Parent and Child Spaces

Gatling

ceadaoin. wrote: »

I used to have a little backpack for my daughter that had a rein on it. I used it a couple of times and experienced the same attitude as you, people commenting about her having a 'leash' etc. I stopped using it then

It's gas it's always a case of your dammed if you do and dammed if you don't

meeeeh

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Funnily enough my parents never regarded the weekly shop as a necessary part of my or my siblings' childhood.

Let me guess one of your parents also didn't work till seven or eight in the evening 5 to 6 days per week. I hate bringing kids to do the weekly shopping but when I do those parent child spaces are great. I am not hitting another car with my door, we can walk on the path to the shop. It's practically impossible to see a two-year toddler behind your car when reversing so it is much safer. But yes the only way people should live is like your parents, nobody should have any different needs or requirements.

When I don't have kids I still manage to find spot which is perfectly convenient. For me the proximity of the trolley bay is actually more important than distance to the shop. And even if not normal cars spaces are also close to the door. I love the idea of this old age pensioner that can't walk from the car park, yet is able to treck multiple times that with the shopping trolley in the actual shop.

Of course some people have no problem being an ignorant dick and drag out the old pensioner excuse. I think OP wrote that they park sometimes on the family spot so this is not a discussion about OPAs.

Cienciano

Cienciano wrote: »

I remember going to the shop with 2 kids, a 6 month old and a 2 year old. You cannot put them in buggy, go over to get a trolly and come back with the trolly and buggy, put them in the trolly and put the buggy back in the car!

Well you could just go get the trolly and leave the kids in the car, nothing is going to happen to them tied into their seats for the few seconds it takes to to get the trolly. People create a lot of work for themselves through needless over protectiveness.

MrWalsh

Dahlia Whining Disk wrote: »

Well you could just go get the trolly and leave the kids in the car, noting is going to happen to them tied into their seats for the few seconds it takes to to get the trolly.

A woman done this in a supermarket I worked in and someone broke into and stole the car while she was over getting the trolley.

They dumped the older child out onto the ground and took off in the car with the toddler still strapped into the back.

They realised about half a mile down the road there was a toddler in the car and dumped him out on a pavement and took off again.

So no, not a good idea. At all.

eviltwin

Better still don't go shopping with the kids. I can't be arsed bringing them anymore. Now one of us goes by ourselves or we do it online and save ourselves the hassle.

MrWalsh

MrWalsh wrote: »

A woman done this in a supermarket I worked in and someone broke into and stole the car while she was over getting the trolley.

They dumped the older child out onto the ground and took off in the car with the toddler still strapped into the back.

They realised about half a mile down the road there was a toddler in the car and dumped him out on a pavement and took off again.

So no, not a good idea. At all.

If that's not an urban legend (which is quite possible) that chances of it happening are tiny, almost non-existent (its very difficult to steal a modern car for a start, unless of course she left the car open and the key in it which is idiotic). I wouldn't let it have any influence on me anyway nor would most rational people.

eviltwin wrote: »

Better still don't go shopping with the kids. I can't be arsed bringing them anymore. Now one of us goes by ourselves or we do it online and save ourselves the hassle.

This is also a very good point/advice. Unless its a sat/sun afternoon day out to a shopping centre or into town there is no need for babies or young kids to be going on regular supermarket trips etc.

Muahahaha

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

The shop owns the car park. They set the rules. If you dont want to follow their rules, go shop somewhere else.

I'm sure you expect people to follow your rules on your property.

not 100% sure on that- the Equality Act forbids discrimination on the grounds of family status so it would seem to me that supermarkets who have these spaces are discriminating against people without children.

I've no truck with the spaces myself but I think its worth pointing out that they may not actually be legal under the Equality Act.

DeadHand

They're a solid idea but consistently abused by the worst type of motorist of all- middle aged women.

These menopausal menaces can be commonly observed dumping their car anywhere but where it should be. They are also immune to indicating. They are adept at throwing dirty looks at other motorists even when, as is usually the case, they are clearly in the wrong.

This anti-social, dangerous behaviour is all built on a huge sense of self-entitlement, self-importance, old fashioned selfishness and a general sense of "my time is more important than yours and the world owes me several favours, out of my way!"

MrWalsh

Dahlia Whining Disk wrote: »

If that's not an urban legend (which is quite possible) that chances of it happening are tiny, almost non-existent. I wouldn't let it have any influence on me anyway nor would most rational people.

An urban legend? I was actually the staff member who had to comfort the woman and get her instore and try to calm her down. We didnt even know the toddler had been dumped out on the ground half a mile down the road for a number of hours (a passerby found the child crawling out into the road and called the Guards, took a while for both things to be connected).

Wasnt the first time it had happened either (a car robbed when the person went to get a trolley) but driving off with the child IN the car was unusual.

