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Bettina
Citizen
Username: Bettina
Post Number: 183
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 9:43 pm: | 
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I'm really confused about this issue of the dangers of leaving them in a car, partially because I have done it with my 5 and 9 year old, both of whom are extremely well-behaved and I trust them to do what they are told, which is remain belted in in the car which is locked. I would never leave them on a warm day - the issue of overheating is obvious. But it seems to me that most of the dangers have come from parents who leave their car unlocked, or worse, with the keys still in them - or for ridiculous periods of time. If I am parked in front of the Chinese place and I run in and grab my food and come out, I can't for the life of me figure out what could happen to them, except maybe a tree falling on the car but I would avoid leaving them outside alone in a wind storm! What am I missing? |
daylaborer
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 939
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 9:48 pm: |
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"What am I missing?"
Not much in a few minutes!! |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 4235
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:24 pm: |
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I leave my 7 year old in the car alone in the lot by Kings, and at Gleason's yesterday, on Highland (also yesterday). I let him go to King's or Roman Gourmet alone and buy a treat. I sit in the car and he meets dad under the train tracks. I give him plenty of times to show me he's responsible and that's rewarding for him. What is the reasoning behind not letting an 11 year old ride his bike around the block? |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 715
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:38 pm: |
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This thread really had me thinking and then today, on my way home at the A&P I parked next to a car with three kids and a little dog inside. At the A&P there is no way to see the parking lot from the store. The kids were having a good time joking around, ages between 11 - 6 I assume. From my pov, kidnapping three kids in a parking lot would likely be hard. It reminded me of being a kid in the 1970s
Anyway, I shopped and left - no sign of kidnapping - and went home. Once I arrived in my driveway I unloaded the groceries and asked my 10 year old who was with me, to please bring in his backpack. The door to the car was open, I went inside and began getting ready for dinner. After about 10 minutes I realized my son wasn't in the house. I looked out the window - first time - and saw him in the car engrossed in his book. He stayed in the car reading until he was finished, about another 10-15 minutes. Should JTA or another person have called the authorities on me? Who is to say that a child left unattended in a car in my driveway is safe? Have we not heard enough Polly Klaas stories and similar abductions to realize that our homes are not safe? Thinking about it, am I wrong to let my kids play in the yard while I fold laundry inthe basement? Thereis real hysteria out there about this type of crap. If you are talking about a baby/toddler left in a car on a hot day fine - that is dangerous. OTherwise, people we are talking about perceived risk and threat and any statitician will tell you that the likelihood of an abduction/kidnapping is so remote as to be absurd. All parents have moments of less than perfect parenting. If you want to be a part of a village that raises a child, that means suporting the parents in their moments of need and suppport, NOT CALLING THE COPS> Give me a break. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1819
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:59 pm: |
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So if these kids are vulnerable to kidnapping (a crime) the parent has committed a crime?
What other danger am I missing? My sister and I spent hours in a parked car. I actually don't know of any kidnapping insuing from this type of situation. Is it common?
J.B. |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 939
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 11:10 pm: |
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What's common is imagining that it's common.
If I had an 11 year old and I didn't feel I could let him ride his bike around the block, I'd move to a different neighborhood.
Why do I have this nagging suspicion JtA has been driving around parking lots obsessively looking for children in cars in need of "saving?"
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MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4567
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 5:57 am: |
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Bravo CageyD! |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 3525
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 7:45 am: |
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Those of us who have given our children various "freedoms" are just plain lucky. 27 years ago I let my very mature 3 year old push her doll carriage the long block to her grams house. I had her in sight for 1/2 the walk, gram could see the other half. I don't think I'd do that now. 25 years ago, I let my 4 year old take his chair and sit on the sidewalk to watch the man "walk through the trees" when our neighbor was having work done on his tree. He was at a safe distance tree-wise, but I don't think I'd do that now. It is not so much that I am older and wiser, but the realization that sadly, the world is different from the one in which my children grew up. |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1912
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 8:06 am: |
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I give him plenty of times to show me he's responsible and that's rewarding for him.
algebra2,
GOOD POINT!
If you follow the rules and show responsibilty, then you are rewarded. Again, there were times I've left my kids in the car to run in to pick-up an item. They know if they do something foolish, guess what, next time when ask you will follow me into the store. Thank godness this has never happened.
