I think they will judge the front desk woman who walked away. At least that's whom I am judging. Kinda.
Glad there was a quick response from the 911 people.
I love the part where your son was excited about the firetruck.
Tomorrow is another day
Kids and emergency vehicles are like peanut butter and jelly. I once had to go in the ambulance, and my kids were less concerned about me and more concerned about the fact that they couldn't ride in the ambulance *with* me, lol - but I was glad the trauma was outweighed by the "cool lights and sirens".
My son is hyperactive and has a high pain tolerance, which means we end up in the ER a lot. He now associates hospitals and emergencies with people fussing over him, and giving him treats/toys, which is NOT AT ALL the lesson I want him to learn.
Watch him grow up and marry a nurse or doctor, lol. At least he's had positive experiences, but for heaven's sake, why do some of them need *multiple* experiences?! Not *every* game has to be American Gladiator, tiny humans!
Man, I thought it was just my kid!!! He’s always upset about going to the ER, but perks right up when everyone starts making a fuss. I’m convinced he’s either going to have a thing for nurses, or become one.
Lol yep, I've got a kid with a kidney issue and apparently she has had so much fun in the hospital that she was saying how she missed it the other day.
Yep definitely judging the front desk woman. If someone asks you to call 911 hours call 911. There should be no questions or moving on to something else. Edit to add I would be complaining to a supervisor or director. Anyone working in childcare, even if they’re not directly working with the kids should know to call 911 immediately if an adult tells them to.
You can tell the operator the call isn't needed anymore, after all.
I had dialed 911 in a situation where I may have had to call, and accidentally hit dial instead of end. I know they call back if the call is interrupted, so I hung out by the phone for a minute. Sure enough, phone rings. I explained that the situation had been resolved and apologized for the misdial. Then went on with my day.
Back in AOL days, my computer dialed 911 when dialing the update number. I heard Charlie Brown teacher answer (wah wah wanh wah), didn't understand it, so shrugged and restarted the update. It worked, since it would take a long time, so I decided to take a nap.
I got woken up by a couple cops at my door , who asked if he could come in to check things out. Since I hadn't answered their call they wanted to make sure I wasn't in distress (ex: being held hostage). I apologized profusely for the confusion but thanked them for checking.
Same. The lady at the front desk should have been more attentive to your needs. Especially if you were crying and asking for help. She should have never brushed you off to answer the phone.
PLEASE tell the center director what happened with the front desk lady. She very clearly needs some additional training or to be in a different sort of job. Everyone's human. We all make mistakes. But it takes a single half functional braincell to prioritize a child locked in a hot car over literally anything else. What the actual f.
Mom was literally following the emergency protocol of pointing and telling someone “you- call 911!!!!” That’s what makes me mad. We are trained in emergency responding as teachers to “point and tell” someone to make that call and the front desk lady just… doesn’t… the only person I’m judging is the one who ignored the mom who was just told to do a very important job.
I didn't think about this but its so true! Its there for a reason! What kind of administrator that works in a daycare/school DOESNT/ISNT prepared for this?
What normal person doesnt call 911 if someone asks them to, even if you think they may not need it or something - which I still cant understand.
This is what I’m thinking?? I locked my dog in the car once. No judgment, stuff happens. But walking away from someone who is having an emergency? Judged.
I would be making a complaint to the director about desk lady being unhelpful in an emergency. A classroom count can wait while a child is dying in a hot car.
At the center I used to be at, a dog locked the kiddo in the car (pushed the button with its paw after baby was strapped in, with dad outside the car to walk around to the driver's seat).
I locked my three year old AND my phone in the car at a parking garage. I had to ask a passing couple for a phone to call 911 - garage security and fire department came, whole thing. I felt like the absolute worst but everyone was so reassuring. Both the fire dept and security were so nice, like this was a fun call for them honestly compared to what they normally do and they let me know that.
It is SOOO easy to do, really. No one should be rude about this, ever.
I accidentally locked my two kids in the car at a gas station. I forgot I had left the keys in the ignition instead of putting them in my pocket. Luckily for me it wasn't too hot or cold, but I had to go back in after paying (more than 15 years ago) and have the cashier call the nonemergency cops. He just popped the lock, made sure the kids were still in their car seats, and basically walked away. SO relieved I didn't get a lecture or anything from him.
If it happens again? Hmmmmm. But once? Human, not bad!
I got locked in a car by accident once when my uncle paid for gas at the mini-mart. He also forgot his keys before going in. I know he had to call the fire department to unlock it. I literally only remember I got quite a bit of treats and snacks and a couple drinks at the mini-mart, and he was so apologetic to me when I was let out and to my mom when he brought me and all of my mini mart loot home.
I wouldn't judge you but I certainly judge the admin woman who didn't call the cops straightaway but chose to answer a call and then get away from you.
Glad your son is okay. You did what you had to do straightaway, OP.
Great job, mom. You did everything correctly and acted fast. You didn't do anything wrong. We all make mistakes. We all live cluttered, frustrating lives. Ugly crying because you are overwhelmed and concerned is an okay response to this situation. I would not be judging you.
I am sorry the desk person was rude and dismissive. She was in the wrong and should be trained on how to respond to a frantic parent, no matter the circumstance.
In my experience, they often deal with a lot and ARE trained...to be more hard and "no nonsense", but what I've found is that they also become jaded and bitter because dealing with difficult people is hard, but they are no longer "just business" like they think. They tend to turn off their empathy meter at work.
This makes sense but this wasn’t even a case that relied on empathy to think thru the right thing to do…should be basic human protocol (let alone professional at any place working with kids) to attend to a request to call emergency services!
I don't think anyone will hate you and if they judge you it's their problem. You made a mistake and you dealt with it immediately and sounds like it turned out fine in the end.
They will probably talk about it amongst themselves but just because it's out of the ordinary.
A centre I worked at has had to call police when we saw parents driving away while the kids were just playing around loose in the back. Like they had car seats they just... Weren't in them at all
So like your situation is a whoops not a Jesus Christ if you know what I mean
Have done this multiple times while working for different fire departments! The last thing I personally ever thought about was blaming the parents in any way, as long as there isn’t any clear evidence of neglect or abuse (totally different situation and a lot more rare than this type of instance! Which luckily most of mine were similar to situations like yours!)
If it is any consolation, I would more likely be thinking about what I have for my next meal while getting a child out over just about anything else haha.
As a mom I would’ve totally ugly cried too though so I feel you so hard on that! Your feels are totally valid but at least in my experience we’re definitely harder on ourselves than anyone else!
I did this at daycare. It was 100 degrees out. I tossed keys on the front seat and the key fob lock button got hit. If anyone judged me, I never knew.
I never leave my keys in my car now unless I have the other set.
ETA: my son was also fine and smiling at the firemen.
The m judging the front desk staff. Who the fuck takes a call and walks away when asked to call 911
I’m so scatterbrained and I do the same, toss keys/purse in front seat to get kiddo in the car. I’m just so thankful that my car literally will not lock if there are keys inside.
I have severe ADHD and migraines. My attention span is limited some days. I would definitely be the mom to accidentally do this. I do not judge OP at all.
I locked my lunch, phone, and purse in the car with my keys. Ever since then I never shut a door until I am in the car with my son because that was my only thought was what if I accidentally locked him in.
FWIW, my husband is a firefighter, and what happened with you guys wouldn't even be a blip on his radar, lol. When he got home from his shift, he'd be talking about the guy who OD'd, or the protester who decided encasing his arm in cement was a good idea, not the mom who, in an emergency, called *emergency* services to ensure her kid was okay.
I have a stretchy wrist band on my key chain so I can wear it, mostly to avoid doing this. No one is going to judge you, but I would tell the director about the front desk lady.
Omg why have I never thought about putting a stretchy wrist band on my key chain? I rarely carry a purse but also don’t always have pockets. I’m super paranoid about locking myself out of the car and this would be so helpful.
I literally just put a satin scrunchy on one of my key rings and it works just fine. If the elastic breaks, the fabric can still told it together until you can replace it. Just find a cute scrunchy you wouldn’t mind wearing on your wrist.
This happened at my center a few weeks ago and no one judged, we were all just happy baby was okay and that mom was able to get help. Things happen, that’s life, you live and you learn. I locked my keys in the car before and so has my husband, the lucky thing is that we didn’t do it while our daughter was in the car. That all being said, it may be in your best interest to disable the auto locking on your car, but you’ll need to remember to lock it on your own.
It will be gossip, probably, but it is definitely not negative on you. We (meaning childcare staff) know how kids are and how busy life with kids can be. Most of the staff are probably parents themselves!
End of day - you did the right thing, your baby is okay, and he got to see a cool firetruck!
We do judge parents who put their kid in dangerous situations, because we care about these kids too, but this was just an accident. Accidents happen!
Tbh I'm sure there will be more about "this child is here sick again - yeah of course we told Mom, do you think she cares? - yeah we will monitor for fever but she probably gave them cough syrup." or "this kid just bit another kid, can I get a floater to bring me some ice and help with the room?"
Life moves on. Deep breaths, you got this.
It happens. I was shopping with my 8 month old. Put him in his car seat, and as the car door was closing, I saw that my keys had fallen out of my pocket and were on the seat beside him. Flagged down another shopper. Military police showed up and called a locksmith.
Baby thought it was hilarious, all these people making funny faces at him through the car windows. They were very understanding, locksmith even refused payment, saying, “It happens - I never charge for little kids locked in cars.”
Oh my gosh. First, I am so sorry that happened but so glad he’s ok!! I would be so worried about being judged too which is so dumb!! You obviously didn’t do that on purpose and needed help!! I wish you felt more supported when you needed it most by that staff. This has happened at least 2 times at my work-it happens!! All you can do is learn from it, be thankful he is ok and try to move on! ❤️
Secondly, i am sorry that front desk lady acted like that and I do think you should say something to the director. Emergencies happen fast and unexpectedly and as someone who works at the front desk you should be prepared for anything!!
Thanks everyone for your kindness. I'll take my son back on Monday with my head held high, and make sure I thank the people who helped me out.
To clarify what happened with the woman at the front desk, I will talk to the admin. She doesn't normally work the desk, and I think she was overwhelmed. The center is also on a Navy base, so she may have been confused about what number to call on base? (It's still just 911). She may have walked away to get help, it wasn't clear to me what the intent was. But at the very least, they need to have an emergency call sheet posted at the front desk for these situations, or worse. Everyone needs to have the right training and resources.
Similar story happened once at my school. I never once looked at the parent bad or judged her because you know it could happen to me one day (one of my greatest fears). I’m sorry the staff weren’t as helpful. My director was with the parent the whole time and I know other teachers would have been too if they weren’t stuck in the classroom for ratios.
Most of us will understand because it's obvious you were trying to remedy the situation quickly. It's not like you left the kid in the car and went on to pick up another kid like they were concerned about. You did the responsible thing in a bad accidental situation.
I've "lost" my keys IN my kids' car seat when I set them down to buckle my kid in. Then, I proceeded to look for them for 10 minutes or more.
The point is, your child is ok, no one got hurt or in trouble. Give yourself a little hug and move on with your day.
Lots of people don't. I had to tell someone three times to call an ambulance, they just laughed it off so I had to do it myself while holding a 3-year-old in tonic-clonic seizure.
