I'm convinced Heelys are proof of a decline in civilization.

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I don't get the parents that allow this - these are basically roller skates and should be used that way. If you are in a place where you wouldn't use roller skates - the wheels should be taken out.....I know there are exceptions where the kids know better and can be trusted, but far too often it isn't the case.

DD has asked for them - I have said no - for the same reason I won't buy her roller skates...she won't use roller skates enough...so no reason for sneakers with skates in them. I really don't see the point to them - just asking for trouble IMHO!

The bottom line is bad parenting though.

 

[Demosthenes]

While everything has its place (and church is no place for skates), for the most part, I don't see a problem with these things. DS is only 2, so he doesn't wear them now, but I'd buy them for him. Most kids I see with them are perfectly fine. In fact, they tend to be less cranky than other kids after a long day of park hopping or mall walking. They don't run into more people than any other kids who don't pay attention (which is a ton of kids). The only difference is, when they run into an adult, they tend to do it rolling. Whoopee.

I don't condone inconsiderate parenting, but these things are just not that bad. Somebody could probably make a good argument that they can be unsafe, but I don't believe that Heely kids are any more inconsiderate than other kids. Likewise, their parents are no more permissive than other parents.

I do think that parents should be more proactive in preventing clumsy kids from rolling into others. I definitely think that parents, as a whole, could do more to teach their kids to be polite and considerate of those around them. I just don't believe these Heelys are all that bad.

Now where's that flame retardant suit...

 

[Robinrs]

Hopefully the fad ends before my son gets wind of them. I will not be buying these for him.

LOL! I was thinking the same thing!

I didn't even know what they were until last week at Universal when I saw so many children rolling! I just thought the skate shoe came back!

No matter if my son wants them or not, I don't think they come in a man's size 14!!

 

[Fitswimmer]

They're like anything else-on their own and used appropriately there's nothing wrong with them. It's just that people's definition of appropriate seems to be a bit off. Sorry, but Church is NOT an appropriate place for skating, and frankly I don't think any crowded public area is. Disney, Walmart, the grocery store, none of those places are appropriate skating areas.
If a child has a tough time walking through the grocery store or the Walmart, then they clearly need more exercise or a visit to the MD! Disney is a lot of walking, but if my 78 year old father can do it, so can a 12 year old.

 

[MushyMushy]

While everything has its place (and church is no place for skates), for the most part, I don't see a problem with these things. DS is only 2, so he doesn't wear them now, but I'd buy them for him. Most kids I see with them are perfectly fine. In fact, they tend to be less cranky than other kids after a long day of park hopping or mall walking. They don't run into more people than any other kids who don't pay attention (which is a ton of kids). The only difference is, when they run into an adult, they tend to do it rolling. Whoopee.

I don't condone inconsiderate parenting, but these things are just not that bad. Somebody could probably make a good argument that they can be unsafe, but I don't believe that Heely kids are any more inconsiderate than other kids. Likewise, their parents are no more permissive than other parents.

I do think that parents should be more proactive in preventing clumsy kids from rolling into others. I definitely think that parents, as a whole, could do more to teach their kids to be polite and considerate of those around them. I just don't believe these Heelys are all that bad.

Now where's that flame retardant suit...

So then I take it you wouldn't have a problem if my son wanted to take his skateboard to the same places where you think heelys would be okay? Or roller blades?

 

[CheshireVal]

I don't condone inconsiderate parenting, but these things are just not that bad. Somebody could probably make a good argument that they can be unsafe, but I don't believe that Heely kids are any more inconsiderate than other kids. Likewise, their parents are no more permissive than other parents.

The problem is that you can say the same thing for roller skates or skateboards. They aren't inherently any more dangerous than clumsy kids who don't watch where they're going.... but rollerskates and skateboards are still inappropriate in most public places.

 

[MushyMushy]

The problem is that you can say the same thing for roller skates or skateboards. They aren't inherently any more dangerous than clumsy kids who don't watch where they're going.... but rollerskates and skateboards are still inappropriate in most public places.

GMTA!

 

[wendy46001]

While i'm not a fan of Heelys

Why are these kids wearing sneakers to Church?

What happen to getting a little dressed up for service....
I think my grandmother would have killed me if i walked into church with out dress shoes on....Not to mention skates

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

My son got a pair of Heeleys for Christmas. The wheels haven't been put in them yet and DS seems to have forgotten this fact. Im sure he'll remember in the spring when we're outside more. I do feel parents need to supervise their children and make rules about when the wheels can be used.

 

[Charade]

While everything has its place (and church is no place for skates), for the most part, I don't see a problem with these things. DS is only 2, so he doesn't wear them now, but I'd buy them for him. Most kids I see with them are perfectly fine. In fact, they tend to be less cranky than other kids after a long day of park hopping or mall walking. They don't run into more people than any other kids who don't pay attention (which is a ton of kids). The only difference is, when they run into an adult, they tend to do it rolling. Whoopee.

I don't condone inconsiderate parenting, but these things are just not that bad. Somebody could probably make a good argument that they can be unsafe, but I don't believe that Heely kids are any more inconsiderate than other kids. Likewise, their parents are no more permissive than other parents.

I do think that parents should be more proactive in preventing clumsy kids from rolling into others. I definitely think that parents, as a whole, could do more to teach their kids to be polite and considerate of those around them. I just don't believe these Heelys are all that bad.

Now where's that flame retardant suit...

