I would really love to hear what you think about this type of situation, and would appreciate any comments you might have on this type of subject.
Obviously I'm a mom of a young son, and therefore have to expect him to do adventurous things. But I'm still entitled to have some concerns and worries about certain activities-especially at such a young age.
Recently my son has had some exposure to ATV's or 4 wheelers. I have expressed my concerns about him getting on one-and I certainly do not want him riding one. However, over this past weekend while at a party I witnessed him riding one (with an adult we do trust). They never asked me if it was ok to take him for a ride, and they were both riding without any helmets.
I confronted them and expressed my displeasure with the situation, but felt helpless to stop it from happening. They rode for a few more minutes and then were done. Later I was told that they were only going like 25 mph-but then another person chimed up stating that they were going faster than that at one point. I got upset that they would try and fib to me like that-it just made me feel even more uncomfortable with the situation. It was mentioned that they wanted to buy Aiden his own mini one later...and I refused profusely. I felt I was given a hard time about that, and I was beginning to feel ganged up on-and being too overly protective.
I'm the type of mom who wants her children to have fun experiences and try different things. However, I do think there are some activities that are too risky and dangerous for little ones, and just inappropriate at certain ages. I know bad things can happen doing anything, but I feel that there are some things that we can control by avoiding certain situations.
What are your thoughts? Am I being too over-protective?
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10 months ago
2 comments:
My 2 cents. Too many accidents occur on motor equipment. I thought I would try to find stats to back up this statement. Below my comments you will see a bunch of links to some of the interesting things I found. I have always thought ATVs were dangerous. As a kid I went on one and hated it. It didn't thrill me in the least. Ben's brother in law loves ATVs and would love to take my kids on one and I once let him. I wish I hadn't because I think they are just not appropriate for children. He grew up with them and thinks they are safe, but just because he hasn't had an accident himself doesn't make them safe. In 2005 there were 666 deaths, and 136,700 people went to the ER. 20% of those who died were kids and 27% of all injured were kids. both deaths and injuries scare me. If someone gets injured on an ATV I am assuming the face would be one part very vulnerable. Why would you want to jeopardize such a cute face as Aidens. Then what if he got a spinal cord injury. That would be a big fear of mine. I am just very opposed to the whole ATV thing. They are expensive and many think they are fun, but not worth it to me. If someone gave one of my kids an ATV I would sell it for the money because I wouldn't want them to be sad not to ride it and I don't want them to want to ride it. I hope you can make your family understand that it is not something you are going to participate in. It might be fun, but at what price?
statistics
see this story about an injury
this news article convinced me
First of all, whoever took Aiden on the ride SHOULD have asked you first if it was ok and that a helmet would be provided. And it was COMPLETELY wrong for them to lie to you about how fast they were going.
On the other hand, I do think you are over-reacting about the other part. With the proper size ATV, Dirt bike, 4-wheeler, whatever and the proper safety equipment, it would be perfectly safe for Aiden to have one. Maybe when he is between age 3-4 when he is a little older. Daryl started riding dirt bikes at age 3, and started competing in races by age 5.
These companies do make special size vehicles for smaller children which have the proper speeds, and functions. If you were to get him one, and he learns to safely use it, at most he would be going 10 MPH, not 60.
I would love to get him one, but never would get one without your permission, or talking to you first. It was not right for someone to take Aiden on a ride like that without letting you know first, and I would have reacted the same way.
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