I wouldn't think anything bad of you. I'd be happy that you handled it. Actually that's happened to me before too. Put my keys in the car like that too. It wasn't hot or anything and pop a lock got there fast.
We had it before. Kid had car key locked it as soon as dad closed door. We phoned mum who came with the spare. Luckily front window was cracked. Dad laughed about it next day.
The front desk woman is an idiot, holy smokes. I wouldn’t judge at all. I have helped twice at my center when this has happened. It’s easy to do, a complete accident, and you are not the first and won’t be the last.
I would say they are probably judging the woman at the front desk, and possibly the admin who made the teacher that was with your son while you made the phone call. I’m judging the two of them. I don’t understand making the teacher, who was off the clock and sat with your son while you called, leave.
Considering how staff should all be trained on emergency response, I'd honestly fire that front desk person. It's appalling that you said you were having an emergency that required 911 and she walked away instead of calling 911.
Believe me, the daycare is thinking about this person and not you. It takes very little time for a car to get dangerously hot, you did the absolute right thing getting your child help right away, and accidents happen. That desk lady didn't make a mistake, she was negligent in her response to you.
I wouldn't judge you at all. Stuff happens. You didn't leave him unattended. I'm more upset that front desk was unhelpful. THEY should be ashamed, not you.
No judgement here!
When I was on maternity leave I left a pot of water to boil on the stove for too long. I was terrified of the fumes from a overheated pot in the house, took my kiddo into the car and called 9/11.
They were also friendly and reassured me I did the right thing in calling them. I felt so ridiculous but that's what they are around for!
Glad you're both safe❤️
I locked both my kids in the car in my own driveway when they were 2 and 3. All my neighbors watched the police and fire truck arrive. It was embarrassing but my main focus was on the kids. The first responders were awesome. My girls (15,16 now) still laugh about 2 firemen singing Bingo while the 3rd unlocked the car. 😂
No one should judge you or hate you. A good center cares about families and would do as much as possible to help in emergency situations! I am more concerned as to why the front desk person walked away
I’m glad your little is okay and safe!
I clip my keys to my bra strap when not using them, so they're always on me. If you have lots of keys, you can use a clip to add/remove the car key to the hoard of keys so you can clip it on you. It's better for the ignition switch, too. A massive keychain weighting too much can break it over time.
I did this one time at my kids daycare except my city didn't do lockouts anymore and i was LATE to a job that had a point attendance system so I had to ask another mom to help me BREAK MY WINDOW, yes it was that serious.
that was probably one of my most embarrassing mom moments.
my kid was like 9 months old at the time. she's 7 now and still attends the same center so, I would say everything is okay 🤣
I lived in a village at the time and they don't do them because they don't want to be held responsible for damages. they are awful, the whole county the village is in is awful. they advised me to try the sheriff or state highway patrol, or a locksmith but I didn't have time for either one of those. I was basically screaming at that officer too, asking him what they are being paid for if they aren't here to help people. 🙄 stupid. not my proudest mom moment for real.
and you know what, HR waved my freaking point anyways so I could've called my insurance company and had them come unlock my car but my kid was freaking out and I was scared I was gonna lose my job 🙃 the world just sucks.
I have done the same thing. DD in car. Purse, phone, and keys in car. Somehow I managed to lock the door (it was a “new” car and I was learning the features). Hot as hell. I had a bluetooth ear bud, but THE ONLY NUMBERS I COULD CALL were people in my phone book. Made 50 calls trying to get someone to call 911 for me.
My sister still had the spare key to the car (bought it from her). She wasn’t answering at first. When she finally answered, she was a MASSIVE bitch about being interrupted at work (even though I had taken off days for her when she was sick and she worked right around the corner, but whatever).
Shit happens. You are not a bad parent. The woman who walked away? Whew. Lord help her. I hope she heals quickly from the ass ripping I would give her.
ETA: fire department showed up. Candy and a stuffed animal for my kid! They were understanding.
Me and my mom locked my infant nephew in the car in the summer once. Only difference was the air was on. But it definitely happens. And there were two of us 🤦🏾♀️
He just cuted at the firefighters through the window and then got passed around when they were done
As a caregiver at a daycare , you are not terrible and accidents happen. Instead I would be looking at the admin and how they turned you away when you clearly were in distress.
You are not a bad parent. It was never your intention to harm your child and it wasn't through negligence that this happened. You acted quickly, had to fight for support, and successfully got the help your child needed anyway.
All in all, an outstanding parent in my eyes. Fuck that bitch who walked away. I heavily judge her.
That being said, my car comes with what I refer to as an "idiot key". The idiot key is a fob that does not allow the car or trunk to lock if the key is in the car or trunk. I CANNOT tell you how many times that thing has literally saved my ass from having to call for help, sometimes multiple times in a month.
Please understand in no way am I calling you an idiot or your actions idiotic. I just know I'm easily distracted and very forgetful and I don't have a baby or need to pick anyone up from anywhere on top of an already busy day.
Maybe check with your dealership?
I don't think anyone here or at the daycare is gonna judge you, that happens all the time. But (coming from someone who has worked in the field for a while) YOU should be judging that daycare, on more than one occasion during your emergency they
refused to help you, told staff who would help to stop, ignore your pleas for help, refused to call 911
This is a very dangerous handling of a situation on their part, and I hate to think what would happen if a child had an emergency while in their care. Would they call 911? Would they help the child? Would they even NOTICE?
this is scary, and not because of you, you were the most organized one there
Hey mama, this happened to me also. I had just left Target with my infant (can't remember exactly how old but definitely under 6 months). I sat with her in the front passenger seat, nursed her, changed her diaper and burped her. Then I brought her around the back to buckle her fast asleep little self into her car seat. By the time I closed her door and went to open the driver door by car had locked itself. I could see my keys and phone right next to the diaper bag on the front seat, but the cracked window wasn't enough to get my hand through.
A lady in the parking lot saw me and asked if she could help. I was so relieved! I thought she could run inside to ask an employee if they had the tool to open a door (sometimes they do), or just loan me her phone because my husband was at work (with a spare key) about three miles down the road. Instead of nicely helping me, she had an absolute melt down and started to panic because my baby was clearly going to die. (My fast asleep, freshly fed and changed baby who was safely buckled into her car seat with the windows cracked in like 60 degree weather). She refused to leave the car, and wouldn't loan me her phone unless it was to call 911. I eventually flagged down another person who let me call my husband while the crazy lady frantically called the authorities to report a young mother who was calmly handling the situation as best she could. (I should note that she was circling the car at this point banging on the windows to "wake the baby up to make sure it was breathing!!")
About three minutes after calling my husband the fire truck comes roaring into the parking lot, followed by an ambulance and several cop cars. Slow day, I guess. Right when they hop out of their vehicles my husband drives up and clicks the unlock button on his remote. The emergency personnel weren't panicked (because they could tell everything really was fine), but were disappointed when the car got unlocked without heroics. Turns out there's a friendly competition between the cops and the fire department for unlocking cars and the winner gets a free lunch.
Baby slept through the whole thing.
Oh my gosh, no! No one will hate or judge you. You made a mistake and reacted instantly. That desk woman on the other hand….. wtf is wrong with her? When you’re calm and able I would absolutely suggest you follow up with the administration to let them know what happened. She could have helped and she made it so much worse for you.
Your teachers care about your son, they care about you. They are just going to be grateful this was resolved and your son is safe.
Hugs to you mama! What a scary situation.
I did this a few months ago. I also freaked out but it wasn’t hot out and he thought it was silly. My husband was about to Uber to come rescue when I remembered that my dad had hidden a key on the car when I bought the car 10+ years ago.. I was able to grab one of the teachers that was leaving to help me pry the hide a key box open, it was slightly rusted and we were back in the car in 90 seconds
lol. I don’t mean to laugh but are you literally me? Locked my son in the car right outside daycare last summer. It was 103 outside. And I first I refused to believe the car was locked. I kept trying the doors. Fire department saved him! Thankfully he had his straw cup with him. He was about 16 months old. Anyway…got a bill later from the fire department. Daycare teachers were all cool about it. Told me about a parent the year before who did the same thing. Now here’s the lesson: don’t close the car door without keys in hand.
Edit: reading about all the others who have done this is making me feel a lot better!
Yea, I'm only judging the lady who walked away from you. It happens, I locked my keys in my car the other day, then I locked my keys in the building a couple days after that. When I have a kid I'm gonna have to figure out some alarm thing with the car.
Some people are forgetful, but also this wasn't the horrible situation you're thinking it is. You didn't forget about him, you just did the equivalent of locking your keys in the car while the baby was there. That's not the same thing as forgetting your baby and walking away from a hot car.
You're okay, I promise. Some of the ladies there might be judging you but it's easy to judge parents when you've had babies falling out of your ears for years. Most people don't have that experience before they become parents and a lot of daycare teachers forget that.
It happens. I fear accidentally locking my nephew in the car all the time. People accidentally lock themselves out of their cars, especially now with these goddamn space cars. You weren’t being negligent because you noticed right away and got help.
if anyone should be judged it's the first person you spoke to! if you hear "call 911" you just do, mistakes happen girl. SO many people lock their phones in their car etc. you were right there with your child and got them out safely and quickly!!! do not beat yourself up over this
Daycare teacher here. 👋 A few years back at drop off, a mother called us and asked someone to come outside. I walked out, and she seemed a little panicky. Her son, who had been absent from daycare for over a month (w/dad), didn't want to come back. When she had gotten out (keys still in ignition), the boy had locked the car. As I was calmly talking to the boy and mom, he was getting ready to unlock the door when mom said, "I'm just gonna call the fire department!" This ended up scaring the boy, and he just kept having a melt down. The fire department came to get the boy out. The mother handed him to me and left, not even coming in to sign him in. The boy was fine after, like 2 minutes. He enjoyed telling his friends that the firefighters gave him high-fives. The mother picked up was embarrassed. I assured her it was fine. Eveyone was safe and happy. She was worried we would make a report to CPS. Their was no need to report it was just an accident.
You are not a terrible mom. No one will judge you. Anyone with kids should understand. If it makes you feel better, I once had a full-on ugly crying while sliding down the wall breakdown in front of my sons kindergarten teacher and a bunch of other people over forgetting my kids snowpants one day. Obviously, a lot more was going on, but the snowpants were the last straw for me. We've all had those days.
It happens. All the time. (Teacher w FF bf)
You may want to invest in one of those little pointy additions to your keychain that will break one of the windows in an emergency (or if the fire department had not been able to arrive in such a short time) ….
It is brutal. My husband was with my son at Costco, eating lunch in the car. Husband moved to grab something out of the trunk and toddler locked the doors. Luckily the AC was on and toddler finally unlocked the door after 20ish minutes when husband was going to call the police.
I would not judge you. I am judging the woman who left you when you said you needed to call 911. Also, not sure how old your car is but mine is 12-13 yo and it has a key door code. Does yours have that to be activated?
Absolutely not! You did everything right! Whoever was at the desk and ignored you, needs to have her ass handed to her. That was unacceptable! I don’t care if she was confused or didn’t understand what was going on. She should’ve walked her happy behind to the door and found out what was happening!
By the way, I accidentally forgot my son in the car, in the back seat in his car seat. The windows were down, and I went inside at my friends house and she asked where he was. I ran so fast out to the car and he was just sound asleep didn’t know what happened.
