Ex leaving child in car

[Howdoyoulikethemapplesnow]

AIBU to think it’s not okay?

Two DC ages 6 and 8. Ex keeps leaving them in the car when he goes to shops, collect a prescription, etc….car is not visible from either and DC say they panic.

I can get petrol station if it’s really busy and you can see the car at all times but do I raise the rest?

6 & 8 is old enough to be left for a few minutes while a parent pops in a shop. I wouldn't be doing a full weekly shop but picking up a prescription takes minutes, why would they need to go with him?

This is fine. You need to teach the children how to not panic in a situation that is objectively not worth panicking over

As others have said, the issue is that children of 6 and 8 are panicking after being left for 10 minutes. It's much safer for them to wait in the car than cross a car park, although neither is dangerous.

You wouldn't do it, but the parent would.

I don’t think it’s a huge issue unless the kids are unhappy about it.

They aren’t babies and could presumably get out of the car in an emergency? But are old enough to be told not to do it unless it’s an emergency.

(I’m a bit unsure if all cars can be opened from the inside when locked - mine can. If they can’t open the doors should they need to then it’s not suitable.)

I’d need to know more. Is the car locked? Windows up or down? Air conditioning on? Parked under cover/in the shade or in full sunshine?

I’m from Australia so leaving a 6 and 8 year old in a locked car, windows up and no air conditioning in the full sunshine would mean that you’d be coming back to 2 unwell children who would probably need medical attention.

I’d be too worried about my children getting kidnapped so I wouldn’t do it, even in the shade, car locked and air conditioning on.

More likely to be hit by a car in the car park than a random abduction.
At 10c and drizzly, air con isn't really an issue at the moment.