To leave toddler in the car while I collect sibling from school?

[peekabooiseeyouhere]

For context, small rural school, not a dangerous area in the slightest.

Caveat, haven’t done this yet. But it would make life a lot easier …

Definite no from me -YABU, dont do it

If you don't like your toddler, sure go ahead.

On the other hand, if you are attached to them, take them with you

Why not just say ‘no, I wouldn’t’ and why?

No. Just no.

is it because they are asleep?

It doesn’t need to be a threat from someone abducting him (which is what your question suggests) rather than someone reporting you to SS and losing custody of all of your children that I’d be more concerned about. And you will get reported.

I wouldn’t be comfortable doing this.

FFS, this isn't going to happen because someone left a kid strapped in to a car with child locks on, that they had line of sight of throughout.

Why? Plenty of people do it and no one’s reported them.

Normally I do take her with me but the weather is awful today.

No, don’t do this. They could get scared, there could be an accident, you might be delayed at pick up (‘if I could just have a word, Mum’)

No. If nothing else the judgement from other mothers will be intense.

Glad it’s not just me! I know a few people do it. I never have, mostly because she likes coming in with me to get her sibling, but it’s so cold and wet and raw today. And she always wants carrying!

Twice in my life I have seen a parked car begin to smoke, then within minutes be fully on fire. Neither time was anyone inside. But both times the fire service had to be called and the car was ruined. That’s enough for me to never leave even my dog in the car alone.

Parents do this with babies and toddlers at the small village school DD goes to, nobody has reported anyone. The most that happens is that another parent will gently let them know that their baby has woken up from their nap and isn't happy.

Only if you can see the car from where you are picking up your other child. The toddler may get upset for some reason or hurt himself in some way, or someone might try to break into the car. All unlikely but possible.

I can't believe you even need to ask! You must know YABU, or you wouldn't be asking!!! Of course you can't leave your toddler in the car!

You give no context about where the car is parked, if you can see it, how long pick up takes you, etc.

If you're parking on school grounds, jump out the car when you see the teacher letting kids go, and are only out of the car for 30 seconds, maybe. If you're leaving the car round the corner, parked on the road, that's quite different.

Let’s be rational- you will not lose custody of your child.

However, leaving them along and vulnerable for moments or minutes is unacceptable and irresponsible. There are so many what if’s… What if someone hit the car?
What if the child got out of the car (unsure of their age)?!
How would your child react to being left alone? If asleep and awoke to an empty car they would become very distressed.

Yes it might be inconvenient to wake your child but it’s the safest and right thing to do by keeping them with you.

A ridiculous idea

Losing custody of your children does not happen for reasons like this!

Yes, same here. I don’t have a car napper, but pick up is a two minute job.

I wouldn't.

No I would never do that. Even an infinitesimally small risk is too big a risk for me to take with my child’s safety. You never think bad things are going to happen until they do.

No, it’s never worth the risk!

It does happen.

If the car is in your line of sight and seconds away it's fine.