Reading this story, the kids reaction disturbed to me more when JTA called the cops. Dag these are NOT toddlers! I don't know how many times I've seen kids of this age left in the car and no reported kidnapping. If anything, I've seen allerts called in when a child is reported missing while shopping with a parent.
How many times have we've heard the in store, will the parent of so & so, or, we have a missing child named… ?
I think JTA may be too caught-up in MOL.
All parents have moments of less than perfect parenting. If you want to be a part of a village that raises a child, that means suporting the parents in their moments of need and suppport, NOT CALLING THE COPS> Give me a break.
DITTO CageyD!!! |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1913
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 8:10 am: |
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SoOrLady,
I wouldn't let a 3,or a 4 year old by THEMSELVES walk a block back then. Do you remember the 6 year old that was kidnapped half a block in NYC to catch the bus while HIS Mom watched back in the 70's?
These kids were paired, 5 & 7 and the girl seemed aware what JTA was doing by calling the cops. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 4237
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 9:19 am: |
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SOL -- in what way is the world a different place? I don't get what your point is. What is different about a kid sitting and watching tree work or a child being watched while walking down the block?
Nothing has changed. I don't think there are THAT many more psychos circling neighborhoods looking for kids to snatch today than there were 25 years ago. I don't think I would let a 3 year old walk down the block alone simply b/c a car could be backing up and squish them but I see no issue with a child sitting out and watching tree work being done, as long as the tree doesn't squish them. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 4839
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 9:22 am: |
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The difference now is that the media covers the rare incident ad nauseum, so the public gets more paranoid.
I do worry about squishing children though! I've taught the kids to look down driveways before crossing over them, and I always double check before backing out of mine. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 551
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 10:44 am: |
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I guess I am wondering why the default in this case was to "call the police". If you're that concerned why not either go into Staples with the children to find dad, or if you dont want to do that, tell the Staples manager to make an announcement. This hardly seems like an issue that demands the time and energy of law enforcement.
I guess I feel this way because I too, am of the "bad parent" breed who allows my child to sit in the car by herself sometimes while I run a quick errand. As far as risk goes, its probably way more likely the car driving to the errand could get in an accident and she would be hurt, than that she would be abducted in the Mailboxes parking lot. I always thought I was over-protective given what the parameters were when I was growing up, but now I find I am way permissive. I even let her ride her bike up and down our block and now that she's almost 9, I am allowing her to cross the street by herself. Oy - the danger of it all. |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 398
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
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"Do you remember the 6 year old that was kidnapped half a block in NYC to catch the bus while HIS Mom watched back in the 70's?"
Exactly! That one case 30 years ago is enough to make me want to lock my chilren in their rooms for the rest of their lives! They'll never be allowed to walk by themselves. For that matter, most kidnappings are committed by a known person, so they'll never be able to walk with anyone but ME (or JTA). |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3819
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:57 am: |
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Alge and Ffof (among others) are right. The papers and news shows only report bad news, because that's what holds people's attention, and that's what sells advertising. Heck, when there's not enough horrible stuff happening somewhere within this unbelievably vast country, they'll find something from somewhere else, just to have enough horror to meet the quota.
Too many of today's young children are going to grow up into people who can't do a thing for themselves without having an anxiety attack. Over-protective parents certainly have the best of intentions, but their kids are liable to have all sorts of self-esteem and competence issues. A certain amount of risk-taking is essential to proper development. It's important to realize that over-protection and negligence are both harmful. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1836
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
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The fact that people are still talking about a kidnapping that happened 30 years ago means that this is still something very rare...
I'm with Alg2 - we have to teach them safety & let them try their wings within reason (that's the subjective part - "reason" as applied to that particular kid & family & activity) |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1916
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 12:18 pm: |
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doulamomma,
It is rare. And I think the perp that kidnapped Etan Patz may have been indirectly (babysitters boyfriend) known to the family.
I think the situation MAY have been different if JTA did NOT read that thread on Gleasons Cleaners. You know, there are 2 sides to this story of JTA's. I would love to hear the kids version tho. 
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Bettina
Citizen
Username: Bettina
Post Number: 184
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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So I'm still eager to hear from all those people posting that condemned the parent who left his kids in the car. I genuinely would like to hear the ways in which it is dangerous. I looked on the web site about kids in cars that someone posted and all the incidents involved parents who either left their cars unlocked or worse, left the keys inside (duh) or left them in cars in the hot sun or left their kids in parking lots, on the loose.