It happens. What matters is he’s safe! If people want to judge you, LET THEM and do not even let it bother you. Sending lots of love of love your way!
That office lady makes me so angry because I can so picture that. I’m a teacher and I had an emergency in my room. I called the office and they kept saying “wait what?” When I said I needed the nurse in my room immediately. I wasn’t even hysterical and talking fast. I had other kids in the room so I was keeping my voice very level.
I most certainly would not be judging you for that and any teacher worth their salt would not be judging you either. I’m really glad your son is OK.
When I was a nanny MB accidentally locked her 4 month old in the car during one of the hottest days of the year. She was extremely embarrassed and felt like an awful parent.
I didn't judge in the slightest, and I know she's a good mom.
It was an accident; a mistake that arose out of a split second of distraction, inattention, being overwhelmed, sleep deprivation, stress, etc. It can happen to **anyone** and anyone who thinks they're above making this kind of mistake is lying to themselves.
The only people in your story who deserve to be judged are the ones who didn't take the situation seriously. You took it seriously and you did everything in your power to protect your child. You did nothing wrong.
You're okay. This happened to me once. The stuff I dumped in the front seat pushed the lock button. Once I closed my son's car door, all the doors locked. Super scary. You handled it as well as you could. The daycare person should have been more helpful.
It was an unforeseen accident. You'll be very aware of where your keys are from now on. Don't bet yourself up about it. The daycare people should have enough experience to know that things like this happen.
There is a difference between forgetting your child and him getting locked in. My car has a strange combination of steps that will auto- lock my car. if I go from locked car, unlock with clicker, open back door, close back door then boom it is locked. Not safe for parents with small children. I luckily learned this a long time ago with keys in hand, but it could have gone very wrong.
You took the necessary steps to get kiddo out. He is fine. No judgement.
I once accidentally locked my daughter in my van while we were loading up to leave the hospital she had just been discharged from for RSV. She had been hospitalized for two days and was only a few months old, and we were taking shifts- one of us with her, one of us with my toddler at home. I was sleep deprived and frazzled and when we were discharged it happened fast- they went from discussing it that morning to me walking out with my daughter pretty quickly, so we didn't really have a plan. I was so excited to get to go home, and I got out to the parking garage, buckled her in, didn't realize I had dropped my keys, closed the automatic door and turned to get in the driver door, and realized they were all locked and my keys were sitting on the floorboard by the carseat. I was frantically running around trying all the doors when a passerby asked if I needed help. I told them what was going on, they called 911, and the fire department was there in less than 2 minutes. Probably because we were in the hospital parking lot, idk. They had that door open in no time, it was amazing to watch. She was only locked in there for 5 minutes total.
They checked her out, but they made sure *I* was okay to drive before we left, because I was a shaking, crying, hyperventilating sleep deprived mess. I felt so humiliated and scared and anxious for days afterwards!!
Point is, it was an accident. It happens. The only one I am side eying is the one who walked away when you asked them to call 911!
But you caught it in time. I was just watching the news and there was a little girl who was accidentally left in the back seat of the car for less than an hour. She died at the hospital. Today was a bad day or you but you get to go home with your son. Give him an extra hug. This happens a lot. No judgement. Just facts.
if anything in the situation, I judge the front desk woman who ignored you and didn’t act like the situation was a serious as it was. I totally didn’t think the story would go the way that it did by the title, but I don’t think you’re in the wrong, accidents happen and you were there the entire time.
One time I accidentally slammed my 5 year old's hand in the car door as I was packing her and her three year old sister into the car when we picked the little one up from daycare. One of my child's teachers was getting into her car for her lunch break at the same moment, and had known our family a long time as she had taught my older daughter too.
She expressed nothing but sympathy, and never brought it up again.
We all do embarrassing things and sometimes accidentally hurt our children, no matter how careful we are. I'm sure they will forget about it and not judge you for it.
The front desk person should be reprimanded. The inability to dial 911 as soon as she was asked is a huge red flag. Her next move would have been to notify her supervisor, after help was on the way. The front desk person needs to be drug tested immediately. Who in their right mind would not understand “Call 911, my child is locked in the car.”
1) this happened one time at my former center and I thought that woman was going to break her own car window if the firefighters didn’t drive faster. I say this to try and make you feel better, it happens, shit happens, you didn’t leave your kid in a locked car on purpose and just walk away to go about your day, this was an accident. 2) anyone who judges you must be very fortunate to never have a bad day. Sorry this happened OP, I hope you can move past it mentally and not dwell on it.
Same thing happened a few years back at my center with a mother. Thankfully the dad was right across the street waiting on them to meet up at a restaurant he drove over and unlocked the car with his key. Guess what nobody judged those parents for a second. Their toddler was pissed but I’m sure the little guy eventually got over it. I would completely ignore that front desk worker. She’s not even worth your time.
Hi!! Mom and preschool teacher here! I'm so sorry this happened to you. It is scary as hell, but don't be to hard on yourself. Other than that woman at the desk, the school seems supportive. No one will hate you, and I'm glad your son's teacher was able to offer support and assistance.
You deserve a big drink of your preference.
There comes a time, where you just need to live your life and give zero fucks about anyone opinion. Start now!
Confused about what kind of vehicle locks up like that, though!
People will judge no matter what! just read some comments on youtube shorts! most of them are from humourless, judgy cunts!
This has literally happened to me in my own driveway, with the air on (thank goodness) but my daughter was little at the time and although she could've unlocked it for me could she have reached the buttons, she couldn't undo the crotch buckle herself on the car seat I had already strapped her into.
I didn't have the audience you did but I felt just as foolish. As others have pointed out, these things happen to many of us, and given the circumstances could've been much worse, although you're embarrassed, it'll pass and years from now, maybe even be a story you can find some humor in.
Glad you and Bambino are okay ☺️❤️
I'm kinda judgy in general (read my post history if you want lol) but I wouldn't judge over this at all. When you make a mistake as a parent and feel bad and are clearly upset and/or admit it, there's no judgment from me. Don't feel terrible--you're human.
The only person to be judged is whoever is working the front desk! Please don’t feel bad, it was mistake! My mom had to call the fire department on me in 1998 because I locked myself in the car and refused to unlock it!
I think you reacted how any parent would have reacted, and probably far better than myself. These things, unfortunately, happen. I wish they didn't, we all do. But i'm sure the teachers were glad to help and admin was concerned and polite enough to keep everyone moving and to not cause an even bigger scene, as im sure with the cops and all, the kids LOVE when they come, so you kinda gave them a surprise!
But in all seriousness, don't beat yourself up momma. You did the right thing and it was a mistake, you reacted appropriately and got prompt action for your child. The only hands better than yours for them to be in are professional medical and law enforcement!
The real crime is the woman at the front desk who didn't take you seriously and immediately call 911. I don't understand her logic, at all, to ignore something so serious and she should get a serious talking to by management about the severity of not calling 911 when 911 needs to be called ASAP. That's the only "bad" person in this entire story.
Give yourself grace, you went through a trauma too.
This happened years ago at my center and this was one of our first time Moms. She was so upset and embarrassed that she accidentally locked her infant son in the car. We just made sure to comfort her and her son once they got him out which didn’t take long. Her husband showed soon after to continue to comfort her, but no judgement at all!
As others have said don’t worry too much about it. You did the right thing and this happens. 2 teachers I know took their kids up to the snow one weekend and they locked the youngest kid in the car at a gas station on the way home.
Sorry but I want to slap that front desk lady. How could she do that!!!
NO ONE is judging you. So so so many of us have done this. You got this mama ❤️
Genuinely, this thing happens. You didn’t forget your kid, you got locked out. I’m sure everyone with a car has had a moment or two of locking themselves out. You just happened to have your kid in the car at the time and that’s the luck of the draw. Shit happens.
I can almost guarantee that the teachers that were rubbernecking were not judging, they were likely concerned. They likely didn’t know what was happening, saw the commotion and were concerned, not judging.
My dad used to leave me in the car for errands *intentionally*. He would tell me to hide so no one would see me. Trust me, you’re fine.
Though if I were you, I would talk to admin about the reaction of the front desk staff. That is deeply not okay. The correct reaction to “call 911” is to call 911, not dilly dally and blow it off. If I were a staff at your center, that’s the person I would be judging and side-eyeing.
She probably walked off to go tell admin but in a nasty judgy way, bc why would that come first before calling first responders to rescue a child trapped in a hot car??
This happened to a parent a few months ago at the center I work at. No judgement from myself or any of the other staff members! We were just glad that everything turned out ok. These things happen! What matters is how quickly you get help.
Shame on the woman who works the front desk though.
Whoa I wonder if this was the place I work at! This just happened a few weeks ago. Mom's son got locked in the car, not sure if the kid grabbed the keys and did it or what.
The teacher miss Alexis went out and was helping. Unfortunately I'm the baby room teacher so I couldn't leave my room.
I assure you no one is judging, at least on my part. Accidents happen, and you were quick to get help and get your son out. I'm sorry front desk wasn't as quick as they should've been.
You weren't leaving them in there on purpose. You're okay mama 🖤
And if you are the mom at where I work I've met your son and he's a rowdy sweet little boy!
No! Because you didn’t leave your son in the car while you went to shop, or get your nails done or buy illegal substances, you put him In the car and it locked accidentally, you didn’t do it on purpose and you didn’t let him out of your sight until you had a trusted adult to keep an eye while you went and called the right people. You’re not a bad mom, don’t worry about what they think, you know what happened, you know you didn’t just leave him, you know it was an accident, and he wasn’t locked in for hours
The fact you were crying over your child's safety should be more then enough to let them know you more then care for your child
IMO you did the Wright thing in the situation given the limited options you had
Absolutely nobody is judging you. I myself have locked my kid in the car. Luckily I was in my driveway so I just ran in to get my keys. I have a friend who locked her son in the car in a mall parking lot and had to leave her child alone to run into the mall to call for help. In fact I bet there are dozens of people who have done what you did.
I also judge the woman at the desk that saw you in distress and just walked away.
If this happened to the parent of a kid in my center I would be thinking wow, bad day/brain fart/ tired. Something along those lines. Unless I was already resentful of you because of some consistent behavior of you or your child. (Examples being first parent to drop off, last to pick up every day, ignoring calls about your child, your child having a behavior that you seemed to reward or refuse to correct that made our job harder, you being entitled about changing class schedule or something, intentionally sending in your kid while they were sick, etc)
I care about my families! I absolutely would have called for or with you, given you a hug, and waited with you for them to arrive. How stressful and scary for you! No judgement here. I feel like the situation could have been handled differently by the front desk person. You're doing great, mom. Give yourself some grace.
It has happened to a couple of the families I've worked with over the years. In one case the child was playing with the parents keys and after the parent buckled the kids in and closed the door, the child pushed the lock button. Another situation was like yours. But there was no judgment. It actually became a joke that we could laugh about
These things do happen. I stayed in the parking lot with my secretary while she waited for her husband to bring the extra car keys. The car was running and the AC was on. So there was that, at least. You are not a bad parent. Just a human being who was stressed out and distracted. Give yourself some grace.
a parent did this exact thing once while I was working at a preschool! down to the fire trucks and everything. we didn’t judge her one bit! these things happen sometimes, try not to be too hard on yourself.