Ask any parent if they think its safe to leave a child in the car when they go into a garage for example and you will find a range of opinions - it depends where people are from but I certainly would not leave a child unattended in a car personally, anything from leaving the keys locked in it, to handbrake failure to car theft could happen - Id imagine most parents who live in densely populated areas would be loath to take the risk.

km991148

Dahlia Whining Disk wrote: »

If that's not an urban legend (which is quite possible) that chances of it happening are tiny, almost non-existent (its very difficult to steal a modern car for a start, unless of course she left the car open and the key in it which is idiotic). I wouldn't let it have any influence on me anyway nor would most rational people.

I heard of it happening before - but when keys were left in car - doh..

can't find the article, but google shows plenty similar..
Same with them ones that get cars nicked in the winter - engine running while windows defrosting..

P. Breathnach

Muahahaha wrote: »

not 100% sure on that- the Equality Act forbids discrimination on the grounds of family status so it would seem to me that supermarkets who have these spaces are discriminating against people without children.

I've no truck with the spaces myself but I think its worth pointing out that they may not actually be legal under the Equality Act.

And while we are at it, let's bring cases against shopping trolleys with child-seats, toilets with baby-changing (or even nappy-changing) facilities, and shops selling children's clothing. Discriminatory, all of them.

Cienciano

Dahlia Whining Disk wrote: »

Well you could just go get the trolly and leave the kids in the car, nothing is going to happen to them tied into their seats for the few seconds it takes to to get the trolly. People create a lot of work for themselves through needless over protectiveness.

Depends on their age. They're old enough to understand I'll be back in a minute now, so grand. Worst if they're asleep and they wake up when you're gone.

MrWalsh

MrWalsh wrote: »

A woman done this in a supermarket I worked in and someone broke into and stole the car while she was over getting the trolley.

They dumped the older child out onto the ground and took off in the car with the toddler still strapped into the back.

They realised about half a mile down the road there was a toddler in the car and dumped him out on a pavement and took off again.

So no, not a good idea. At all.

There is also the one about the child who was taken out of the car and struck by another car and killed. Would have been saved if simply left in the car like children were for decades while someone took a few seconds to do something.

I guess the moral is anything can happen. You just gotta be sensible and avoid absolute rules like the children have to be left...or the children can't be left.

MrWalsh

MrWalsh wrote: »

An urban legend? I was actually the staff member who had to comfort the woman and get her instore and try to calm her down. We didnt even know the toddler had been dumped out on the ground half a mile down the road for a number of hours (a passerby found the child crawling out into the road and called the Guards, took a while for both things to be connected).

Wasnt the first time it had happened either (a car robbed when the person went to get a trolley) but driving off with the child IN the car was unusual.

Fair enough it happened but I wouldn't like to have any money on it happening too often. As I said on top of everything its very difficult to steal modern cars even if unlocked, getting them started is extremely challenging if even possible.

MrWalsh wrote: »

Ask any parent if they think its safe to leave a child in the car when they go into a garage for example and you will find a range of opinions - it depends where people are from but I certainly would not leave a child unattended in a car personally, anything from leaving the keys locked in it, to handbrake failure to car theft could happen - Id imagine most parents who live in densely populated areas would be loath to take the risk.

Its just people being way to overcautious. I know parents who have no issue leaving their baby's asleep in the car if they arrive home and the child is still asleep, just popping out now and again to check.

I cant actually believe someone would be daft enough not to go in to pay for petrol and leave a child in the car, pure and utter madness. Handbrake failure is almost unheard off and unless you are parked on a hill its not even an issue (particularly if you park in gear as you should anyway). Theft is also extremely unlikely and then the chances if it happening on the times you ave the child in the car are even smaller.

Again as I said people are gone mad with provocativeness these days.

Cienciano wrote: »

Depends on their age. They're old enough to understand I'll be back in a minute now, so grand. Worst if they're asleep and they wake up when you're gone.

I'm sure they will get over it. As I said leaving kids asleep in the car when you arrive home is something I see (and was always done with us when we were babies/kids) so its obviously not a bit deal to many.

MrWalsh

Deleted User wrote: »

There is also the one about the child who was taken out of the car and struck by another car and killed. Would have been saved if simply left in the car like children were for decades while someone took a few seconds to do something.

I guess the moral is anything can happen. You just gotta be sensible and avoid absolute rules like the children have to be left...or the children can't be left.

I understand what you mean, but I was actually present when this happened.

If you work in a large supermarket you realise that cars get interfered in the carpark with on a very regular basis.

Even simple smash and grabs happen frequently. Id say a week didnt go by without a car park incident - and the area was a lot quieter then.

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

I guess the moral is anything can happen. You just gotta be sensible and avoid absolute rules like the children have to be left...or the children can't be left.

Pretty much this. It should depend on the situation e.g. Going into pay for petrol or going to get a trolly leave in the car. Going into a shop for an hour obviously don't leave a baby or very young child in the car when you cant check on them regularly.

QuinDixie

eviltwin wrote: »

Better still don't go shopping with the kids. I can't be arsed bringing them anymore. Now one of us goes by ourselves or we do it online and save ourselves the hassle.

exactly, bringing YOUNG children shopping with you is a version of child abuse.
The children do not want to be there, they are not crying out of happiness.

