when I saw two small children completely alone in a car on a deserted street, crying their eyes out, on one of the hottest days of the year. I was incredibly upset by it.
Leaving children on a petrol station forecourt while you are paying is completely different.

I dread the petrol station thing - several times someone has tapped me on shoulder and pointed to ds (s) free ranging it across the forecourt - do have child locks but they get out the front - but with a few quite serious discussions they seem to stay put now! Thank goodness

a couple of mimuetes when you can see them is OK but the weeks shopping can't be right in anyone;s book, i hope!

today i left dd1,2+3 in the car when i went to the pharmacy. it was supposed to be quick in/out to pick up dh meds and dressings. but they hadnt labelled up the dressings so was in there about 5minutes. felt really guilty as i couldnt see the car due to a hedge. BUT dd1 sits in the front seat and has strict instructions to continously beep the horn if there is any problem.

i got back ,dd3 was asleep and dd1+2 were laughing together and pulling faces.

er excuse me, but i think tis safer to leave kids in a locked car, than to drag three of them accross the peetrol forcourt. i only have two hnds

Oh I agree - they are much safer in the car than roaming across the forecourt

I would never leave my three (all under 6)anywhere in the car unless they are within sight and easy reach should anything happen. Though chances are probably small, there are nasty things that can happen - mechanical fault, car stolen, vandals, child snatched etc.

Its just not worth the risk, aren't they the most precious thing you will ever be responsible for so why take ANY chances.

For those that do take this risk - I bet you wouldn't leave your bag or purse visible in the car in the same circumstances would you?

I think I agree with it being slightly different for older children but can't really say as I'm not at that stage yet.

I could not imagine leaving kids in car alone - with dd i left her asleep in car to pay for petrol but as usual when you are in a hurry queue moved sooo slowly - still only about 5 mins and got back to car to dd screaming like mad so now I always fill up at tesco using pay@pump!

I leave mine occasionally and briefly where I can't see them and likewise my bag/purse. DS (just 6) has for a while asked to be left to listen to the music. I use my own judgement on this though and might insist he comes with me. I would not leave them to go into the supermarket.

I can't understand why anyone would take that risk (not being able to see them, therefore react quickly if necessary) - ever?

I dont agree with it, even at petrol station'. Although I dont drive - but if DH wants to get petrol he does it while I am i the car, or he just has DD as she is easy to get in and out, unlike DS who;s still in portable carseat!