a rant

I'm listening to a news report now about why not to leave a child in the car on a hot day, and I find it highly distressing that it's only illegal in twelve states. TWELVE! Why is this not illegal everywhere? I understand what a pain it can be to take a child into the store, especially if it's only for a few things. However, I think that falls under the "It sucks to be a parent sometimes, but oh well. What can you do?" Children getting severely injured or dying because of being left in a hot car is such a preventable tragedy.

Another disturbing part of the report mentioned that in most cases of a child dying in a hot car, a person just plain forgot them.Excuse me? How can a person, whether they are a caregiver or the parent, forget a child ? I've done weird things like forget my wallet at home or leave my purchases at the check out counter when I'm distracted by the kids, but I've never once forgotten one of my kids. Also, if it's a caregiver and they are so easily distracted that they forget a child in the car, they shouldn't be minding the child.

Phew. I need to go have some carbs and calm down, this report has me seething, and I need to keep it together for my little chitlins.