Flippyfloppy

eviltwin wrote: »

Better still don't go shopping with the kids. I can't be arsed bringing them anymore. Now one of us goes by ourselves or we do it online and save ourselves the hassle.

Or just go and park in an available parent and child space They do exist , learn to love them people! There's no doubt they're safer for kids and probably prevent a lot of door dents, rather than parents trying to squeeze car seats into doors that will only open so much because the car in the space beside didn't leave room!

I like the way dundrum have their car park laid out. The disabled spaces right in front of the entrance, and the parent and child ones at the top of some , but not all, of the aisles. Seems fair.

I like bringing my kids shopping, the older one loves helping & picking out food we're gonna eat we only go during off peak times! I alternate between bringing them, buying online and going myself at night. Depending on the day and our moods!

contrary_mary

My local Tesco has one "Expectant Mother" parking spot which is next to the 5/6 Parent & Child spots. I never used it when pregnant as I was luckily very mobile throughout and had no need for it. A couple of days before I was due I parked up as normal and lumbered over to the door like some sort of a hippopotamus/whale hybrid and happened to pass the "Expectant Mother" spot on the way. A souped-up Honda was parked in it with 3 lads of around 19/20 sitting in it obviously waiting for their mate. I just stood at the sign and kept looking at the sign and back at them while giving them very dirty looks - they practically sank into their seats - great craic! I was bored on maternity leave so I had to make the most of the small pleasures in life!

Back on topic I don't use the P+C spaces as they're nearly always busy but as my baby is becoming a toddler and more difficult to manage I can definitely see the point of them. If I had 2 or more small children I think I would find them very useful indeed. Once kids are old enough to have some sense and walk independently I don't think parents should park there anymore - though in my experience parents with school-age children seem to be using the majority of them in my local shop.

kunst nugget

QuinDixie wrote: »

exactly, bringing YOUNG children shopping with you is a version of child abuse.
The children do not want to be there, they are not crying out of happiness.

Please tell me you're taking the piss with this…

Ctrl Alt Delete

I would never dream of parking in a disabled space but have parked and will continue to park in parent and child spaces without a second thought.

Put them at the back of the car park if they are so important plus I'm 100% certain they are illegal as they are discriminatory on family status grounds which is why nothing is ever done about random people parking in those spots.

QuinDixie

kunst nugget wrote: »

Please tell me you're taking the piss with this…

can you explain why you believe i am taking the piss, do you have children, if u don't u wouldn't understand.

Tiger Mcilroy

Ctrl Alt Delete wrote: »

I would never dream of parking in a disabled space but have parked and will continue to park in parent and child spaces without a second thought.

Put them at the back of the car park if they are so important plus I'm 100% certain they are illegal as they are discriminatory on family status grounds which is why nothing is ever done about random people parking in those spots.

You are a king amongst men, park where you like because you like...classy.

Ctrl Alt Delete

Tiger Mcilroy wrote: »

You are a king amongst men, park where you like because you like...classy.

Nope I don't park where I like. Never parked on a double yellow, loading area or disabled spots etc.

But parent and child spots have no legal basis whatsoever

kunst nugget

QuinDixie wrote: »

can you explain why you believe i am taking the piss, do you have children, if u don't u wouldn't understand.

I have 2. They've both somehow managed to survive the trauma of going into the shop with me to do the weekly shopping without lasting psychological damage from the 'child abuse'.

Tiger Mcilroy

Ctrl Alt Delete wrote: »

Nope I don't park where I like. Never parked on a double yellow, loading area or disabled spots etc.

But parent and child spots have no legal basis whatsoever

No legal basis, doesn't stop you parking there being a dick move..im sure your righteous indignation keeps you happy though.

Ctrl Alt Delete

Tiger Mcilroy wrote: »

No legal basis, doesn't stop you parking there being a dick move..im sure your righteous indignation keeps you happy though.

Yep keeps my perfectly happy. Like I said put them at the back of the car park and see how little they are used then. Same function there too

Tiger Mcilroy

Ctrl Alt Delete wrote: »

Yep keeps my perfectly happy. Like I said put them at the back of the car park and see how little they are used then. Same function there too

It would at the very least stop lazy ignorant people like yourself parking in them while still ensuring that parents with small kids walk as far as possible.

Drumpot

Ctrl Alt Delete wrote: »

Nope I don't park where I like. Never parked on a double yellow, loading area or disabled spots etc.

But parent and child spots have no legal basis whatsoever

Showing manners and respect for other people isn't a legal issue. But if you need to be told that this is probably a wasted post . .

What word do you think the following is a definition of:

An individual that is so consumed with their own selves that they become oblivious to, nor do they care how their actions or words impact others.

Ctrl Alt Delete

Tiger Mcilroy wrote: »

It would at the very least stop lazy ignorant people like yourself parking in them while still ensuring that parents with small kids walk as far as possible.

Because someone has kids doesn't entitle them to park up the front of the store.

Guarentee if they were at back of the car park they would be barely be used

Drumpot wrote: »

Showing manners and respect for other people isn't a legal issue. But if you need to be told that this is probably a wasted post . .

Have plenty of manners and respect for people but would those car park spots are different