Parents weigh the risks of leaving youngsters alone in cars - e...

From the driver's seat, the coffee shop catches your eye, giving you hope that a steaming midday cup could help you survive after a sleepless night with a teething toddler.

[WSP]

I'm alone with my toddlers all day, and while I'd get a lot more done if I left them alone in the car once in a while, I don't do it, and won't do it. Ever.

[Amanda]

Totally agree with you WSP...I have a 12 & 3 yr old...NEVER would I leave the 3yr old in the car alone...not that I haven't thought about it...but then my thoughts go to my younger cousins when they were little and their mom's ford torus going down the hill in reverse and up into the neighbors garage...thank god no one was hurt...but HELLO..kid's alone in cars...DON'T mix!!

[sweetwhysper]

I have never left my daughter in the car alone, except when I am pumping gas. If I am not paying at the pump she comes inside, then goes to sit back in the car while I pump, that's mainly so she's not breathing the fumes and I don't have to worry about her getting run over. She's now 10, and we have been doing it like this for 10 years. I know it only takes one second to lose your child, and only 24 seconds to ensure their safety. Which would you rather? I think I will spend the extra time ensuring my daughter is within my sight and reach at all times. Call me over protective if you must, I call it smart. I wish more parents would do it. As for the woman that needed to cut in line at Starbucks...find one with a drive thru...or go to Mickey D's and get coffee...it's coffee for Christs' sake! Is a cup of coffee worth endangering your child? And yes I am the one that will call police if I see children sitting in a vehicle alone...you never know how long they have been there by the time you see them.

[Concerned mother]

I leave them all the time. I leave open whiskey bottles, matches, and leave a burning cigarette in the ash tray. I like to toughen them up as youngsters. They know how to shoot. I usually have a loaded pistol under the seat also. So if someone tries anything funny. BANG.