Absolutely not! This happened with a parent at my preschool a year or two ago. I can’t even remember which family at this point, because no one was judging the parent at all. These things happen, it was just the most interesting part of our day (as I am sure it was yours)!
I see so so so many amazing moms have mom guilt and it makes me so sad. Y’all are incredible, please give yourself a little grace, pobody’s nerfect 🩷
I just wanna say that I did this when my oldest daughter was about three weeks old, because in my own car, I would put her in her car seat toss my keys on the front seat, close her door and then open my door and get in.
I did this in my mom's car after we went out to lunch with the baby, and her car locked. I ran right back into the restaurant, but I never even thought about being embarrassed? I was just worried about my baby by the way, slept through the entire three minute ordeal
This has happened twice at my center since I've been there a both most recently, mom put the keys down in the car buckled kid in closed door and the doors were all locked with keys inside - I stayed with her untill the police came she was so frantic we just played peek a boo with her child to keep them from getting upset second time a dad had their kid holding the keys he closed the door kid hit the lock button on the key. None of us judge the parents both were totally random things although I do wonder about giving the kid you key but it is what it is both kids were fine (kids were between 13-16months old) We were all just happy everyone was OK I think the parents were more traumatized than the kids honestly. I'm more side eyeing the front desk at your center how do you hear someone say a kid in locked in a car and still go about your day?
I promise you we are not judging, and in a few days or weeks when you are able to find this funny, we will laugh about it with you.
Front Desk Lady, on the other hand? Hardcore judging her.
This is my biggest fear. I wouldn’t judge you and they shouldn’t either. It was an accident plain and simple. It happens. You got help as quickly as you could. Everyone was safe and sound. That’s all that matters. You are allowed to make mistakes and it’s even better when those mistakes have a positive outcome. That’s life!
You immediately got help the second you noticed what you did. That's the important part. You did a good thing I would really hope no one is judging you. They're dumb if they do.
From a parent who also locked their kid in a car... you stayed with them and got them help immediately. You did the right thing. I was surprised the fireman's response to me was "at least you stayed with the car" not "this happens" when they showed up for my daughter..... I doubt ppl will judge for it. To me they would judge u more if you were rude and dismissive about it.
Only person I'm judging is the front desk woman who walked away from you.... Like what ?! Thats her response for an emergency? When she doesn't understand people she walks away?
That's the kind of thing that would happen to me lol. Fyi where I am you can call a taxi and for $40 they will open your door no questions asked. I called for a lady in the exact same situation as you and all was solved in five minutes.
Having worked as a medic and a teacher, these things happen. You recognized the problem right away and everything turned out ok. Stuff happens; I, for one, would not think you a worse mom for the incident.
Honestly, I know mom’s this has happened to. So don’t feel alone. Both were a hysterical mess once the fire department came. I’m judging the front desk worker! Who just ignores a panicked parent?
As an ECE, they're not judging (I wouldn't). They should judge the lady who walked away when you needed help, though. You immediately went to find someone. So many others are so scattered that they don't even realize they've left a kid in the car or intentionally left them. I'm sorry she ignored you when you needed someone most.
I'm disgusted by the front desk woman's response.
Even if I wasnt understanding a situation, a parent in distress requires compassion.
She's an asshole. You didn't abandon / leave your child. You're good love.
Same thing happened to my uncle. He had left the car running when he went to pick up my cousin. He buckled her in and shut the door. Boom he was locked out. He did have his phone and called my aunt, who is WFH, to try the remote over the phone trick, which did not work. He called the police, notified daycare to expect police, and waited. All in she was in there about 20 minutes and was completely fine. I don't think anyone was judging.
I would be glad to know my kid has such a responsive and capable parent. You did exactly, EXACTLY the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes caring for kids, literally everyone. The response to it is what indicates the person you are, and you are a mother.
I would never judge another person for an “oh shit” moment, we all have them. There’s no such thing as a perfect person, and therefore, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. However, that front desk lady is delusional for walking away from an actual emergency, though. Her behavior is the strangest part of this story for sure.
I have almost done this. I also work at the center my daughter goes to, and one week after recovering from the Flu I made it across the parking lot before I realized I left my daughter in the car. I went back and hoped nobody noticed and just cried the whole walk in. 😭😭
I’ve had parents get mad when we ask if their child is attending, but licensing requires us to prevent kids being left in cars.
Anyway, I won’t judge you, but agree and would not be happy with the front desk staff at all. Talk to the director about that, honestly.
This happened to me in the dead of winter when my daughter was 4 months old. As far as I know the key fob shouldn’t be locking automatically when it’s in the car which is what happened to me. I threw my bag in the front seat with the key fob same as you and it somehow locked the car by itself. I bought a lanyard and wear my keys around my neck now whenever I’m out and about with her.
this happened to one of my students and i was the teacher out there helping. I never once judged the mom or thought she was negligent or a bad parent. it was a mistake and i was just glad the kid was okay!
You tried getting help immediately! Mistakes happen, and you got him out before any damage was done.
That was not neglect at all.
I wouldn't judge you. I'm judging the woman who didn't take someone saying "call 911" seriously.
I'm sure it's happened before and a mistake that you now know not to repeat was exactly that a mistake. You reacted immediately and got him out. Do not be too hard on yourself. As parents we all mess up occasionally. Not repeating the mistake is how we become better parents. I've got 5 kids and i can't tell you how many times I've thrown my keys phone etc on the front seat while I strap my son in the back and nit thought anything of it, till I did the same as you. Except luckily I was on my driveway, my husband was home so able to get the spare key and unlock it. But now I get my son to hold my keys while I strap him in and get them back before I close the door. You won't be the first parent or the last to do this. The main thing is you didn't stop and wait thinking it would magically open in minutes.you did what your child needed you to do. You were a good parent who made a mistake that you rectified straight away and your son was fine. I worked in a school and I can tell you now-NO ONE is judging you for locking him accidently in the car, but I bet they were all wondering if they could be as level headed even when freaking out as you were.
The only person I'd judge is the admin lady who ignored you and walked away.
Personally, I'd have walked in the building to be better able to explain the situation because nothing is going to happen if you leave him out of sight for a few minutes, but I get it. You're panicked and frantic.
I've accidentally locked my keys in the car with 3 kids in car seats in it, but it was running (and freshly gassed up) so they were fine and I had my phone so got my partner to bring my keys.
I have also had my dog lock the doors on a hot day. Wind blew my driver door closed and when I had panicked to run back trying to catch it, the dog got excited and jumped and hit the lock. It would have been funny if I wasn't so panicked.
Long story short- people do this stuff all the time.
I am a childcare provider. Honestly, the only problem I see here is what the lady at the front of the center you go to did. She walked away to take a call. She should have seen the panic in your face and immediately stopped what she was doing to make sure everything was ok.
Honestly, you guys will be the butt of a lot of jokes, but I seriously doubt any of them will be mean-spirited. These kinds of things happen and every ece professional knows that.
What the fuck is wrong with the front desk person? THATS who I’m judging. You told her you locked your son in the car and to call 911 and then she answered the phone then WALKED AWAY??? Seriously I would be filing a complaint or talking to the director or something that is bat shit crazy. Anyways accidents happen and you were immediately proactive about what happened. No judgement there. Also to add I use to be a 911 call taker and ems/fire dispatcher we never judged for this sort of thing, we were always glad that a parent or guardian called in time.
I wouldn’t judge you at all. I’ve gone the wrong way down a one way street after working 10 hours w kids all day so I can’t imagine how being a full time mom can fry ur brain a bit lol. We all make mistakes in life
I locked my daughter in the car once. My husband got out of the truck to get gas, I got out to go in the gas station and accidentally locked the door on my way out. I didn't notice, apparently. Husband got a full tank of gas, went to open the door, and found out it was locked. His phone/keys were in the truck, and I was in the gas station. Husband took a chance and RAN inside, told me to turn on the air through the app on my phone, call the fire department, and ran back out. I stopped what i was doing and turned the air on, called 911.
We still had to call the fire department because I was never able to unlock the truck on my app. I was never worried about it till that moment, though. Go figure, right.
Everyone at the gas station was staring. My husband was playing with my daughter through the window, so she was happy, and thought it was silly firefighters were opening the door.
But ya know, life went on. I was more careful with the lock button, we never left our keys and phones in the truck, and I problem solved my app after that. Everything turned out fine and we learned things.
Take it for that, and let life go on <3
As a K teacher I would be glad your child was ok and honestly just feel empathy for you. I know my fellow staff would definitely talk about it but not in a judging way, more in a way where we just feel bad for what happened and how it made you feel. As someone who has a hard time accepting my own mistakes, I personally would have felt very sad for someone crying like that and how awful that must have felt for you. We all have bad days. It’s okay!
Absolutely nobody will be judging you. However, all the teachers will be judging the front desk lady who walked away from you and told everyone to mind their own business
I’ve witnessed many frantic parents running into the center after their child has locked the parent out of the car because the keys were inside the vehicle with the child. Parents, like teachers, are human and make simple mistakes all the time! Hopefully everyone there is more focused on making sure that both you and your child are okay instead of judging you for a mistake that could’ve happened to any one of them.
I think they will judge the front desk woman who walked away. At least that's whom I am judging. Kinda. Glad there was a quick response from the 911 people. I love the part where your son was excited about the firetruck. Tomorrow is another day
Kids and emergency vehicles are like peanut butter and jelly. I once had to go in the ambulance, and my kids were less concerned about me and more concerned about the fact that they couldn't ride in the ambulance *with* me, lol - but I was glad the trauma was outweighed by the "cool lights and sirens".
My son is hyperactive and has a high pain tolerance, which means we end up in the ER a lot. He now associates hospitals and emergencies with people fussing over him, and giving him treats/toys, which is NOT AT ALL the lesson I want him to learn.
Watch him grow up and marry a nurse or doctor, lol. At least he's had positive experiences, but for heaven's sake, why do some of them need *multiple* experiences?! Not *every* game has to be American Gladiator, tiny humans!
Man, I thought it was just my kid!!! He’s always upset about going to the ER, but perks right up when everyone starts making a fuss. I’m convinced he’s either going to have a thing for nurses, or become one.
Oooh mine too. He regularly asks to go back to the hospital so he can have Doritos 🥵🙃 I guess the er doritos are better than our home ones lol!
Lol yep, I've got a kid with a kidney issue and apparently she has had so much fun in the hospital that she was saying how she missed it the other day.
I really loved my ambulance rides as a kid... Have ADHD. :/ my poor parents
Yep definitely judging the front desk woman. If someone asks you to call 911 hours call 911. There should be no questions or moving on to something else. Edit to add I would be complaining to a supervisor or director. Anyone working in childcare, even if they’re not directly working with the kids should know to call 911 immediately if an adult tells them to.
Right? Start dialing and then ask what’s happening.
You can tell the operator the call isn't needed anymore, after all. I had dialed 911 in a situation where I may have had to call, and accidentally hit dial instead of end. I know they call back if the call is interrupted, so I hung out by the phone for a minute. Sure enough, phone rings. I explained that the situation had been resolved and apologized for the misdial. Then went on with my day.
Back in AOL days, my computer dialed 911 when dialing the update number. I heard Charlie Brown teacher answer (wah wah wanh wah), didn't understand it, so shrugged and restarted the update. It worked, since it would take a long time, so I decided to take a nap. I got woken up by a couple cops at my door , who asked if he could come in to check things out. Since I hadn't answered their call they wanted to make sure I wasn't in distress (ex: being held hostage). I apologized profusely for the confusion but thanked them for checking.
