This is one of those subjects that I can say I'm absolutely unsure about. On one hand, I can't see myself ever overlooking my children in the car. It's just not something I could forget. My purse or cell phone? Maybe, but not my kids. Not even when they were babies.
Then, on the other hand, I don't want to believe that anyone would deliberately leave a child in the car. I'm sure there are people out there who would have it in them to do so but it breaks my heart to even think about it.

I think that this is just beyond heartbreaking. Although I can't imagine forgetting a child in the car, I'm pretty sure that the parents who have done so couldn't imagine doing it, either. But sometimes you're so sleep deprived and doing something out-of-the ordinary... I've accidentally tried to drop my kids at the school on an in-service day -- they reminded me to take them to daycare. I try so hard not to judge someone who has simply made a horrifically tragic mistake.

I'd like to hope that no one would do that intentionally, either.

I remember the case of the Iowa woman who on the morning of an important meeting at work, drove her infant daughter to her child-care center then forgot to take her into the center. She drove to work, went to her meeting and only later found the girl in her car seat. I can't believe the mother had an intentions of forgetting her child. And I can't believe anyone could punish a parent anymore than the guilt, shame and remorse they would have for the rest of their lives. It's kind of a tragic commentary on how busy our lives have gotten.

Jim, your last line reminds me of the song Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. Anyone not familiar with it should bring it up on YouTube--especially anyone who is a parent.