I did hear once that a young toddler left napping was able to struggle out of his car seat but not out of his seat belt and choked himself to death.
As for kidnapping, I'm quite sure a kidnapper is not going to smash the window of my car in broad daylight on Maplewood Avenue in front of everyone.
So what could happen? Obviously, we really need to know.
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Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 263
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 1:42 pm: |
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I don't recall specifics but wasn't there an attempt to lure a walking-from-school child into a car last year in Maplewood? I also recall (I think this was in Orange) that a running car with a child in it was stolen from a driveway. I am the first to admit that I am overprotective, but my nephew was kidnapped (and luckily managed to escape) in Florida several years ago, so the odds don't feel so remote to me. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 443
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 1:45 pm: |
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that's terrible, Me2! was your nephew kidnapped by a stranger? was he in a car?
the one in Maplewood turned out to be some family involvement or troubled youth and was hushed up to protect the minor as i understood it.
a running car would have the keys in it, which would be stupid because it would invite theft, and the child might try to drive the car! |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 3259
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 1:53 pm: |
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Just the fact that the kids got out of the car by themselves scares me enough not to leave mine alone. Mine are younger, 3 and 5. As much trouble as they would be in the store (stop touching everything!!!) I would take that known risk vs. the unknown of them being by themselves in the car. Who knows when they would see a friend and decide to get out, want to learn how to drive (you don't need keys to take of the emergency brake) or have a marble eating contest.
I think once we both (parent and child) feel comfortable with the child walking to a friend's house or to school by themselves, then I would feel comfortable leaving them in the car.
Hey to each his/her own. To be honest I was surprised by the Gleason's thread as I figured everyone would say that SLK should never leave his infant and toddler in the car by themselves. Guess I am hyper-overprotective and didn't know it. Maybe that's why my kids ask to wear rubber gloves when they go potty.  |
Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 264
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 2:03 pm: |
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Yes, actually it was 2 strangers. They grabbed him and pulled him into their car. He miraculously managed to grab the door handle and jump/roll out of the car. The abductors were never caught. Note that my nephew was almost 14, so this is not a good example of the sorts of concerns raised in this thread about leaving young children unattended. I mentioned it moreso to explain my own overprotectiveness.
If I recall correctly, the incident in Orange was a woman loading up the car to leave in the morning and she was quickly getting something from the house when the car was taken.
In general, I don't think that leaving young children in the car alone out of one's line of sight is wise. |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1037
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 2:49 pm: |
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Bettina:
'or left their kids in parking lots, on the loose...'
Since these kids got out of the car on their own to talk to a total stranger you could say that they were loose in the parking lot.
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Bettina
Citizen
Username: Bettina
Post Number: 185
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 7:41 pm: |
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Yes, it's true. That does seem the most likely danger is that your kids would get out of the car by themselves for some reason. I guess I just know my kids are trustworthy. My 9-year old is a rule-abider to the point of the ridiculous. But not all kids are. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6141
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:31 pm: |
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mooewe-
While I agree it's sad my sister doesn't let my nephews ride their bike around the block alone (and I don't 'defend' the boys in this situation,' several bigger kids where I live have had their bikes stolen. Also, where we live, there are constantly people who do not live in the neighborhoods walking through to get to the park. Plus we live off busy street.
LilLB-
I think they were there more then ten minutes. I have to say, if they weren't honking the horn, I never would have noticed them. By being able to reach the horn to honk it they either had to climb over the seat; or have really long arms. What would have happened if they accidentally hit the car into gear?
Until you mentioned what might have happened when they got home, I really didn't think about that. I sure hope there is another adult in their house to run interference if needed. I doubt very much the police will tell me anything if I call and ask. Now I really feel bad.
I would be interested in the statistics as well. Wonder where we could find them? Someone mentioned not long ago there was an announcement about a missing child at the Short Hills Mall. The child must have been found quickly because there was no Amber Alert. Maybe I just worry to much?
Bettina-
You aren't missing anything. I know plenty of people who leave their kids in the car. I don't know if I would have thought anything of it if I didn't hear some of the things the kids were saying, or if they hadn't been hitting the horn. I don't have kids of my own, so I can't say what I do as a parent. If I have to run into a store, I don't leave my nephews or other people's younger kids in my car when they are with me because they are my responsibility and I could never forgive myself if something happened to them.