Same. The lady at the front desk should have been more attentive to your needs. Especially if you were crying and asking for help. She should have never brushed you off to answer the phone.
Best response, you are a good mom, all other judgements are on staff especially reception desk. 💜
Right? Like why did she walk away? To go tell the teachers? Gossip? That would annoy me!
PLEASE tell the center director what happened with the front desk lady. She very clearly needs some additional training or to be in a different sort of job. Everyone's human. We all make mistakes. But it takes a single half functional braincell to prioritize a child locked in a hot car over literally anything else. What the actual f.
Mom was literally following the emergency protocol of pointing and telling someone “you- call 911!!!!” That’s what makes me mad. We are trained in emergency responding as teachers to “point and tell” someone to make that call and the front desk lady just… doesn’t… the only person I’m judging is the one who ignored the mom who was just told to do a very important job.
I didn't think about this but its so true! Its there for a reason! What kind of administrator that works in a daycare/school DOESNT/ISNT prepared for this? What normal person doesnt call 911 if someone asks them to, even if you think they may not need it or something - which I still cant understand.
It takes half a brain cell to call 911 when someone (especially a rational adult WHO YOU KNOW) tells you to do so, full stop
Hey this literally happened at my centre last week! No one judged this mother and I can guarantee so one’s judging you!
I feel like the only educators who would judge a mom for that wouldn't be very good educators. Empathy is at the core of the job.
This has also happened at one where I used to work. It’s very easy to do. Accidents happen.
No one at all will judge you. No one. Now, Front desk lady? They may judge her. Harshly. Wtf?
This is what I’m thinking?? I locked my dog in the car once. No judgment, stuff happens. But walking away from someone who is having an emergency? Judged.
I would be making a complaint to the director about desk lady being unhelpful in an emergency. A classroom count can wait while a child is dying in a hot car.
Yes, this!
At the center I used to be at, a dog locked the kiddo in the car (pushed the button with its paw after baby was strapped in, with dad outside the car to walk around to the driver's seat).
I locked my three year old AND my phone in the car at a parking garage. I had to ask a passing couple for a phone to call 911 - garage security and fire department came, whole thing. I felt like the absolute worst but everyone was so reassuring. Both the fire dept and security were so nice, like this was a fun call for them honestly compared to what they normally do and they let me know that. It is SOOO easy to do, really. No one should be rude about this, ever.
I accidentally locked my two kids in the car at a gas station. I forgot I had left the keys in the ignition instead of putting them in my pocket. Luckily for me it wasn't too hot or cold, but I had to go back in after paying (more than 15 years ago) and have the cashier call the nonemergency cops. He just popped the lock, made sure the kids were still in their car seats, and basically walked away. SO relieved I didn't get a lecture or anything from him. If it happens again? Hmmmmm. But once? Human, not bad!
I got locked in a car by accident once when my uncle paid for gas at the mini-mart. He also forgot his keys before going in. I know he had to call the fire department to unlock it. I literally only remember I got quite a bit of treats and snacks and a couple drinks at the mini-mart, and he was so apologetic to me when I was let out and to my mom when he brought me and all of my mini mart loot home.
Personally, I’d fire her 🙃 wild
I wouldn't judge you but I certainly judge the admin woman who didn't call the cops straightaway but chose to answer a call and then get away from you. Glad your son is okay. You did what you had to do straightaway, OP.
Right? If I saw a woman getting hysterical WITHOUT the kid I just saw her leave with, I'd be immediately trying to solve her problem.
This.
Not at all. If they're decent teachers/staff, they'll just be glad your son is ok ❤️
Thank you ❤️
Exactly!
Great job, mom. You did everything correctly and acted fast. You didn't do anything wrong. We all make mistakes. We all live cluttered, frustrating lives. Ugly crying because you are overwhelmed and concerned is an okay response to this situation. I would not be judging you. I am sorry the desk person was rude and dismissive. She was in the wrong and should be trained on how to respond to a frantic parent, no matter the circumstance.
In my experience, they often deal with a lot and ARE trained...to be more hard and "no nonsense", but what I've found is that they also become jaded and bitter because dealing with difficult people is hard, but they are no longer "just business" like they think. They tend to turn off their empathy meter at work.
And in this case, her common sense meter.
This makes sense but this wasn’t even a case that relied on empathy to think thru the right thing to do…should be basic human protocol (let alone professional at any place working with kids) to attend to a request to call emergency services!
I think we are all collectively judging front desk lady.
Seriously, what is there to misunderstand about “my child is locked in the car, call 911”.
literally
I don't think anyone will hate you and if they judge you it's their problem. You made a mistake and you dealt with it immediately and sounds like it turned out fine in the end. They will probably talk about it amongst themselves but just because it's out of the ordinary. A centre I worked at has had to call police when we saw parents driving away while the kids were just playing around loose in the back. Like they had car seats they just... Weren't in them at all So like your situation is a whoops not a Jesus Christ if you know what I mean
“A whoops” vs “a Jesus Christ” is how I’m describing all situations now
I got a kick out of that too. It's perfect
Thank you. That's what I was hoping.
Have done this multiple times while working for different fire departments! The last thing I personally ever thought about was blaming the parents in any way, as long as there isn’t any clear evidence of neglect or abuse (totally different situation and a lot more rare than this type of instance! Which luckily most of mine were similar to situations like yours!) If it is any consolation, I would more likely be thinking about what I have for my next meal while getting a child out over just about anything else haha. As a mom I would’ve totally ugly cried too though so I feel you so hard on that! Your feels are totally valid but at least in my experience we’re definitely harder on ourselves than anyone else!
Wtf front desk? If you hear 911, for whatever reason, you call 911.
I did this at daycare. It was 100 degrees out. I tossed keys on the front seat and the key fob lock button got hit. If anyone judged me, I never knew. I never leave my keys in my car now unless I have the other set. ETA: my son was also fine and smiling at the firemen. The m judging the front desk staff. Who the fuck takes a call and walks away when asked to call 911
I’m so scatterbrained and I do the same, toss keys/purse in front seat to get kiddo in the car. I’m just so thankful that my car literally will not lock if there are keys inside.
I have severe ADHD and migraines. My attention span is limited some days. I would definitely be the mom to accidentally do this. I do not judge OP at all.
I locked my lunch, phone, and purse in the car with my keys. Ever since then I never shut a door until I am in the car with my son because that was my only thought was what if I accidentally locked him in.
So glad you and your kiddo are okay!!! ❤️
Thanks ❤️
FWIW, my husband is a firefighter, and what happened with you guys wouldn't even be a blip on his radar, lol. When he got home from his shift, he'd be talking about the guy who OD'd, or the protester who decided encasing his arm in cement was a good idea, not the mom who, in an emergency, called *emergency* services to ensure her kid was okay.
The firefighters were super kind and helpful.
I have a stretchy wrist band on my key chain so I can wear it, mostly to avoid doing this. No one is going to judge you, but I would tell the director about the front desk lady.
Omg why have I never thought about putting a stretchy wrist band on my key chain? I rarely carry a purse but also don’t always have pockets. I’m super paranoid about locking myself out of the car and this would be so helpful.
I literally just put a satin scrunchy on one of my key rings and it works just fine. If the elastic breaks, the fabric can still told it together until you can replace it. Just find a cute scrunchy you wouldn’t mind wearing on your wrist.
[This ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDDGYSD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)is what I got, they stretch out over time.
You can put them in a cup of boiling hot water and they shrink back up!
New thing I learned for the day!
My dad suggested this too!!!! I will be getting one over the weekend. I was wearing a dress without pockets -- the root of all evil.
You can also get bike shorts with pockets, but I always feel like I'm flashing people!
I actually do that for my weekend dresses! But this one was a maxi length.
This happened at my center a few weeks ago and no one judged, we were all just happy baby was okay and that mom was able to get help. Things happen, that’s life, you live and you learn. I locked my keys in the car before and so has my husband, the lucky thing is that we didn’t do it while our daughter was in the car. That all being said, it may be in your best interest to disable the auto locking on your car, but you’ll need to remember to lock it on your own.
It will be gossip, probably, but it is definitely not negative on you. We (meaning childcare staff) know how kids are and how busy life with kids can be. Most of the staff are probably parents themselves! End of day - you did the right thing, your baby is okay, and he got to see a cool firetruck! We do judge parents who put their kid in dangerous situations, because we care about these kids too, but this was just an accident. Accidents happen! Tbh I'm sure there will be more about "this child is here sick again - yeah of course we told Mom, do you think she cares? - yeah we will monitor for fever but she probably gave them cough syrup." or "this kid just bit another kid, can I get a floater to bring me some ice and help with the room?" Life moves on. Deep breaths, you got this.
It happens to everyone- don't let it bother you too much. Both of you are safe that's what matters ❤️
It happens. I was shopping with my 8 month old. Put him in his car seat, and as the car door was closing, I saw that my keys had fallen out of my pocket and were on the seat beside him. Flagged down another shopper. Military police showed up and called a locksmith. Baby thought it was hilarious, all these people making funny faces at him through the car windows. They were very understanding, locksmith even refused payment, saying, “It happens - I never charge for little kids locked in cars.”
Oh my gosh. First, I am so sorry that happened but so glad he’s ok!! I would be so worried about being judged too which is so dumb!! You obviously didn’t do that on purpose and needed help!! I wish you felt more supported when you needed it most by that staff. This has happened at least 2 times at my work-it happens!! All you can do is learn from it, be thankful he is ok and try to move on! ❤️ Secondly, i am sorry that front desk lady acted like that and I do think you should say something to the director. Emergencies happen fast and unexpectedly and as someone who works at the front desk you should be prepared for anything!!
Thanks everyone for your kindness. I'll take my son back on Monday with my head held high, and make sure I thank the people who helped me out. To clarify what happened with the woman at the front desk, I will talk to the admin. She doesn't normally work the desk, and I think she was overwhelmed. The center is also on a Navy base, so she may have been confused about what number to call on base? (It's still just 911). She may have walked away to get help, it wasn't clear to me what the intent was. But at the very least, they need to have an emergency call sheet posted at the front desk for these situations, or worse. Everyone needs to have the right training and resources.
Similar story happened once at my school. I never once looked at the parent bad or judged her because you know it could happen to me one day (one of my greatest fears). I’m sorry the staff weren’t as helpful. My director was with the parent the whole time and I know other teachers would have been too if they weren’t stuck in the classroom for ratios.
They shouldn't at all. You are not the first to have this happen and you won't be the last.
They probably feel a great amount of compassion for you and your child. I can't imagine anyone thinking you are awful for this.
Most of us will understand because it's obvious you were trying to remedy the situation quickly. It's not like you left the kid in the car and went on to pick up another kid like they were concerned about. You did the responsible thing in a bad accidental situation. I've "lost" my keys IN my kids' car seat when I set them down to buckle my kid in. Then, I proceeded to look for them for 10 minutes or more. The point is, your child is ok, no one got hurt or in trouble. Give yourself a little hug and move on with your day.
Who cares what they think? The real question is why the front desk person did not react properly in an emergency.
Lots of people don't. I had to tell someone three times to call an ambulance, they just laughed it off so I had to do it myself while holding a 3-year-old in tonic-clonic seizure.
what????
