Is this irresponsible of me?
2006-12-18 03:25:54 · 31 answers · asked by ANGEL 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I can see both views to this question, which is why I asked. I thought it would be a good one to ask because there are a LOT of parents, like me, who leave their kids in the car while at the gas station. I think if the windows are up (or cracked a little) and the doors are locked and the kids are strapped in, that there should not be any problem as long as they are in your sight the entire time. I personally think those who judge people who do this sooo strongly are being too harsh. It really bothers me that people can question how well cared for our children are from a situation such as this. Maybe they are not aware of what can happen to a child who is taken from their parents by child protective services. Not only is that child ripped from the people who love him/her most, they are confused and very often are placed in a bad environment. Personal preference is one thing here, but people should think twice before calling cps in this situation!
2006-12-18 07:16:02 · update #1
Yes, I pay at the pump as well and why should you take your kids outside? I live in Wisconsin and trust me the kids don't want to be outside standing around waiting for me to pump gas. However I do not leave the keys in the car, I've heard too many horror stories about that. I do not think you are irresponsible, trust me there are many other ways a parent can be irresponsible and I don't think leaving your children in the car at a gas station is one of them, unless you leave the keys in...windows down... doors open, you get the picture.
2006-12-18 03:35:44 · answer #1 · answered by Momma K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done this. I never considered it irresponsible, because I could always see my kids from where I was at. However, not everyone would agree. Once when I went in to pay for gas; gone for about a minute or so to pay. I had someone go up to my car and try to open the door (luckily I always lock my car too, just in case I am not quick enough). When I ran out to approach the man he ripped into me about child endangerment. Threatened to call the police and everything. So, needless to say I don't do it anymore.
Even though nothing actually happened to my kids and because they were in my line of vision, things turned out okay. I decided it was no longer worth the risk. Next time I may not be quick enough.
2006-12-18 11:35:30 · answer #2 · answered by Lynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are paying at the pump and so never really leaving the car then it's fine. If, on the other hand, you have to go inside the gas station for any reason you should take your kids in with you. Too many things can happen. I do the same as you though. My kids are young and I think it's just safer to have them strapped in the car than running around or right there with the gas and exhaust fumes.
2006-12-18 11:40:05 · answer #3 · answered by susiemama 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would defiantely say that it depends on the age of your children, but I leave my kids in the car all the time. Especially when I am just running in the gas station real fast like yourself. And if that makes you irresponsible, then there are a lot of parents out there that need some training as well.
2006-12-18 11:29:20 · answer #4 · answered by Champagne115 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, all parents leave their kids in the car. Pumping gas is safe as long as you dont do a few things. You shouldnt talk on the cell phone, smoke, or get back in the car while youre pumping gas. Its probably more dangerous to have the kids out walking around than sitting inside. People waiting in line at the pump can get crazy with their sudden burst of speed. Keep them inside.
2006-12-18 11:27:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have, I used to have a vehicle with remote start so I could leave the engine running with the doors locked and alarm on. It depends on the age of the kids if they are under 10 I wouldn't leave the keys in the car, and no matter the age lock the doors.
2006-12-18 11:31:56 · answer #6 · answered by voidtillnow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have before, but I did n't do it all the time. If I did I would take the keys out of the ignition and lock the doors but crack the window if I had to go inside and pay, but I would always keep an eye on the car. And my daughter is 2yr old now. I just say if you do, make sure you have the keys and lock the door.
2006-12-18 11:29:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jazz21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any child that is over a certain age, like 4 or so, and u know wont get up and play in the car. is okay, but i wont leave a child under that age if im going into the gas station. but ill put her/him in the car when im pumping gas. i dotn think ur irresponsible, but i just dont like the idea of leaving my child in a car alone for any amount of time if i cant see her/him from where im standing
2006-12-18 11:41:54 · answer #8 · answered by myluvis4mac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never done that--ever. Even though they are both in car seats if I have to pay inside I take both of them out and make them come into the store with me. I would much rather be safe then sorry.
My opinion on this, yes, you are being irresponsible. Parenting isn't a matter of convenience . Sure, it's far easier to keep kids in the car but is it worth the risk of them locking you out? Is it worth the risk of getting reported by a nosey parent? Is it worth the risk of them getting kidnapped? I don't think so.
2006-12-18 12:02:36 · answer #9 · answered by .vato. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definately not!!! I prefer my children to be in the car than outside inhaling the fumes of the gas! I just make sure to lock the doors so no one can come and take the car with them inside or snatch them if I run in the store.
2006-12-18 11:27:42 · answer #10 · answered by flightchix 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