Anonymous wrote:Tell your DH it isn't the 80's! How would your kid have reacted when they woke up alone in the car? They might have got out of the car and left the door open or played with buttons, pedals, etc. Just not safe! You likely never have taught your kid what to do in that situation so, no.

This exact thing happened on a snow day in our neighborhood. The dad drove the mom to work while the boy was asleep at the house. Kid woke up panicked, and I found him walking around in his pjs in the snow screaming for his dad.

Anonymous wrote:Lol 7 year old? Wake his ass up!

+1000!

I'd be fine leaving a 7yo in the car (in fact, I've done it), but only if we discussed it ahead of time and he knew it would happen if he fell asleep. I wouldn't want him to wake up while I'm gone and panic because he's alone and doesn't know why. If he surprised me by falling asleep, I wouldn't randomly leave him in the car without warning.

Oh, and I'd turn the car off and leave several windows open. He'll be fine for 5-10 minutes, and can open a car door if he needs to. If pickup takes ridiculously long for some reason (have to wait for younger kid to finish a snack or something), I can always go back out for him.

It's not always 5 minutes as you think it will go. Waiting and waiting for them to locate your kid...next thing you know, it's 10-15 minutes later