Would you leave a Child in a Car alone?

Would you leave a child in a Car alone seems to be the biggest question being asked right now after reading this article?  Don't judge me, but I have!  I have left my children in the car while at Domino's or at the dry cleaners, but then my car wasn't probably more than 10 feet from me and I could see my car at all times. I have never left my children in the car while getting my hair done, getting my nails done, or while grocery shopping.  My mom use to leave me in the car.  I remember clearly her running into Kmart or the grocery store for an item or two. I was never left in the car on a hot day or for more than 10-15 minutes.  I wasn't kidnapped.  I am sure I even developed patience from the action.  While I do not agree with this woman leaving her 4 year old in the car even if it wasn't hot, does it make her a criminal?  In my opinion she should have made the child go in with her or turned around and left without getting the child the headphones. At 4, I don't believe the child would not have known not to open the doors for a stranger. Would I have reported her?  No, unless the child was in danger because of heat exposure, and this child wasn't.  The reason why I am bringing up the article is do you know what your state laws are?  Do you know how old your child needs to be in order to stay in the car alone or home alone for that matter.  The article got me curious about what my state laws were on this matter.  A few years ago, I got a ticket for not moving over for a police man.  I didn't even know it was a law.  It had only been made a law a couple months previously.  When I went to court they gave me an opportunity to speak to an attorney.  I told the attorney my story and he told me ignorance is not a plea for not guilty.  Since it was my first traffic offence, I got a reduced ticket!  It was still pretty stiff.  Anyway, What do you think?

Roman 2010