I have let my niece from Florida stay in the car when she was twelve only because my sister use to leave her and her brother home alone.
Pippi-
I could be wrong but I don't think they're immature for their age. I do admit my sister might be a little over protective. She doesn't even let them go to the restroom by themselves at the movie theater. With the exception of the few teenagers in our neighborhood I don't see any of the kids riding their bikes around the block without an adult.
My one nephew doesn't even like to be on one floor of the house without an adult. This started back when his brother was in the hospital for brain surgery twice within six months. A friend of mine who lives by Marshall has no problem letting her ten year old go to Grove Park by herself. Other friends let their twelve year old to hang out in Maplewood Center at night.
I think if the boys are together they should be able to ride to the park for baseball practice on their bikes; go the restroom at the movies together even. But then again, I don't think either of them would want to because we were in the parking lot at the Sony a couple years ago, when the gunfire broke out.
If we didn't like where there was a lot of foot traffic and the train station right there; maybe my sister would think differently. They can play in front, if they want. As I said, we had a lot more freedom when we were kids.
Scully-
I missed that quote. LOL. I was pretty surprised the kids came after me. Don't know if you are familiar with this Staples; but the front door is not 'ground level.' There is one long ramp; both ends slop up to a flat area where the doors are. A railing runs the length of the ramp. Abducting a kid from the area by the front door would be difficult; but if someone with bad intentions wanted to, they could have easily grabbed them before they hit the ramp.
Alg-
Maybe I should get my sister to reconsider! If you guys let Little Alg walk from your house to King's and Roman Gourmet, we are really being over protective! If we lived where you do I am pretty sure my sister would have no problem letting the kids ride their bikes down the block to the one street, but not the other way. I've let my nephews run into 7.11 while I've watched them from the car. They also ran into RG to pick up an order when we park right out front. My sister usually yells at me when she finds out.
Cagey
While I see your point and agree with you to an extent; if the police didn't think it was a big deal, they would have said so. I'm also thinking they wouldn't have bothered to show up. My sister has sent the kids to the car lots of times to get their stuff; so you do have a point there.
I think the Polly Klaas and Jon Benet stories might be part of the reason my one nephew likes to make sure there is an adult on the same floor with him. Doesn't have to be in the same room, he just likes to know one of us is either upstairs, or downstairs with him.
I doubt anyone would call the police about kids in a car in their own driveway. About 'supporting the parent in their moment of need.' How was I supposed to know who the parent was?
If the car had been parked in a small lot such as Gleasons, where it wouldn't have been difficult to locate the parent, I would have went in and said something like 'If the kids in the black SUV thing are yours I think you should know they are messing around in the car and the horn you here beeping is yours.
Jersey Boy-
We were left in the car as kids too. I guess I was just hypersensitive because of the Gleason thread. Something that did come to mind though (beside the Gleason thread) were stories that have been in the news over the past few years about parents who have left their kids in the car while they worked because they had nobody to watch them.
argon-
Sometimes saying someone should move is easier said then done. Believe me, if possible my sister and I would move to Morris County. But we refuse to leave our mother behind and she doesn't want to move. LOL
As for driving around parking lots looking for kids in need of 'saving,' nope. This was the first time I called the police for kids left in a car. Now if you were to accuse me of checking cars in handicap parking places; that's a different story! LOL
Yesterday, when I went to CVS I saw an Official vehicle for the Orange Public Works Department parked in a handicapped sport. No license plates, no placard; not that it's likely someone working in this division handicapped enough to need to park in a handicap spot would be working for the Public Works Department.
Did I call the police? Not this time. Wrote down the plate and called the Department of Public Works in Orange.
Meand-
I'm a little surprised by your 5:57am post to Cagey. Wasn't it you who was upset when your childcare fell through the other day? You eve commented on how you couldn't leave them in the car while you went in to pay your respect.
SoLady-
When my nephews ask my sister why they can't do even 1/2 the things we did as kids my sister tell them things are not like they were when we were kids. I don't see what they problem would be for them to ride to the pool with one of us following shortly behind. They could take one of the cellphones with them.
