its hard keeping this one on one hand and the camera on the other. 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I was collecting the kids from school the other day and walking towards the school gates I passed yet another parked car, there is a stream of traffic at that time of day in the normal quiet road and normally I wouldn’t look twice into the parked cars but the window to one of the cars I was walking passed was down and smoke was being blown out of it, no big deal a mum sat having a fag while waiting for her child to finish school.
But there was a big deal as a baby that looked no older than a few months old was fast asleep in a car seat just behind mum on the back seat, yes she had the window down but how much smoke from that cigarette was being inhaled into the tiny lungs of that defenceless baby?
I do smoke so I am not ranting about smoking, I am ranting at the fact this irresponsible mother didn’t give two hoots that her baby was so close to her in a closed environment while she sucked away.
I am sure she is not the only mum to smoke in the car when her kids are there but I am betting not many would dare admit to doing it.
Am I the only one who would have to look twice to check I wasn’t seeing things?
What do you think? Is smoking in a car with your children present ever OK? Leave me a comment to let me know your views.
This post is a debate corner post by The Real Supermum
About The Real Supermum
i’m a smoker i admit i smoke in my house … but call me a hipacrit (cant spell it) but i would never smoke in a car were a child goes regard less if they r in the car or not or if they r then a good day later as i know cars trap smoke in like a vacume regardless of windows open or not … u may as well put a child in a box n blow smoke into it its just the same thing xx
May I first say Angie this is not a personal dig and I admire you for coming on here and posting what you have posted and there are many who would not be as honest expecting a barrage of criticism…..my comment is not a criticsim it is my feelings and personal beliefs and we all have them just some peoples are different than others.
So may I politely ask whats the difference?….car…house…still enclosed spaces that trap the smoke, it clings to clothes, hair, curtains, carpets, furniture etc.
I grew up with a mother that smoked in the house ( and I hated it even before it was fashionable to hate it) but back in the 60′s and early 70′s people were not as aware of the dangers to either you or 2nd hand smoke.
But nowadays the dangers of passive smoking are there for all to google thanks to parents like mine.
I believe that no parent has the right to pollute their childs air space, and imo that does not mean it is ok while they are in bed/sleeping. I feel that anybody has a right to smoke, and an addiction is an addiction and its not easy to stop, but I feel it should be done outside the house as well as outside the car.
ok climb down off my soap box and await replies
i’m not saying smoking in a house is good ect on this …… in a house theres diff rooms ect open windows n doors n a child can move around freely (still no excuse i kno) but in a car that child is strapped in do were to go n the smoke blows straight from the front of the car into the back of that car regardless on if windows r open or not … , yes i agree smoke does cling n like i said i’m not saying i’m proud of the fact i smoke , but my opinion as a smoker myself
My dad used to smoke in the car with me in it and it was horrible. This woman’s car was parked up, what was wrong with shutting the windows and getting out, standing by the side of her car (locking the doors if she felt that unsafe) and then smoking? She’s not leaving the baby cus she can still see it.
I have smoked in the same car as a child before though and felt guilty as anything and would never do it again (I’ve quit now anyway).
I don’t think you should ever smoke in the car with children in it. Some of the smoke is still going back into the car for the baby/child to inhale. It isn’t fair as the child has no choice, but a person has the choice to get out of the car and have a cigarette while the child is safe inside while your waiting. Xx
No its not ok. I’m a smoker and do smoke inside sometimes when my lo is in bed with the door open. In my eyes that’s very wrong. Just get out the car or turn up early so you can have a smoke before getting the kids xx
I certainly agree with you that smoking around children is not OK. Still, I remember my mom smoking away often during my childhood (she quit when I was about 11), and I turned out OK. On the other hand, I did suffer from chronic bronchitis many winters when I was growing up…
I have been to a few people’s houses were they smoke in the kitchen with windows open door shut etc and there house stinks. I don’t think its ok asleep not there or not. Its your childs home so should be clean and smelling nice for them. I go outside and always will. I won’t take my son to anyones house if they smoke in the house whether door shut and open window. Seen the new advert most cigerette smoke is invasible plus there is enough fumes coming of you after having one let alone adding to that by smoking in the house. Its your choice to smoke your child shouldn’t have to smoke with you. Just my opinion though everyone does what they want.
I really think that it’s indefensible to smoke in a car with children there. Parents shouldn’t even smoke in the open in front of older children, who might be influenced by it. There are obviously much worse things a parent could do, but this is something that is easily avoidable.
I personally wouldnt do it. Each to their own and no one should judge. But it isnt right in my personal opinion x
I was a smoker, never smoked around the children and if I or one of my children was in a car with a smoker then I would have asked them not to smoke around the children.
Ireland is going to bring in a law where it is illegal to smoke in a car when there is a child present or if there is evidence of a child going to be present in said car and I agree with it.
As an ex smoker each to their own and I’m only voicing my opinion!
It’s a bit worrying that some people here think that it is OK to smoke in the house when the kids are in bed, in another room, or if you have the kitchen door or window open. As the current TV ads show, 80% of the smoke is invisible, and most of it hangs around. What is more the toxic chemicals, the ones that cause cancer, get everywhere. In the carpets, soft furnishings, even soft toys. And then your kids play on the floor and with their toys. And you know how often little ones put things in their mouths.
Check out http://www.smokeoutside.co.uk for more info.
I think it is absolutely disgusting that a parent would put their child through that! I was one who had to sit in a smokey house/car/pubs etc as a child and it was revolting, I judge my own mother for doing it and used to cry because my mum wouldnt let me sit outside the pub whilst smoking and drinking|! Disgusting x
My OH smokes and he would never do it in the car when LO is in there , not even in the house , even when he’s pushing him in the pram he gives him to me to push while he walks ahead. I couldn’t inflict smoke on a child x
My oh smokes but he would never smoke in the car or in the house. I would not tolerate that and anybody that comes over knows the rules. Also if we are out in public and oh is pushing the buggy, I will take control of the buggy whilst he is smoking as i wont have that either. Call me over the top but I don’t want any smoke going anywhere near my little boy. Anyone who has smoke has to wash there hands after each cigarette before they touch Sidney! xx
I agree – i couldnt and never would smoke in the car with any child – although i will admit my parents used to when i was younger – personally i dont agree with it, if you choose to smoke – you shouldnt force your child to suffer because of it x
Not for me that is all I have to say on it xxx