I don't get why putting a kid in the back of a hatchback would be more suspicious than putting a kid in the usual seats. If nobody is making a fuss and the driver doesn't seem to be trying to make a sneaky getaway, what makes it suspicious? It's not like you're putting them in the trunk of a sedan or in the back door of a windowless van. I do appreciate people being vigilant but some common sense would be prudent.
I also wonder if being male makes a difference here. It seems like there's a bit of a bias against men taking care of kids alone. My brother in law, who was a stay at home dad when their 3 kids were younger, always had issues when he took his kids to the playground or park. Mothers of other kids would ask his kids if everything was okay because it was so unusual for a man to be there (he doesn't look creepy or anything).
I also wonder if being male makes a difference here. It seems like there's a bit of a bias against men taking care of kids alone. My brother in law, who was a stay at home dad when their 3 kids were younger, always had issues when he took his kids to the playground or park. Mothers of other kids would ask his kids if everything was okay because it was so unusual for a man to be there (he doesn't look creepy or anything).