One day my brother in law dropped one of the kids off at the pool because he didn't want to go to his brother's doctor appointment. Instead of letting him walk across the bridge to the pool by himself, he not only walked him to the pool, he walked him up to where I was sitting. Even I thought that was nuts!
Phen-
You might be right. I got too caught up in Gleason's. I bet if I hadn't read that thread I wouldn't have even noticed the kids. And after hitting the horn, I most likely wouldn't have reacted. It was the first time I called the police when I saw kids left in a car; and it will be the last.
mid 80's the other day.How many know the inside of a car can reach 100 in seven minutes. One website even states the inside of a car can reach over 130 on a hot day.
Why though did the kids react the way they did when they saw me on my cellphone? My phone could have rung and I could have been answering it?
Campbell-
I'm thinking if the police thought this wasn't a problem they would have told me so. They wouldn't have bothered to show up as quickly as they did. I don't think it would have been smart for me to try to remove someone's kids from the car because what if by chance at that exact moment the parent came out and saw me taking the kids out of the car? I could say all I want I was just going to bring them in to find you. But what's to say the parent would have believed me?
Wouldn't you be concerned about kids who got out of the car because an adult told them to? I know I would. Didn't someone say in the Gleason thread if the caller to the police was that concerned they wouldn't have let the children out of their site? That they would have stuck around? I wouldn't have been able to see the kids from inside Staples anymore then the father.
I think it's a little different in Mailboxes. and does your nine year old jump around the car; go into the front and beep the horn?
I think I already said in an earlier post if the father hadn't reacted the way he did I would have told the police 'Nevermind, the father just came out.' Instead of saying something like 'Hey I'm here is everything okay?' He started to get in my face and scream at me. Can I help it he was going nuts while I was on the phone with the police and they heard him? So I'm not completely at fault.
Bettie-
I've found several websites that talk about the dangers of leaving kids in cars alone:
http://childcare.about.com/od/childsafe2/qt/kidsincars.htm
http://childcare.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=childcare&zu=http% 3A%2F%2Fwww.kidsincars.org
http://www.safetyissues.com/state/index.php?f=31
http://www.safekids.org/
http://www.google.com/search?as_q=&num=10&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&btnG=Google+Search &as_epq=Never+Leave+Your+Child+Alone&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_q dr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:1mwcsvffu9kJ:www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.c fm%3Fcontent_item_id%3D10430%26folder_id%3D300+%22Never+Leave+Your+Child+Alone%2 2&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=7&ie=UTF-8
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:UIeTl4yPt2cJ:www.verdugo.ci.glendale.ca.us/p ressreleases/071006Kids%26Cars.pdf+%22Never+Leave+Your+Child+Alone%22&hl=en&gl=u s&ct=clnk&cd=23&ie=UTF-8
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:iHMsMA5ek70J:www.luhs.org/depts/injprev/Brea kpnt/bp-v4-7.htm+%22Never+Leave+Your+Child+Alone%22+car&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2 &ie=UTF-8
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:Rmy4AYJNKS0J:www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.c fm%3Fcontent_item_id%3D312%26folder_id%3D170+%22Never+Leave+Your+Child+Alone%22+ car&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5&ie=UTF-8
Me2-
You are correct. There were some attempted kidnappings in the area. Also, an attempted carjacking in Millburn. I'm glad your nephew was able to escape. That must have been frightening.
Wendy-
Do your kids really wear rubber gloves when going potty? You made a good point. I agree; When kids are old enough to walk to school on their own they should be old enough to be in the car for a few minutes.
All-
I understand people have different views and that it depends on the age of the child; but I think we can all agree a five and seven year old getting out of the car and chasing after a complete stranger who depending on who they were could have easily grabbed the children, isn't smart. Maybe I did over react by calling the police; but the father over reacted way mom by going nuts instead of realizing his kids did not stay put in the car.
What if I had told the kids I was not calling the police? That I had only answered by cell because it rang? Would they have still went into Staples? What if as they were going back to the car something had happened to them? As I said, I won't do this again.  |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3822
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:41 pm: |
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JTA, I hereby nominate you for the Most Responsible Thread Originator Award.  |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4583
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:53 pm: |
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JTA, I guess you don't remember I sided with SLK in the Gleasons thread. The reason I couldn't leave the kids in the car to pay my respects was because I probably would have been gone more than a few minutes and because, more than likely, I wouldn't have been able to see them from where I was.