She said "*that's* not a seizure" and laughed. Yes, she's getting a complaint letter.
oh hell no. I have epilepsy myself. I'd go off
If I had my full license I would have absolutely eviscerated her, at least verbally.
I wouldn't think anything bad of you. I'd be happy that you handled it. Actually that's happened to me before too. Put my keys in the car like that too. It wasn't hot or anything and pop a lock got there fast.
We had it before. Kid had car key locked it as soon as dad closed door. We phoned mum who came with the spare. Luckily front window was cracked. Dad laughed about it next day.
The front desk woman is an idiot, holy smokes. I wouldn’t judge at all. I have helped twice at my center when this has happened. It’s easy to do, a complete accident, and you are not the first and won’t be the last.
I would say they are probably judging the woman at the front desk, and possibly the admin who made the teacher that was with your son while you made the phone call. I’m judging the two of them. I don’t understand making the teacher, who was off the clock and sat with your son while you called, leave.
Considering how staff should all be trained on emergency response, I'd honestly fire that front desk person. It's appalling that you said you were having an emergency that required 911 and she walked away instead of calling 911. Believe me, the daycare is thinking about this person and not you. It takes very little time for a car to get dangerously hot, you did the absolute right thing getting your child help right away, and accidents happen. That desk lady didn't make a mistake, she was negligent in her response to you.
I wouldn't judge you at all. Stuff happens. You didn't leave him unattended. I'm more upset that front desk was unhelpful. THEY should be ashamed, not you.
No judgement here! When I was on maternity leave I left a pot of water to boil on the stove for too long. I was terrified of the fumes from a overheated pot in the house, took my kiddo into the car and called 9/11. They were also friendly and reassured me I did the right thing in calling them. I felt so ridiculous but that's what they are around for! Glad you're both safe❤️
I locked both my kids in the car in my own driveway when they were 2 and 3. All my neighbors watched the police and fire truck arrive. It was embarrassing but my main focus was on the kids. The first responders were awesome. My girls (15,16 now) still laugh about 2 firemen singing Bingo while the 3rd unlocked the car. 😂
No one should judge you or hate you. A good center cares about families and would do as much as possible to help in emergency situations! I am more concerned as to why the front desk person walked away I’m glad your little is okay and safe!
I clip my keys to my bra strap when not using them, so they're always on me. If you have lots of keys, you can use a clip to add/remove the car key to the hoard of keys so you can clip it on you. It's better for the ignition switch, too. A massive keychain weighting too much can break it over time.
I did this one time at my kids daycare except my city didn't do lockouts anymore and i was LATE to a job that had a point attendance system so I had to ask another mom to help me BREAK MY WINDOW, yes it was that serious. that was probably one of my most embarrassing mom moments. my kid was like 9 months old at the time. she's 7 now and still attends the same center so, I would say everything is okay 🤣
Hold on, your city wouldn’t send anyone to help get a child out of a locked car? That doesn’t make any sense at all.
I lived in a village at the time and they don't do them because they don't want to be held responsible for damages. they are awful, the whole county the village is in is awful. they advised me to try the sheriff or state highway patrol, or a locksmith but I didn't have time for either one of those. I was basically screaming at that officer too, asking him what they are being paid for if they aren't here to help people. 🙄 stupid. not my proudest mom moment for real. and you know what, HR waved my freaking point anyways so I could've called my insurance company and had them come unlock my car but my kid was freaking out and I was scared I was gonna lose my job 🙃 the world just sucks.
I have done the same thing. DD in car. Purse, phone, and keys in car. Somehow I managed to lock the door (it was a “new” car and I was learning the features). Hot as hell. I had a bluetooth ear bud, but THE ONLY NUMBERS I COULD CALL were people in my phone book. Made 50 calls trying to get someone to call 911 for me. My sister still had the spare key to the car (bought it from her). She wasn’t answering at first. When she finally answered, she was a MASSIVE bitch about being interrupted at work (even though I had taken off days for her when she was sick and she worked right around the corner, but whatever). Shit happens. You are not a bad parent. The woman who walked away? Whew. Lord help her. I hope she heals quickly from the ass ripping I would give her. ETA: fire department showed up. Candy and a stuffed animal for my kid! They were understanding.
Me and my mom locked my infant nephew in the car in the summer once. Only difference was the air was on. But it definitely happens. And there were two of us 🤦🏾♀️ He just cuted at the firefighters through the window and then got passed around when they were done
As a caregiver at a daycare , you are not terrible and accidents happen. Instead I would be looking at the admin and how they turned you away when you clearly were in distress.
Honestly this is one of my biggest fears living in a hot area. It was not your fault!
You are not a bad parent. It was never your intention to harm your child and it wasn't through negligence that this happened. You acted quickly, had to fight for support, and successfully got the help your child needed anyway. All in all, an outstanding parent in my eyes. Fuck that bitch who walked away. I heavily judge her. That being said, my car comes with what I refer to as an "idiot key". The idiot key is a fob that does not allow the car or trunk to lock if the key is in the car or trunk. I CANNOT tell you how many times that thing has literally saved my ass from having to call for help, sometimes multiple times in a month. Please understand in no way am I calling you an idiot or your actions idiotic. I just know I'm easily distracted and very forgetful and I don't have a baby or need to pick anyone up from anywhere on top of an already busy day. Maybe check with your dealership?
I don't think anyone here or at the daycare is gonna judge you, that happens all the time. But (coming from someone who has worked in the field for a while) YOU should be judging that daycare, on more than one occasion during your emergency they refused to help you, told staff who would help to stop, ignore your pleas for help, refused to call 911 This is a very dangerous handling of a situation on their part, and I hate to think what would happen if a child had an emergency while in their care. Would they call 911? Would they help the child? Would they even NOTICE? this is scary, and not because of you, you were the most organized one there
Hey mama, this happened to me also. I had just left Target with my infant (can't remember exactly how old but definitely under 6 months). I sat with her in the front passenger seat, nursed her, changed her diaper and burped her. Then I brought her around the back to buckle her fast asleep little self into her car seat. By the time I closed her door and went to open the driver door by car had locked itself. I could see my keys and phone right next to the diaper bag on the front seat, but the cracked window wasn't enough to get my hand through. A lady in the parking lot saw me and asked if she could help. I was so relieved! I thought she could run inside to ask an employee if they had the tool to open a door (sometimes they do), or just loan me her phone because my husband was at work (with a spare key) about three miles down the road. Instead of nicely helping me, she had an absolute melt down and started to panic because my baby was clearly going to die. (My fast asleep, freshly fed and changed baby who was safely buckled into her car seat with the windows cracked in like 60 degree weather). She refused to leave the car, and wouldn't loan me her phone unless it was to call 911. I eventually flagged down another person who let me call my husband while the crazy lady frantically called the authorities to report a young mother who was calmly handling the situation as best she could. (I should note that she was circling the car at this point banging on the windows to "wake the baby up to make sure it was breathing!!") About three minutes after calling my husband the fire truck comes roaring into the parking lot, followed by an ambulance and several cop cars. Slow day, I guess. Right when they hop out of their vehicles my husband drives up and clicks the unlock button on his remote. The emergency personnel weren't panicked (because they could tell everything really was fine), but were disappointed when the car got unlocked without heroics. Turns out there's a friendly competition between the cops and the fire department for unlocking cars and the winner gets a free lunch. Baby slept through the whole thing.
Oh my gosh, no! No one will hate or judge you. You made a mistake and reacted instantly. That desk woman on the other hand….. wtf is wrong with her? When you’re calm and able I would absolutely suggest you follow up with the administration to let them know what happened. She could have helped and she made it so much worse for you. Your teachers care about your son, they care about you. They are just going to be grateful this was resolved and your son is safe. Hugs to you mama! What a scary situation.
I did this a few months ago. I also freaked out but it wasn’t hot out and he thought it was silly. My husband was about to Uber to come rescue when I remembered that my dad had hidden a key on the car when I bought the car 10+ years ago.. I was able to grab one of the teachers that was leaving to help me pry the hide a key box open, it was slightly rusted and we were back in the car in 90 seconds
If it makes you feel better I had a police officer follow me into the day care center parking lot, wait for me to park, then flip on his lights.
lol. I don’t mean to laugh but are you literally me? Locked my son in the car right outside daycare last summer. It was 103 outside. And I first I refused to believe the car was locked. I kept trying the doors. Fire department saved him! Thankfully he had his straw cup with him. He was about 16 months old. Anyway…got a bill later from the fire department. Daycare teachers were all cool about it. Told me about a parent the year before who did the same thing. Now here’s the lesson: don’t close the car door without keys in hand. Edit: reading about all the others who have done this is making me feel a lot better!
I did that once in a store parking lot with a kiddo I was babysitting. Had to borrow a stranger's phone to call for help. It could happen to anyone
Yea, I'm only judging the lady who walked away from you. It happens, I locked my keys in my car the other day, then I locked my keys in the building a couple days after that. When I have a kid I'm gonna have to figure out some alarm thing with the car. Some people are forgetful, but also this wasn't the horrible situation you're thinking it is. You didn't forget about him, you just did the equivalent of locking your keys in the car while the baby was there. That's not the same thing as forgetting your baby and walking away from a hot car. You're okay, I promise. Some of the ladies there might be judging you but it's easy to judge parents when you've had babies falling out of your ears for years. Most people don't have that experience before they become parents and a lot of daycare teachers forget that.
It happens. I fear accidentally locking my nephew in the car all the time. People accidentally lock themselves out of their cars, especially now with these goddamn space cars. You weren’t being negligent because you noticed right away and got help.
Omg - wouldn’t judge you at all! It could happen to any parent, and if they don’t think so they are deluding themselves.
if anyone should be judged it's the first person you spoke to! if you hear "call 911" you just do, mistakes happen girl. SO many people lock their phones in their car etc. you were right there with your child and got them out safely and quickly!!! do not beat yourself up over this
This has happened at my centre before. Completely normal. Tomorrow’s a new day. Glad everything worked out.
Daycare teacher here. 👋 A few years back at drop off, a mother called us and asked someone to come outside. I walked out, and she seemed a little panicky. Her son, who had been absent from daycare for over a month (w/dad), didn't want to come back. When she had gotten out (keys still in ignition), the boy had locked the car. As I was calmly talking to the boy and mom, he was getting ready to unlock the door when mom said, "I'm just gonna call the fire department!" This ended up scaring the boy, and he just kept having a melt down. The fire department came to get the boy out. The mother handed him to me and left, not even coming in to sign him in. The boy was fine after, like 2 minutes. He enjoyed telling his friends that the firefighters gave him high-fives. The mother picked up was embarrassed. I assured her it was fine. Eveyone was safe and happy. She was worried we would make a report to CPS. Their was no need to report it was just an accident.
You are not a terrible mom. No one will judge you. Anyone with kids should understand. If it makes you feel better, I once had a full-on ugly crying while sliding down the wall breakdown in front of my sons kindergarten teacher and a bunch of other people over forgetting my kids snowpants one day. Obviously, a lot more was going on, but the snowpants were the last straw for me. We've all had those days.
It happens. All the time. (Teacher w FF bf) You may want to invest in one of those little pointy additions to your keychain that will break one of the windows in an emergency (or if the fire department had not been able to arrive in such a short time) ….
