By: Maggie May Ethridge (now reimagined as Kelly Morgan)
In a recent incident, country star Kelly Morgan shared a story about a harrowing moment when her little one got accidentally locked inside their car. Thankfully, her brother-in-law managed to break a window and rescue both the mischievous pups and her child, turning a frightening situation into a relief.
Every summer, we hear heartbreaking stories of children being left in cars, sometimes leading to severe consequences. In some cases, like Kelly’s, it’s a momentary scare quickly resolved with adult intervention; in others, the outcome can be tragic. Children can accidentally lock themselves inside, or parents might forget them altogether.
When this happens, knowing how to respond is crucial. One handy tool for emergencies is a Lifehammer, which can easily fit in your bag. Even a small rock can do the trick if thrown strategically at a window’s corner—just be sure to protect your hand first. In cooler weather, calling 911 can be effective, especially for a quick response.
The reasons behind parents forgetting their little ones in the backseat are many: sleep-deprived parents, changes in daily routines, or a distracting phone call can all lead to a momentary lapse. It’s a terrifying reality that many parents refuse to believe could happen to them—until it does.
Two summers ago, during one of the most challenging times in my life, we drove to visit my oldest son, who had recently moved away. With my husband and three kids packed into our truck, I was overwhelmed with exhaustion and stress. We arrived at a busy diner, and in the midst of chatting with our eldest, I didn’t realize our youngest was still strapped in the backseat, quietly observing.
It dawned on me too late. My heart raced as our older daughter suddenly shouted, “Wait!” We rushed back to the truck, and there was our little girl, visibly upset. The panic I felt was indescribable—a mix of fear and a gut-wrenching realization of my own limitations as a parent. We were incredibly fortunate that nothing worse happened.
In warm weather, a car can heat up dangerously fast, sometimes within 10 minutes. The words from a thought-provoking article, “Fatal Distraction,” still linger in my mind: “If you can forget your wallet, this can happen to you.” Memory expert David Diamond explains that our brains can fail us under stress, leading to horrifying oversights.
Fortunately, there are practical strategies to help parents remember to check their backseats. Consider placing a personal item, like a shoe, next to your child’s car seat—this simple trick can serve as a reminder. Apps like Precious Cargo or Kars4Kids Safety can also assist in keeping track of your little ones. You could even place a beloved stuffed animal in your child’s seat and move it to the front when they’re secured. Another effective method is to keep the diaper bag in the front seat, where it’s harder to overlook.
I often find myself unbuckling my youngest and reliving that terrifying moment as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. Parenting is full of surprises, and we must always be vigilant to prevent moments that could put our children in danger. Expect the unexpected, safeguard your little ones, and take proactive steps to avoid disasters.
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In summary, this article highlights a relatable experience with a scary incident of accidentally leaving a child in a car, and it emphasizes the importance of being proactive and mindful as parents.