Neighbors take 2-year on riding lawn mower with them, should it be reported?

Question

My next-door neighbors take their 2-year old son on the riding mower with them every time they mow the lawn. I see this as very dangerous, as they hold him with one arm and steer and control speed with the other. When they do it I cringe. Should I video tape or photograph and send it to child services? Or do I just mind my own business???

Answer 1

Other than worrying about long-term damage to they kids hearing, I don't think there is anything to worry about.

The blades should have guards on them and even if the kids falls off, chances are they won't get cut by the blade (still possible but not too likely).

I wouldn't go as far as to tell you to mind your own business, but I just don't think this is something to worry too much over.

It is always good to watch out for the well-being of the neighborhood kids. It is a fine line between concern and being the pain in the a** of the neighborhood. However, if something really concerns you, call it in.

Answer 2

ignore it. They are the parents. I think it is safer to have the 2 year old on the mower than playing on the lawn while they mow (flying objects). You can send it to child services, but if child services sees a problem, they will call the parent, and tell them they are coming for a visit, and schedule a time. This happened to my parents neighbor, only the children were truly neglected, (food, clothing, baths, etc.) and the day the worker called, she'd bath her kids, dress them, and feed them breakfast, so nothing was ever done. There are kids out thre who don't get food, I wouldn't worry about a child who rides a lawn mower WITH their parent.

Just FYI - I'm not calling you bad for being concerned. There are things some people do with their children that I'd never agree to, but aren't putting the child in immediate danger.

Answer 3

I dont see a problem with it! My daughter rides the lawn mower,tractor, and four wheeler!! I see no problem with any of it as long as your being safe and not driving crazy! Theres no need to report it! How would you if someone reported you for something you feel is safe?? At least their not leaving the child unattended inside while they mow the lawn.. You should be a nice neighbor and offer to sit the child while they mow!!

Answer 4

I don't think there are any laws saying you can't take a child on a riding mower. I do see your concern with it. It is dangerous. My step-mom would take my little sister on the mower with her when Lacy was around 1 yr. She would strap a belt around them real tight to make a seat belt. I wouldn't go so far as calling CPS or anything though. I would just make a point in not looking out the window when they cut the grass.

Answer 5

I know how you feel. I always look out my windows. I want to know what kind of neighbors I have and if they are safe to be around. I also make sure that we do not have any strangers coming around and snooping. One day I looked out of my window and saw one of my neibors husband's laying on the grass , turned away from their swimming pool. In the swimming pool was their baby ( who was about 10 months old ) in a floating device all by herself. The pool was about 2 and 1/2 ft deep. Their other child , who was about 3 years was sitting nearby with her friend and she was watching the baby. I was so upset !!!! Another time, the husband was watching the children and he allowed the 3 year old to run across the alley back and forth. People drive extremely fast on this road. I went to his wife and told her what was going on. She was happy that I told her about this. Since I have moved , I told another wife about her husband chasing their dog across the road and their little boy ( 2 1/2 years ) running after his father. I do not care if these people get upset with me or not. I am helping them to protect their children. No one has gotten mad at me so far. Is it the father who is doing this and the mother isn't home ? Just remember that children that child services will probably come and take the child from them. Foster parents do horrible things to their children. Not all of them of course. But , their son is probably tons better off with them. It could be alot worse. They could be beating him or something. I would never allow my 3 year old daughter to be on a lawn mower with anyone. Of course , I didn't like it when her great grand father took her on a slow ride on his golf cart. I am very protective of my daughter. I think its stupid when people put their children into these situations. It doesn't make any sense to me at all. When someone is using any type of mower , children belong inside the house. A lot of parents are idiots, and should probably not have children.

Answer 6

My girlfriends father has taken her son on the riding lawn mower for years. Is it dangerous? Probably, but what isnt? Its not like they are doing 50mph. It sounds like you are bored and have nothing else to do but worry about what the neighbors are doing. Get a hobby.

Answer 7

Mind your own business. Good grief. I cant imagine the 2 year old is very squirmy, he must sit still well for the mowing. I swear, its amazing what people consider "dangerous" these days. When I was little there were no car seats, no on had to wear seat belts and we rode around in the back of pick up trucks. No one I knew died from any of it. I know it happens but it was a small percentage of the people who did it.

Goddess Bless common sense.

Answer 8

Do they leave him alone on the mower by himself or are they with him at all times? If he's being left on the mower to drive by himself, then I would say something to the parents first before reporting it to child services. If one or both of his parents are there at all times, find something else to do when they are mowing their property.

Answer 9

It is okay, there is a little bit of danger in everything we do. I don't see anything to report. Children love to ride on lawn mowers with their parents.

Answer 10

Don't you dare call CS on them. Would you want someone putting you through that kind of trauma? If you're really nervous about it... you could mention it to the neighbors (if you feel close enough to them). Otherwise, you should keep yourself out of this. They are the parents... and who knows! You may do something with your child that you feel is safe... but others may deem as risky. That's why it's called parenting your child! You are the parent of your own child. You don't have the right to judge someone else's parenting style (unless you clearly see abuse).