Concerned for safety of child down the street. DCFS? Help?

[jodifla]

I completly agree about the bike helments. We rode all the time with out them. ( I even fliped over my handel bars, landing on my head so it would of been a good idea.

I don't think the OP concern was based only on lack of helmet. (more lack of cothes and supervison.) Much of the concern is based on questionable judgment if it is neglect, especailly if it was a one time thing. (but it wasn't.) However things were starting to add up as strange and not feeling right. That is why she was seeking advice.

Actually, maybe it's the wild neighborhood I live in, where we actually talk to each other, but I don't recall seeing very many kids with bike helmets around here. And lots of kids are out playing without their parents, starting at about about kindergarten age.

 

[buckler]

...do any states mandate a child wear a helmet when riding bike? Yes, I know it's a really good idea, but a prosecuting event?
-R

There are 20 states and the District of Columbia that have statewide rules requiring children under the age of anywhere from 12-18 wear a helmet while on a bicycle. In addition, in states where there isn't a statewide law there can be county, city or local laws.

Helmet Laws for Bicycle Riders

 

[tommygirl79]

Actually, maybe it's the wild neighborhood I live in, where we actually talk to each other, but I don't recall seeing very many kids with bike helmets around here. And lots of kids are out playing without their parents, starting at about about kindergarten age.

Our neighborhood for the most part talks to each other as well - we live in the breadbasket of rural midwestern America which I am SOOOO thankful for. Our neighborhood kids are also out starting around kindergarten by themselves and I'm basically cool with that too around that age. So I agree with you.

My issue was with a BARELY three yr old being out. No matter how we all feel about how to deal with the issue, no one can convince me that is safe or on some level isn't some sort of neglect on the part of the parent/caregiver in any situation. Just ask Nanny Joe on Super Nanny j/k

 

[nicolemomof4cuties]

Hey Guys! Just thought I'd put in my .02. I ama amother of 4 DC ags 6.5,4.5,3.5 and 1.5. I have let my older two children play out front on the sidewalk for about 6 months now by themselves. Just recently I started letting the 3.5 yr old also. They do have restrictions though. They can only ride on the sidewalk from my driveway down three driveways to the left. We do live in a very quiet subdivision however and they are the only children in our subdivision (we didn't know it when we bought our house but 9/10 of the people on our street are old enough to be my parent or even grandparent -- we love them and they just SPOIL our children LOL). My children are also only allowed to do this after 4:30 when all of the buses stop driving. They are allowed to be out until 6 at the latest. If I catch anyone not following the rules then NOONE will ride bikes for a week. As of yet we have not had a rulebreaker!!! They know ol' Mom follows through on punishments!! And even with risk of being flamed my DC do not wear hemets. When they start doing Family rides on the street with us they will but not for now. We did try it with my 6 yr old but at 3.5 yrs old he had to wear an adult helmet b/c his head is sooo large and he wasn't comfortable. All of my DC have HUGE noggins except one so I know that they will all have problems with that. The OP situation doesn't sound safe however.

 

[Earstou]

My kids wear helmets and I am so grateful I make them do this after watching DD go flying over her handlebars, hitting head first on the cement. She hit so hard her helmet flew off and she was pretty shaken up. BUT, no ER visit AND I still have my DD

 

[momof2inPA]

Letting a 2 or 3 year old play on a sidewalk next to a road without adult supervision is a terrible idea, and certainly neglect in my book. The OP did the right thing and should report these incidents to DCFS. No way would I confront or talk to the parent before doing so. She should try to remain anonymous, or there could be trouble for her own family.

 

[kidshop]

It is the law in my state that all kids under 16 wear a helmet when riding a bike. I fully endorse this. I have a question, why can't kids play in the back yard? If *I* was going to leave my kids unsupervised (which I wouldn't), I would at least put them in the back yard with maybe a fence and where no one can see...

No 3 year old has enough sense to play alone in the front yard, let alone unclothed. I would have called the police, too.