To leave sleeping child in locked car?

[Wouldyoudothisiwonder]

Went to supermarket to get prescription for DD(2) and she fell asleep on the way. Would you lock the car and leave her sleeping while you run in? Or not?

No way!

Why would the child ‘panic’? Why does everyone on Mumsnet ‘panic’ about everything? Does your child panic if they wake up alone in their room? Why would they panic in the car, an environment they’re presumably comfortable with? My kid wouldn’t panic. He’d sit there and look around and when I got back to he car, he’d say “hello, mummy.”

Also, why is a poorly child in a car seat more likely to fit and vomit and instantly choke and die the second you’re not there, as opposed to when you’re driving down the motorway?

I have to say I wouldn't do this OP! Just doesn't sit right for me. But then I won't even leave mine to pay for fuel, and lots of people do that (not saying that in any type of judgey way or anything, I understand it's acceptable for fuel, it's just I'm a worrier so I won't do it).

My car is tiny and due to car seat size, my husband won't actually fit in my front passenger seat. So he's always sat in the back next to my son. Sometimes I will pop into a shop and leave the two of them waiting in the car. Every time, I always worry that people won't be able to see my husband in the back, assume my son is alone and call the police or something 🙈🤣

My children would have all panicked when younger, my 6 year old still would. He wakes in the morning, calls out for me and I answer him. If I didn't and he came downstairs and realised he was alone, he'd panic.

So not just a sleeping toddler a child that is also poorly, No no no

Mrsskylrrwhite, my point is that every day 1000s of parents transport their kids around the country in metal boxes, often very fast - a mode of transport that historically has killed many over the years, and seen as an acceptable risk - yet leaving a kid for a few minutes in a stationary car is met with horror.

And that's your choice, of course.

For me, I'd just worry the entire time that something would happen and I'd never forgive myself if it did. I don't even leave my dog in the car where I can't see and hear him, lol.

Maybe that's irrational but I feel better knowing I can see/hear them just in case. Obviously, the chances of something bad happening is small, but for me, if something bad did happen, I'd never ever be able to forgive myself for taking a totally unnecessary risk to make things easier for me for a few minutes.

Well, no one in my family panics like that.

Why would the child ‘panic’? Why does everyone on Mumsnet ‘panic’ about everything? Does your child panic if they wake up alone in their room? Why would they panic in the car, an environment they’re presumably comfortable with?

Presumably because they are usually with an adult in that environment. Also they are sick. So probably wake up feeling like shite and look for comfort?

My kid wouldn’t panic. He’d sit there and look around and when I got back to he car, he’d say “hello, mummy.”

This just says he is used to being alone

Also, why is a poorly child in a car seat more likely to fit and vomit and instantly choke and die the second you’re not there, as opposed to when you’re driving down the motorway?

When you are driving down the motorway you are with them? Aware of it and able to take action?

She's woken up now but if it happens again, phone the pharmacist from your car and explain. It wasn't long ago where everyone would need to stay in their cars until being called in one by one so they may have a way round it/could realistically send someone to your car if it wasnt busy in the pharmacy.

Maybe your children are used to being left alone? Mine aren't.

It seems strange that a child would panic that they were alone when they appear never to have been left alone. Where have they learnt the panicky response? What happens when you go out for the night and leave the kids with a babysitter @CellophaneFlower? Does that make them panic, too?

I guess my child is just naturally resilient and confident, something I like to think is a result of relaxed and measured parenting. 🤷‍♀️

Why the bloody hell would you assume that? You really do live up to your username, don't you?

They get left with their nan. If they call out, she'd come. How on earth is this in anyway the same as being left alone where nobody comes when you call?

Well, if they're with a babysitter, they're not alone by definition!

I guess my child is just naturally resilient and confident, something I like to think is a result of relaxed and measured parenting. 🤷‍♀️*

Yeah I don’t think anyone on the thread is denying that we all take a risk by getting into a car and travelling everyday. We know the risks of driving. Accidents happen everyday.

Leaving a kid in a stationary car alone is met with horror because anything could happen to them! How awful would the parent feel if something did happen and they weren’t there. Yes it’s very unlikely but something still could happen. You’re pretty stupid if you don’t understand that.

@Herejustforthisone Poorly wrote that - mum watched as the car she left me in was hit by a lorry turning the corner

Well, presumably your son also isn’t alone when he wakes up in the house, and yet if you don’t respond to him instantly you say he panics and comes looking for you.

@CellophaneFlower Not being goady, genuinely interested how you know with such certainty what their reaction would be to something that's never happened?

Maybe your DS6 would turn into Kevin McAllister the second he realised he was alone, order a pizza, fire up the Nintendo and live his best life.

God forbid your resilient child is abducted or injured whilst your were a good 100 meters away blissfully unaware whilst they’re alone in a car.

The arrogance and aloofness on this thread is crazy.

Devoutspoken · Today 13:32
Mrsskylrrwhite, my point is that every day 1000s of parents transport their kids around the country in metal boxes, often very fast - a mode of transport that historically has killed many over the years, and seen as an acceptable risk - yet leaving a kid for a few minutes in a stationary car is met with horror.“

Yes, I know what your point is. Sometimes, though, travelling by car is a necessity. Leaving young children unattended is not. Why add additional risk when you can just wait or take them in with you?

No

I didn't say that at all?

You're referring to the wrong poster.