It really does come down to a safety issue. I don't see riding the heelys as any different than letting kids run around. There's a place for those each of those activities when in public. Running around and using heelys is not safe (for everyone) in places where people don't expect kids running around. Like the mall, school hallways, the grocery store, restaurants and parking lots where people are generally walking around. Is it going to take a incident where an old lady is knocked down and getting hurt by a kid using heelys to make the point? Sadly, it will or already has.

Parents shouldn't allow their kids to do either where it's unsafe. I agree that it's a parents responsibility to teach their kids respect and consideration. It starts with the parents. It's my opinion that's this is happening less and less.

 

[Pigeon]

Why do the parents do this? Our church has a wonderful nursery and childrens church program - someplace that the kids will actually enjoy themselves and maybe even learn something. I don't have a problem with parents that bring their kids into the sanctuary, but have some consideration, make your child behave and if they can't, get them out of there.

I'm not one to make my kids sit through an adult service. I don't think they get anything out of it, and I have bad memories of it as a child. However, I can understand people who do. After all, this does ring a bell:
"...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

As for the Heelys, I'm with Demosthenes. I think it's hilarious to see how many people get their knickers in a twist about this.

 

[Missy1961]

They're like anything else-on their own and used appropriately there's nothing wrong with them. It's just that people's definition of appropriate seems to be a bit off. Sorry, but Church is NOT an appropriate place for skating, and frankly I don't think any crowded public area is. Disney, Walmart, the grocery store, none of those places are appropriate skating areas.
If a child has a tough time walking through the grocery store or the Walmart, then they clearly need more exercise or a visit to the MD! Disney is a lot of walking, but if my 78 year old father can do it, so can a 12 year old.

Exactly. I think they look like fun, but there is a time & place for them. Church, the mall, Disney World, the supermarket....not the place. A park...a good place for them. I've said this before...I want a pair, but they don't come in my size. But if I had them, or if I had children who had them, they would not be worn in the mall, Disney World, and church.

 

[Nancy]

The problem is that you can say the same thing for roller skates or skateboards. They aren't inherently any more dangerous than clumsy kids who don't watch where they're going.... but rollerskates and skateboards are still inappropriate in most public places.

Exactly! And if you wouldn't use those in a store or at an amusement park, church, school etc then why is it OK for kids to use the heelys in those places, it's called respecting others property.

 

[KristiKelly]

My kids just got Heely's last week. They love them. They are allowed to wear the shoes to school but w/o the wheels. They can bring the wheels and use them during recess only.

I do not allow my kids to be obnoxious with them but have let them wear them to the grocery store. I am well aware of what they are doing and make them walk, not skate, when near people. DD7 just likes hanging on to the grocery cart while I push her down the aisle.

I have told them both that I will take them away if they run into people with them.

I would never allow them to wear them to church, but they also know not to even ask that.

Just like with anything else, it comes down to parenting.

As far as wearing them at WDW, I don't think I would want my kids to wear them nor would they want to. They are heavy. I don't think being bumped into with Heely's @ WDW is any worse than the rude man that drove over DS foot with his ECV. Knocked DS down and never even apologized - no DS was not on Heely's.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I don't think being bumped into with Heely's @ WDW is any worse than the rude man that drove over DS foot with his ETV. Knocked DS down and never even apologized - no DS was not on Heely's.

What the heck is an ETV?

 

[Fitswimmer]

I'm not one to make my kids sit through an adult service. I don't think they get anything out of it, and I have bad memories of it as a child. However, I can understand people who do. After all, this does ring a bell:
"...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

As for the Heelys, I'm with Demosthenes. I think it's hilarious to see how many people get their knickers in a twist about this. And no, my kids don't own them.

I'm in awe of the parents at my church!! We don't have a special Children's Mass or a nursery program. We do have a closed circuit TV downstairs so if the little ones get fussy, the parents take them down there. The funny thing is, I have never seen a child in our church really misbehave. If the child starts crying and can't be easily settled, then the parents take them downstairs but most of the time the kids just sit quietly. Most of our parents bring picture books for them. The interesting thing is how well these kids know the songs, the prayers and the responses. The cutest thing in the world is hearing a 4 year old say the Our Father or singing the hymns!

 

[perdidobay]

Ok, that's more than a bit hyperbolic, I admit. But after seeing a kid wheeling around the hallways today AT CHURCH, I've had enough.

Truly, it's not the Heelys per se that are the problem--they're a symptom. The decline in civilization is the marked LACK OF ACTIVE PARENTING that makes it possible for what should be a fun product to become one of the most loathed items I've encountered in a while. And believe me, I. Loathe. Them.

I'm just amazed that parents are either unwilling or unable to tell their little Snookums that there are places where "skating" is simply inappropriate and not allowed, making it necessary for schools and business (and now churches?) to do the job of the parent and have to "ban" them.

Yep, Armageddon is nigh.

I agree totally.... today most parents want to be friends with their kids, instead of parents.Try working retail and you'll find out fast how prevalent it is.
Not everybody loves your little snookums, parents, how about teaching them that the world does not revolve around them, and they will need the skills to get along with others when they grow up!

 

[Charade]

As for the Heelys, I'm with Demosthenes. I think it's hilarious to see how many people get their knickers in a twist about this.

Me thinks you'd feel differently if you were knocked down by a kid wearing them.

 

[KristiKelly]

What the heck is an ETV?

Oops, ECV (Electric Convenience Vehicle) AKA motorized wheelchair.

DD1 is watching the Doodlebops and I can't think staight when they're on. I would take 12 kids on Heely's in my kitchen over the Doodlebops anyday - but that's another thread

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

thing is: even though he was rude and that is inexcusable - his ECV was probably necessary and appropriate - the Heely's (with their wheels in and being used as skates) are not.......