public service announcement

so it turns out it is possible for many cars to lock themselves if you leave them attended for long enough. this information is good to have before you toss your keys on your seat, strap your children into their car seats, shut the door, and then notice another child's abandoned rain boots next to your car. you will want to run return those boots to that child's mother, and you won't think for a second that the locks might snap shut seconds before you return. and you will not enjoy watching your four year old try desperately to remove the bottom half of her seatbelt, which is the problem part, which she has never before figured out how to do, while silent tears run down her face. and when everyone else comes running to help you you will not enjoy the feeling of an impeding panic attack.

but one thing is certain. you will want to hug and kiss the amazing wonderful beautiful parents of your children's friends when they figure out a strategy to get your child out of her seatbelt without pressing that bottom button while you stand uselessly to the side practicing your deep breathing. and most likely, you will.