I never leave my kids in the car if I can't see them. When I do leave them, I never do it when it's too hot or too cold, I never leave the keys, and I always put on the emergency brake.
As far as my bravo to CageyD, I was reacting/responding to this:
"There is real hysteria out there about this type of crap. If you are talking about a baby/toddler left in a car on a hot day fine - that is dangerous. Otherwise, people we are talking about perceived risk and threat and any statitician will tell you that the likelihood of an abduction/kidnapping is so remote as to be absurd." |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6145
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 2:02 am: |
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Ooops. I'm sorry. I thought you were agreeing with Cagey telling me I was wrong. I also thought in your post you said something about not wanting to leave your children in the car for five minutes. Sorry.
Some of the links I posted have information in them that say even if it's only 85 degrees out the car can heat up to 130 within 7 minutes; despite the windows being slightly open. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 4240
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 10:52 am: |
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JTA -- I don't let him walk from my home to King's. He walks from my store, on the same block, to King's and RG. I also let him circle the block which does mean he crosses two parking lot entrances (merchant lot and BOA lot). I figure these are small enough adventures -- he feels more grown up and therefore acts more responsible and I get him out of my hair for a few minutes. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 448
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:54 pm: |
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Me2, i think the child in the car waiting for school was a story you got from me on the other thread about this same topic. Come to think of it, it was only a rumor. another neighbor told me the story and i never heard anyone else mention it. The guy wasn't trying to kidnap anyone, he was a car theif who was trying to get out of the neighborhood. he allegedly tried the door but it was locked and he ran off.
A block from my parents house in Texarkana a 30 year old woman was abducted from her front yard where she was gardening. She was killed by a stranger. Does that mean that women should never work in the yard alone? |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1929
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 2:38 pm: |
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Absolutely correct; that's why I don't work in my yard AT ALL.
I'd like to cut the grass and remove the weeds, but ask yourself... is it really worth risking your life? |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 451
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 3:07 pm: |
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come to think of it, that must be my excuse, too! |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4590
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 3:09 pm: |
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I never cross the street because I might get hit by a bus.
I don't shower because I might fall and crack my skull open.
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eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1740
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |
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I think the answer is age and responsibility which is really the parent's discretion. I leave my 8 year old in the car at Gleason's occasionally but it still makes me nervous.
A neighbor of mine's husband left 2 of his kids in the car in a parking lot a few years ago - one was an infant and the other was around 3. The three year old got out of his car seat and left the car and was wandering around the parking lot looking for dad - could easily have been run over. Another customer went in to the store and yelled "did someone leave their kids in the car because there's a little boy out here". Needless to say he never did that again. Yes there is a very real danger - young kids will do things you won't expect. Sometime around the age of 6/7/8/9 depending on the kid I agree with Alg - you have to start giving them some responsibility. My 8 year old is allowed to ride her bike around the block as long as she's with another kid. I let her go out and play on her bike with our neighbor's son and trust her enough not to hover over her and she enjoys the freedom. When I tell some of my friends that they look at me like I'm crazy. To each his own. |
Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 265
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 11:28 pm: |
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Actually, no CQ, I did not get that story from you. A notice was sent by the school speaking of an attempted luring and asking us to speak to our children. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 452
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 10:58 am: |
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Me2, I'm talking about the story you mentioned about the car running. That was a story i told on the other thread and i don't even know if it's true.
I already gave you an answer on the kid walking. Yes, they sent out a notice from the schools, but then they hushed it all up because it was not really an attempted kidnapping, but a troubled youth. I don't know the whole story and i don't have any right to know the story, but it was not a kidnapping by a stranger. so to keep repeating it as the truth is just a way to create an atmosphere of fear. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12622
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:08 am: |
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How about leaving dogs in cars? In the spirit of the festivities here I pulled out the cell and called the police when a guy left his adorable dachshund in his car when he ran into a 7-11. Last I saw he was being cuffed and JAG was taking the pooch into custody. All this happened at the 7-11 on S. Livingston in Livingston btw. |
Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 266
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:12 am: |
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No CQ, the story of the car running was not from MOL; it was in the news. If I recall correctly, the perpetrator abandoned the car a few blocks away when he realized that a child was in it.
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