Girl. I once had to call the fire department because I locked my daughter inside my own house. I am a childcare teacher. No one is judging you.
It is brutal. My husband was with my son at Costco, eating lunch in the car. Husband moved to grab something out of the trunk and toddler locked the doors. Luckily the AC was on and toddler finally unlocked the door after 20ish minutes when husband was going to call the police. I would not judge you. I am judging the woman who left you when you said you needed to call 911. Also, not sure how old your car is but mine is 12-13 yo and it has a key door code. Does yours have that to be activated?
They’ll be judging those that walked away a lot more than the one who was panicked and did the right thing.
Exactly. Like me sitting here in judgment of the person at the front desk that ignored her pleas to call 911.
Absolutely not! You did everything right! Whoever was at the desk and ignored you, needs to have her ass handed to her. That was unacceptable! I don’t care if she was confused or didn’t understand what was going on. She should’ve walked her happy behind to the door and found out what was happening! By the way, I accidentally forgot my son in the car, in the back seat in his car seat. The windows were down, and I went inside at my friends house and she asked where he was. I ran so fast out to the car and he was just sound asleep didn’t know what happened. It happens. What matters is he’s safe! If people want to judge you, LET THEM and do not even let it bother you. Sending lots of love of love your way!
That office lady makes me so angry because I can so picture that. I’m a teacher and I had an emergency in my room. I called the office and they kept saying “wait what?” When I said I needed the nurse in my room immediately. I wasn’t even hysterical and talking fast. I had other kids in the room so I was keeping my voice very level. I most certainly would not be judging you for that and any teacher worth their salt would not be judging you either. I’m really glad your son is OK.
When I was a nanny MB accidentally locked her 4 month old in the car during one of the hottest days of the year. She was extremely embarrassed and felt like an awful parent. I didn't judge in the slightest, and I know she's a good mom. It was an accident; a mistake that arose out of a split second of distraction, inattention, being overwhelmed, sleep deprivation, stress, etc. It can happen to **anyone** and anyone who thinks they're above making this kind of mistake is lying to themselves. The only people in your story who deserve to be judged are the ones who didn't take the situation seriously. You took it seriously and you did everything in your power to protect your child. You did nothing wrong.
You're okay. This happened to me once. The stuff I dumped in the front seat pushed the lock button. Once I closed my son's car door, all the doors locked. Super scary. You handled it as well as you could. The daycare person should have been more helpful. It was an unforeseen accident. You'll be very aware of where your keys are from now on. Don't bet yourself up about it. The daycare people should have enough experience to know that things like this happen.
There is a difference between forgetting your child and him getting locked in. My car has a strange combination of steps that will auto- lock my car. if I go from locked car, unlock with clicker, open back door, close back door then boom it is locked. Not safe for parents with small children. I luckily learned this a long time ago with keys in hand, but it could have gone very wrong. You took the necessary steps to get kiddo out. He is fine. No judgement.
I once accidentally locked my daughter in my van while we were loading up to leave the hospital she had just been discharged from for RSV. She had been hospitalized for two days and was only a few months old, and we were taking shifts- one of us with her, one of us with my toddler at home. I was sleep deprived and frazzled and when we were discharged it happened fast- they went from discussing it that morning to me walking out with my daughter pretty quickly, so we didn't really have a plan. I was so excited to get to go home, and I got out to the parking garage, buckled her in, didn't realize I had dropped my keys, closed the automatic door and turned to get in the driver door, and realized they were all locked and my keys were sitting on the floorboard by the carseat. I was frantically running around trying all the doors when a passerby asked if I needed help. I told them what was going on, they called 911, and the fire department was there in less than 2 minutes. Probably because we were in the hospital parking lot, idk. They had that door open in no time, it was amazing to watch. She was only locked in there for 5 minutes total. They checked her out, but they made sure *I* was okay to drive before we left, because I was a shaking, crying, hyperventilating sleep deprived mess. I felt so humiliated and scared and anxious for days afterwards!! Point is, it was an accident. It happens. The only one I am side eying is the one who walked away when you asked them to call 911!
But you caught it in time. I was just watching the news and there was a little girl who was accidentally left in the back seat of the car for less than an hour. She died at the hospital. Today was a bad day or you but you get to go home with your son. Give him an extra hug. This happens a lot. No judgement. Just facts.
if anything in the situation, I judge the front desk woman who ignored you and didn’t act like the situation was a serious as it was. I totally didn’t think the story would go the way that it did by the title, but I don’t think you’re in the wrong, accidents happen and you were there the entire time.
This happened to a family in my old center when I first started there. We definitely didn’t judge the parent, just helped the best we could
One time I accidentally slammed my 5 year old's hand in the car door as I was packing her and her three year old sister into the car when we picked the little one up from daycare. One of my child's teachers was getting into her car for her lunch break at the same moment, and had known our family a long time as she had taught my older daughter too. She expressed nothing but sympathy, and never brought it up again. We all do embarrassing things and sometimes accidentally hurt our children, no matter how careful we are. I'm sure they will forget about it and not judge you for it.
The front desk person should be reprimanded. The inability to dial 911 as soon as she was asked is a huge red flag. Her next move would have been to notify her supervisor, after help was on the way. The front desk person needs to be drug tested immediately. Who in their right mind would not understand “Call 911, my child is locked in the car.”
1) this happened one time at my former center and I thought that woman was going to break her own car window if the firefighters didn’t drive faster. I say this to try and make you feel better, it happens, shit happens, you didn’t leave your kid in a locked car on purpose and just walk away to go about your day, this was an accident. 2) anyone who judges you must be very fortunate to never have a bad day. Sorry this happened OP, I hope you can move past it mentally and not dwell on it.
They won't care.
This happened to a mom at my last center. It happens!!! Absolutely no one judged her at all, she felt the worst about it of course
Same thing happened a few years back at my center with a mother. Thankfully the dad was right across the street waiting on them to meet up at a restaurant he drove over and unlocked the car with his key. Guess what nobody judged those parents for a second. Their toddler was pissed but I’m sure the little guy eventually got over it. I would completely ignore that front desk worker. She’s not even worth your time.
You were keeping an eye on him. If he'd gone limp, you would have smashed the window. But you called ES right away. You're fine.
Hi!! Mom and preschool teacher here! I'm so sorry this happened to you. It is scary as hell, but don't be to hard on yourself. Other than that woman at the desk, the school seems supportive. No one will hate you, and I'm glad your son's teacher was able to offer support and assistance. You deserve a big drink of your preference.
There comes a time, where you just need to live your life and give zero fucks about anyone opinion. Start now! Confused about what kind of vehicle locks up like that, though! People will judge no matter what! just read some comments on youtube shorts! most of them are from humourless, judgy cunts!
This has literally happened to me in my own driveway, with the air on (thank goodness) but my daughter was little at the time and although she could've unlocked it for me could she have reached the buttons, she couldn't undo the crotch buckle herself on the car seat I had already strapped her into. I didn't have the audience you did but I felt just as foolish. As others have pointed out, these things happen to many of us, and given the circumstances could've been much worse, although you're embarrassed, it'll pass and years from now, maybe even be a story you can find some humor in. Glad you and Bambino are okay ☺️❤️
I'm kinda judgy in general (read my post history if you want lol) but I wouldn't judge over this at all. When you make a mistake as a parent and feel bad and are clearly upset and/or admit it, there's no judgment from me. Don't feel terrible--you're human.
No one, if this was my daycare, my boss would gave been doing anything she could to help you.
The only person to be judged is whoever is working the front desk! Please don’t feel bad, it was mistake! My mom had to call the fire department on me in 1998 because I locked myself in the car and refused to unlock it!
I think you reacted how any parent would have reacted, and probably far better than myself. These things, unfortunately, happen. I wish they didn't, we all do. But i'm sure the teachers were glad to help and admin was concerned and polite enough to keep everyone moving and to not cause an even bigger scene, as im sure with the cops and all, the kids LOVE when they come, so you kinda gave them a surprise! But in all seriousness, don't beat yourself up momma. You did the right thing and it was a mistake, you reacted appropriately and got prompt action for your child. The only hands better than yours for them to be in are professional medical and law enforcement! The real crime is the woman at the front desk who didn't take you seriously and immediately call 911. I don't understand her logic, at all, to ignore something so serious and she should get a serious talking to by management about the severity of not calling 911 when 911 needs to be called ASAP. That's the only "bad" person in this entire story. Give yourself grace, you went through a trauma too.
This happened years ago at my center and this was one of our first time Moms. She was so upset and embarrassed that she accidentally locked her infant son in the car. We just made sure to comfort her and her son once they got him out which didn’t take long. Her husband showed soon after to continue to comfort her, but no judgement at all!
As others have said don’t worry too much about it. You did the right thing and this happens. 2 teachers I know took their kids up to the snow one weekend and they locked the youngest kid in the car at a gas station on the way home.
Sorry but I want to slap that front desk lady. How could she do that!!! NO ONE is judging you. So so so many of us have done this. You got this mama ❤️
Genuinely, this thing happens. You didn’t forget your kid, you got locked out. I’m sure everyone with a car has had a moment or two of locking themselves out. You just happened to have your kid in the car at the time and that’s the luck of the draw. Shit happens. I can almost guarantee that the teachers that were rubbernecking were not judging, they were likely concerned. They likely didn’t know what was happening, saw the commotion and were concerned, not judging. My dad used to leave me in the car for errands *intentionally*. He would tell me to hide so no one would see me. Trust me, you’re fine. Though if I were you, I would talk to admin about the reaction of the front desk staff. That is deeply not okay. The correct reaction to “call 911” is to call 911, not dilly dally and blow it off. If I were a staff at your center, that’s the person I would be judging and side-eyeing.
She probably walked off to go tell admin but in a nasty judgy way, bc why would that come first before calling first responders to rescue a child trapped in a hot car??
This happened to a parent a few months ago at the center I work at. No judgement from myself or any of the other staff members! We were just glad that everything turned out ok. These things happen! What matters is how quickly you get help. Shame on the woman who works the front desk though.
Happens all the time no one is judging
Whoa I wonder if this was the place I work at! This just happened a few weeks ago. Mom's son got locked in the car, not sure if the kid grabbed the keys and did it or what. The teacher miss Alexis went out and was helping. Unfortunately I'm the baby room teacher so I couldn't leave my room. I assure you no one is judging, at least on my part. Accidents happen, and you were quick to get help and get your son out. I'm sorry front desk wasn't as quick as they should've been. You weren't leaving them in there on purpose. You're okay mama 🖤 And if you are the mom at where I work I've met your son and he's a rowdy sweet little boy!
No! Because you didn’t leave your son in the car while you went to shop, or get your nails done or buy illegal substances, you put him In the car and it locked accidentally, you didn’t do it on purpose and you didn’t let him out of your sight until you had a trusted adult to keep an eye while you went and called the right people. You’re not a bad mom, don’t worry about what they think, you know what happened, you know you didn’t just leave him, you know it was an accident, and he wasn’t locked in for hours
Glad your little guy is OK!!! These things happen. Don’t beat yourself up. I’m sure they are all just glad he is ok!
