Am I just too overprotective???

[NCDisneyMom]

I would like your thoughts on this. We have neighbors who, let's just say, have very different parenting styles than our own. They have two children who are 4 and 2 (and the 2 year old just turned 2 in January, so he's not even 2 1/2 yet). They have little battery-powered riding "toys". They are not small toys, but relatively high off the ground. One looks like a small tractor, and they both have to be straddled (i.e. not like some of the little cars I've seen kids play with).

Anyway, it is a law that all kids riding bikes must have helmets. I have seen these kids out both yesterday and today (with their Mom) riding these all the way down the street, with no helmet. Granted, they aren't technically bikes, but they are straddling them, and picking up pretty good speed. I hate to eevn look out the window, because all one has to do is turn too fast, and they're going for a spill. And, they get far enough away from Mom that she could not catch them if they fell or if, heaven forbid, a car comes too close.

We've had other issues with these people (which would be WAY too long to go into here), so I realize my view may be tainted. But, do you think I'm overreacting, or just being too paranoid? I can't imagine letting my kids (especially a 2-year-old) ride those things without helmets on!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I think they should be wearing helmets. Maybe I'm overprotective too but why take a chance when you don't have to.

 

[va32h]

I never made my children wear helmets to ride Power-Wheel type toys. They have a wide base and don't tip over like bicycles can. The little ones go 1.5 - 2.5 MPH. I think the chances of an accident are minimal at best, especially when riding on a sidewalk. Were you thinking of saying something to the other mom?

I would just chalk it up to "different parenting styles" and not make an issue of it.

 

[Beth76]

My kids have a battery-powered jeep and they don't wear their helmets when they ride it. Only helmets for bikes and scooters. My kids are 5 and 21 months. The little one does have a little velcro belt that we put on him when riding the jeep.

 

[coolmom99]

You say that the law requires kids to wear helmets so are you asking for opinions because you are considering reporting them? I would just stay out of it. Perhaps situations like this are the reason why you don't get along with your neighbors.

 

[Buttercup26]

I believe the OP is talking about the type of toys that the kids sit ON, not sit IN (unlike the Jeeps, Hummers, etc..) if so I agree they should wear a helmet.

 

[tmt martins]

We never wore helmets growing up ( I think thats my problem).

However I think if you start them early enough and be consitant It won't be a second thought when they get a little older when it matters.

My rule has always been with DD (now12) that if it has wheels wear your helmet.I will buy you new ones when ever needed but they must be worn.I've never had a problem even to this day.
I was always involed in a sprt that required a helmet ( motorcross,Jetski racing & paintball) as she was growing up sp setting an example was easy to do.

They cost next to nothing and could save a real bad injury .

 

[dngrmys]

I don't think a helmet is necessary.

 

[Karel]

I agree with tmt. It's good to establish the helmet routine early so that it never becomes an issue. There is no harm in wearing a helmet.

 

[jenks0718]

No helmet here. I am MOST CERTAINLY would not say anything to or report the parent.

 

[poohluvrs]

Guess Im overprotective too,though Id rather think of myself as just not lazy... I d rather take the minute to slap a helmet on my kid than spend my night in the ER w/ her & her head injury...

 

[NCDisneyMom]

You say that the law requires kids to wear helmets so are you asking for opinions because you are considering reporting them? I would just stay out of it. Perhaps situations like this are the reason why you don't get along with your neighbors.

Wow! This was rather presumptuous, don't you think? I have never commented to her on her parenting style, nor did I have any intention of doing so in regards to the helmets. Nor was I planning on reporting her to anyone. The reason we don't get along with them has nothing to do with issues like this (except when her 4-year-old hits my child...but even then I don't say anything to her...we just leave the situation). I was merely asking whether I was being overprotective in thinking that children should be wearing helmets while riding on (not "in", as another poster pointed out) these motorized toys. Why do people feel the need to read so much more into a post than what is actually asked?

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I'm voting overprotective. Worrying about stuff that *might* happen to your own kids is Good Mommying. Worrying about stuff that *might* happen to someone else's kids borders on Nosy Neighboring.

 

[binny]

would make them wear a helmet too.


I think they need one for bikes and such that they straddle. Not so much for the 4 wheel, sit in jeeps but definately for any that you have to ride. I dont think its overprotective I think its good parenting.

BTW, I got that you werent going to report them that you were just asking opinions.

 

[CEDmom]

A lot of parents don't put helmets on little kids when they're on tricycles, 3 wheeled scooters and even bikes with training wheels. Ever since our DD was able to peddle she's had a helmet on more for her to get used to always wearing one than for safety. It's just a rule in our house but I'm sure we let things go that others would gasp at.

Are they peddling these things or using their feet? If they're using their feet they can't be that far off the ground so I think doing it w/o a helmet is pretty safe. If they can peddle but not touch the ground then I think that's a different story.

 

[aprilgail2]

My daughter doesn't use a helmet when she uses her battery powered ride ons but for a bike she does...at least for now...there are no kids around here that wear helmets after about second grade so its like pulling teeth to get your kid to wear one when all the other kids are not and laughing at yours!

 

[3disneyfans]

I see this all the time here.We have several kids on our road with REAL 4 wheelers & no helmets.The only time I have ever said anything was when they came on my land & I told them to leave as we all know we live in a sue your neighbor world these days.

As for the bikes & all I think that's for a parent to deside.Personally my kids wear them with no questions on everything as they have worn them from day one.

 

[tmt martins]

My daughter doesn't use a helmet when she uses her battery powered ride ons but for a bike she does...at least for now...there are no kids around here that wear helmets after about second grade so its like pulling teeth to get your kid to wear one when all the other kids are not and laughing at yours!

Every once in a whlie DD will bring this up (about the other kids not wearing one ) I have to remind her that I make the rules and if she wants we can go talk to their parents and see where they Vacation And go to the local 7-11 with them .

 

[Mskanga]

This is the first year that my oldest (13 ) is not wearing a helmet riding in the street , however when going out on main roads , she has to.
My youngest (9 ) wears a helmet always on her bike, scooter or skateboard , she always has and is not a problem.
They wear a helmet when they ski too , heck even I have my own helmets too !

 

[daisyduck123]

Haven't read all the posts but....anyway...

I don't even think kids that age should be riding battery-powered toys.

I would never allow them for my kids.

Kids should be running & getting exercisie...not sitting & riding...they do that enough in cars.