If you are from Europe then you don't get it. This is mostly an American thing and it has been going on for years. I recall a story from about 10-15 years ago where a couple from Europe (I think they were Dutch but I'm not 100% sure) was arrested in New York City for leaving their child outside on the sidewalk while they entered a cafe for a few minutes and ordered coffee. They could see their child through the cafe windows the entire time. They expressed shock upon being arrested because such behavior was normal and commonplace in their country.
thesimon|8 years ago
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/14/nyregion/toddler-left-outs...
She was Danish and left her child in the stroller outside while dining inside.
Doesn't seem like a big issue to me, but I can see why Americans might see it as an issue.