T.P.
I wasn't going to comment, because I see that most everyone is on your side. And I am too, for the record!! I would be mad as a hornet. In fact, my FIL did the same thing (minus the dogs), a few months ago, and I had my husband talk to his dad and ask him to not let our 6 yr. old sit in the front. So far, to my knowledge, he hasn't repeated the action.
Now, what I can't contain is the response from JULIE J, I believe it was, who said "You are going to find out, you have to pick your battles, and MIL did raise your husband and he turned out fine right? I believe in seat belts, safety for children in all situation, but are you really going to make your 7 year old sit in a booster seat like manufactures recommend? if you do let me know how you did it."
First of all, when a child's safety is at risk, there is NO picking of battles. There's one way, and that's the right way (by the law). Period. End of discussion. And if someone who cares for your child doesn't have the respect for your child and YOU, to do as you ask, then they shouldn't have the responsibility of caring for them.
Yes, there weren't child safety restraint laws when some of you (or even me) were younger. But umm, did you EVER stop to THINK as to WHY we now HAVE those laws?! Simple answer here, don't over-think it.
Because of NEEDLESS TRAGEDIES in which children were harmed and even killed because of lack of restraints!!!! DOH! Go figure. These laws had to be put into effect because of the lives lost when no such laws existed.
It really burns me to read people saying "pick your battles". My response is OH HE** NO! Not with MY child.
So to L. M....stand up to your MIL. It is for the safety and well-being of your child. If you won't, who will?