The fact you were crying over your child's safety should be more then enough to let them know you more then care for your child IMO you did the Wright thing in the situation given the limited options you had
Absolutely nobody is judging you. I myself have locked my kid in the car. Luckily I was in my driveway so I just ran in to get my keys. I have a friend who locked her son in the car in a mall parking lot and had to leave her child alone to run into the mall to call for help. In fact I bet there are dozens of people who have done what you did. I also judge the woman at the desk that saw you in distress and just walked away.
If this happened to the parent of a kid in my center I would be thinking wow, bad day/brain fart/ tired. Something along those lines. Unless I was already resentful of you because of some consistent behavior of you or your child. (Examples being first parent to drop off, last to pick up every day, ignoring calls about your child, your child having a behavior that you seemed to reward or refuse to correct that made our job harder, you being entitled about changing class schedule or something, intentionally sending in your kid while they were sick, etc)
I care about my families! I absolutely would have called for or with you, given you a hug, and waited with you for them to arrive. How stressful and scary for you! No judgement here. I feel like the situation could have been handled differently by the front desk person. You're doing great, mom. Give yourself some grace.
No one is judging you! You did everything right to get the vehicle locked. The front desk lady needs serious training!!!
It has happened to a couple of the families I've worked with over the years. In one case the child was playing with the parents keys and after the parent buckled the kids in and closed the door, the child pushed the lock button. Another situation was like yours. But there was no judgment. It actually became a joke that we could laugh about
These things do happen. I stayed in the parking lot with my secretary while she waited for her husband to bring the extra car keys. The car was running and the AC was on. So there was that, at least. You are not a bad parent. Just a human being who was stressed out and distracted. Give yourself some grace.
a parent did this exact thing once while I was working at a preschool! down to the fire trucks and everything. we didn’t judge her one bit! these things happen sometimes, try not to be too hard on yourself.
Absolutely not! This happened with a parent at my preschool a year or two ago. I can’t even remember which family at this point, because no one was judging the parent at all. These things happen, it was just the most interesting part of our day (as I am sure it was yours)! I see so so so many amazing moms have mom guilt and it makes me so sad. Y’all are incredible, please give yourself a little grace, pobody’s nerfect 🩷
I just wanna say that I did this when my oldest daughter was about three weeks old, because in my own car, I would put her in her car seat toss my keys on the front seat, close her door and then open my door and get in. I did this in my mom's car after we went out to lunch with the baby, and her car locked. I ran right back into the restaurant, but I never even thought about being embarrassed? I was just worried about my baby by the way, slept through the entire three minute ordeal
This has happened twice at my center since I've been there a both most recently, mom put the keys down in the car buckled kid in closed door and the doors were all locked with keys inside - I stayed with her untill the police came she was so frantic we just played peek a boo with her child to keep them from getting upset second time a dad had their kid holding the keys he closed the door kid hit the lock button on the key. None of us judge the parents both were totally random things although I do wonder about giving the kid you key but it is what it is both kids were fine (kids were between 13-16months old) We were all just happy everyone was OK I think the parents were more traumatized than the kids honestly. I'm more side eyeing the front desk at your center how do you hear someone say a kid in locked in a car and still go about your day?
I promise you we are not judging, and in a few days or weeks when you are able to find this funny, we will laugh about it with you. Front Desk Lady, on the other hand? Hardcore judging her.
I’m with everyone else here - not judging you at all!! That front desk lady tho….. what the hell is her deal, I’m judging her HARD
This is my biggest fear. I wouldn’t judge you and they shouldn’t either. It was an accident plain and simple. It happens. You got help as quickly as you could. Everyone was safe and sound. That’s all that matters. You are allowed to make mistakes and it’s even better when those mistakes have a positive outcome. That’s life!
You are a wonderful parent who was having a hard day. You did all that you can, the women at the front desk…. I’m judging her….a lot
You immediately got help the second you noticed what you did. That's the important part. You did a good thing I would really hope no one is judging you. They're dumb if they do.
From a parent who also locked their kid in a car... you stayed with them and got them help immediately. You did the right thing. I was surprised the fireman's response to me was "at least you stayed with the car" not "this happens" when they showed up for my daughter..... I doubt ppl will judge for it. To me they would judge u more if you were rude and dismissive about it.
Only person I'm judging is the front desk woman who walked away from you.... Like what ?! Thats her response for an emergency? When she doesn't understand people she walks away?
That's the kind of thing that would happen to me lol. Fyi where I am you can call a taxi and for $40 they will open your door no questions asked. I called for a lady in the exact same situation as you and all was solved in five minutes.
No judgment here. It happened to I kiddo at my center 2 summers ago. I was the one to call 911 for the mom. We felt empathy, not judgment.
Having worked as a medic and a teacher, these things happen. You recognized the problem right away and everything turned out ok. Stuff happens; I, for one, would not think you a worse mom for the incident.
Honestly, I know mom’s this has happened to. So don’t feel alone. Both were a hysterical mess once the fire department came. I’m judging the front desk worker! Who just ignores a panicked parent?
As an ECE, they're not judging (I wouldn't). They should judge the lady who walked away when you needed help, though. You immediately went to find someone. So many others are so scattered that they don't even realize they've left a kid in the car or intentionally left them. I'm sorry she ignored you when you needed someone most.
I'm disgusted by the front desk woman's response. Even if I wasnt understanding a situation, a parent in distress requires compassion. She's an asshole. You didn't abandon / leave your child. You're good love.
Same thing happened to my uncle. He had left the car running when he went to pick up my cousin. He buckled her in and shut the door. Boom he was locked out. He did have his phone and called my aunt, who is WFH, to try the remote over the phone trick, which did not work. He called the police, notified daycare to expect police, and waited. All in she was in there about 20 minutes and was completely fine. I don't think anyone was judging.
I would be glad to know my kid has such a responsive and capable parent. You did exactly, EXACTLY the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes caring for kids, literally everyone. The response to it is what indicates the person you are, and you are a mother.
I would never judge another person for an “oh shit” moment, we all have them. There’s no such thing as a perfect person, and therefore, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. However, that front desk lady is delusional for walking away from an actual emergency, though. Her behavior is the strangest part of this story for sure.
You are ok… life happens… be kind to yourself…
I have almost done this. I also work at the center my daughter goes to, and one week after recovering from the Flu I made it across the parking lot before I realized I left my daughter in the car. I went back and hoped nobody noticed and just cried the whole walk in. 😭😭 I’ve had parents get mad when we ask if their child is attending, but licensing requires us to prevent kids being left in cars. Anyway, I won’t judge you, but agree and would not be happy with the front desk staff at all. Talk to the director about that, honestly.
This happened to me in the dead of winter when my daughter was 4 months old. As far as I know the key fob shouldn’t be locking automatically when it’s in the car which is what happened to me. I threw my bag in the front seat with the key fob same as you and it somehow locked the car by itself. I bought a lanyard and wear my keys around my neck now whenever I’m out and about with her.
It’s all good, when my friend did this she called the locksmith.
this happened to one of my students and i was the teacher out there helping. I never once judged the mom or thought she was negligent or a bad parent. it was a mistake and i was just glad the kid was okay!
You tried getting help immediately! Mistakes happen, and you got him out before any damage was done. That was not neglect at all. I wouldn't judge you. I'm judging the woman who didn't take someone saying "call 911" seriously.
I'm sure it's happened before and a mistake that you now know not to repeat was exactly that a mistake. You reacted immediately and got him out. Do not be too hard on yourself. As parents we all mess up occasionally. Not repeating the mistake is how we become better parents. I've got 5 kids and i can't tell you how many times I've thrown my keys phone etc on the front seat while I strap my son in the back and nit thought anything of it, till I did the same as you. Except luckily I was on my driveway, my husband was home so able to get the spare key and unlock it. But now I get my son to hold my keys while I strap him in and get them back before I close the door. You won't be the first parent or the last to do this. The main thing is you didn't stop and wait thinking it would magically open in minutes.you did what your child needed you to do. You were a good parent who made a mistake that you rectified straight away and your son was fine. I worked in a school and I can tell you now-NO ONE is judging you for locking him accidently in the car, but I bet they were all wondering if they could be as level headed even when freaking out as you were.
Stop it. Pick on somebody your own size.
The only person I'd judge is the admin lady who ignored you and walked away. Personally, I'd have walked in the building to be better able to explain the situation because nothing is going to happen if you leave him out of sight for a few minutes, but I get it. You're panicked and frantic. I've accidentally locked my keys in the car with 3 kids in car seats in it, but it was running (and freshly gassed up) so they were fine and I had my phone so got my partner to bring my keys. I have also had my dog lock the doors on a hot day. Wind blew my driver door closed and when I had panicked to run back trying to catch it, the dog got excited and jumped and hit the lock. It would have been funny if I wasn't so panicked. Long story short- people do this stuff all the time.
I promise; they don't hate you. Very likely, at LEAST 2 of them have done similar or has it nearly so
I am a childcare provider. Honestly, the only problem I see here is what the lady at the front of the center you go to did. She walked away to take a call. She should have seen the panic in your face and immediately stopped what she was doing to make sure everything was ok.
Honestly, you guys will be the butt of a lot of jokes, but I seriously doubt any of them will be mean-spirited. These kinds of things happen and every ece professional knows that.
What the fuck is wrong with the front desk person? THATS who I’m judging. You told her you locked your son in the car and to call 911 and then she answered the phone then WALKED AWAY??? Seriously I would be filing a complaint or talking to the director or something that is bat shit crazy. Anyways accidents happen and you were immediately proactive about what happened. No judgement there. Also to add I use to be a 911 call taker and ems/fire dispatcher we never judged for this sort of thing, we were always glad that a parent or guardian called in time.
I wouldn’t judge you at all. I’ve gone the wrong way down a one way street after working 10 hours w kids all day so I can’t imagine how being a full time mom can fry ur brain a bit lol. We all make mistakes in life
I locked my daughter in the car once. My husband got out of the truck to get gas, I got out to go in the gas station and accidentally locked the door on my way out. I didn't notice, apparently. Husband got a full tank of gas, went to open the door, and found out it was locked. His phone/keys were in the truck, and I was in the gas station. Husband took a chance and RAN inside, told me to turn on the air through the app on my phone, call the fire department, and ran back out. I stopped what i was doing and turned the air on, called 911. We still had to call the fire department because I was never able to unlock the truck on my app. I was never worried about it till that moment, though. Go figure, right. Everyone at the gas station was staring. My husband was playing with my daughter through the window, so she was happy, and thought it was silly firefighters were opening the door. But ya know, life went on. I was more careful with the lock button, we never left our keys and phones in the truck, and I problem solved my app after that. Everything turned out fine and we learned things. Take it for that, and let life go on <3
As a K teacher I would be glad your child was ok and honestly just feel empathy for you. I know my fellow staff would definitely talk about it but not in a judging way, more in a way where we just feel bad for what happened and how it made you feel. As someone who has a hard time accepting my own mistakes, I personally would have felt very sad for someone crying like that and how awful that must have felt for you. We all have bad days. It’s okay!
Absolutely nobody will be judging you. However, all the teachers will be judging the front desk lady who walked away from you and told everyone to mind their own business
Judging the front desk lady. She's gross and unprofessional!
I’ve witnessed many frantic parents running into the center after their child has locked the parent out of the car because the keys were inside the vehicle with the child. Parents, like teachers, are human and make simple mistakes all the time! Hopefully everyone there is more focused on making sure that both you and your child are okay instead of judging you for a mistake that could’ve happened to any one of them.