Husband left child in the car

[Cozza92]

Hi everyone, so, I had a situation this morning that has really irked and concerned me. I know it’ll likely lead to an argument with my husband because he feels that I criticise his parenting choices. However, this morning he left my 4 yo son in the car with the engine running. The car was still in our drive way and he was just running the empty bins back around the house but there were a couple of points at which the car was out of sight to him (maybe 10-20 seconds). I was in the house but heard the engine running and bins rolling and went to investigate. Our drive is covered by trees so I have briefly ran in the house to grab something with DC in car but only with keys in my hand and car door locked. We live on a quiet residential street so it’s unlikely that anyone could have run into drive and reversed car out of narrow wall in that time. However, it’s not impossible!!
I was quite angry with him but I’m not sure this is the hill to die on.. What do you guys think? Am I being over the top?

Exactly how often are cars stolen by opportunists who, within a 10 second window when the child is not being watched, notice the car is unattended, decide to take a risk on it, run and get into the car, and carefully reverse it out of a narrow driveway?

'Although it's very rare, there have been instances of cars being stolen with children in the back.'

And instances of cars being stolen when they were left on a drive with the engine running. IIRC, one owner was run over when they tried to stop their car being stolen.

Did I say I was anxious about it? I was merely stating a fact: cars do get stolen off driveways when they're left unattended with the engine running.

Is the 4yo his as well? Or just yours?

Absolutely NOT fine. He should not been left in an unlocked car with the engine running.

It only takes a minute! Why risk it?

A man was frantic in the supermarket the other day because he had left the keys in the ignition and gone to put his trolley away and been locked out.

He had to wait hours for help.

Why take the risk, just take the keys out of the ignition.

Engine should be off.my four year olds can definitely get themselves out of their car seat, open the door and come looking for me so I'd say engine off and doors locked.

You said your son not our. Do you worry that he generally doesn't look after him as well as you because he's not his Dad?

Do you really need it explaining to you?

It’s possible to lead a full life and still not take basic risks. Your condescension is unnecessary,

Not going to waste any more time on you.

The voice of common sense!

Has your DH got form for not thinking things through?

If you thought that was bad... my DH left our wide awake 2yr old in his car seat in the car, on the drive, for a couple of hours and was completely oblivious. 😡

We were all meant to be going out together and I had a dentist appointment in the town we were visiting. We were about to set off and the car wouldn't start so I grabbed the other keys and took my husband's car so I wouldn't be late for the dentist appointment and told DH I'd come straight home and we'd all go out as planned a little later. The dental surgery is about a 20min drive away.

When I got home, I was shocked to see my gorgeous boy still strapped in his car seat, crying his eyes out and sat in a soaking wet nappy.

I was beyond furious with DH who has a habit of only considering himself. Apparently, he assumed I'd take B with me (!!) and so he got out of the car and went back indoors without a backwards glance.

We also live rurally and as the car was parked right next to the house, no-one walking past the end of the drive would be able to see DS sat inside it.

Poor DS. Thankfully he's grown up now and has no recollection of the event. 🤨

He should have turned it off and taken the keys, I doubt anyone thinks their child would get out their car seat and try to drive until they actually do

@Marblessolveeverything

Bless you but no thanks.

The risk remains low.

I'd never leave the engine on or leave the keys in, my two year old managed to put the car key in the ignition and start the car while he was sitting on my lap a while ago.

A 4 year old could hop in the front and start playing around with the handbrake, it's not worth the risk

Is there a man hiding in the bushes every day, waiting to jump out and abduct your child? If not, YABVU.

I wouldn't like it and I wouldn't do it

I'm so sorry you went through this ordeal , however the OP situation is not nearly the same

I wouldn’t go over the top but he should not leave a child and the keys in a car. The chances are minimal but the potential outcome could be beyond awful.