My inlaws work on a ranch, they take my 2 year old (25 mos) on a 4 wheeler w/out a helmet down canal banks and across rocky fields with cows and horses in them. Do you think this is safe? Am I being overly worried, or should I tell them to stop doing this? I appreciate that they babysit, but I'm worried about the safety of my child.
Also, they live about a mile above the ranch and take her from the ranch back to the house in a car without using a car seat. These are public roads. I just found out that they do this frequently. What are your thoughts on this?
2006-10-06 05:15:35 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I do NOT think that is safe! I would be angry because not only are they using bad judgment, they are sending your daughter the message that she really doesn't need her helmet or a car seat. When she is older she will give you trouble when you want her to use those things.
2006-10-06 05:19:56 · answer #1 · answered by **KELLEY** 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the no car seat thing for a short distance is all that bad. Do they have a car seat and just don't use it? Cuz if they don't have one make sure you get them one. Also I don't think the four wheeling thing is bad as long as they don't go too fast with her on it. but you should buy her a helmet and next time you drop her off there give it to your parents and just say this is for when you take her on the quad. Make it sound like a good thing not a demand. And maybe mention that you think it would be safer if she wore it while she was out there. I don't think they are going to mind that you are looking out for the safety of your daughter. I know I have left my daughter without a car seat once or twice when I had no choice. I know most likely nothing will happen, but you can never be too careful. If you are worried about it then you need to tell them. If they were in an accident and she was hurt you'd be kicking yourself for not talking to them just to avoid the confrentation. You don't have to be mean about it. I'm sure that if you voice your fears that they should be understanding. Remember they come from a generation of no seat belts or car seats. They may not even consider that it could be an issue. Just approach it in a calm way and they should be understanding. Goodluck!
Oh and just on a side note if they are really careful with the baby on the four wheeler, not going fast or doing anything reckless it should be fine. We rode on them as kids as long as all you do is stay on flat surfaces and don't go too fast. But.. my dad almost killed himself a few months ago on his, and he wasn't doing anything too bad he just tried to go between a truck and a trailer and the wheel caught on something and flung him into the trailer hitch. As I said he always died. I have seen numerous people life flighted from go cart accident and quad accidents. I don't want to scare you cuz most of the time these people were doing something stupid. And your nlaws being on a farm probably know what they are doing and won't do anything stupid with the baby on. But you should for sure voice your concerns.
2006-10-06 05:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
4-wheelers are unsafe period it does not matter is you are 2 or 20 or 200. A 2 year should not ride on one. I would tell them you do not want this happening also that they must use a car seat in the car even for a mile ( offer to leave one during the visits)
If they can not do this for his saftey you must not let him stay there.
I had a similar problem with my folks and them smoking inside when my daugher was there. We told them if this continues she will not be coming over and sorry to say our visits were very short at my parents home and never without me
2006-10-06 05:24:03 · answer #3 · answered by ellc123 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is terribly unsafe! If your inlaws hit a bump and accidently fell off, she could be paralized if she hit the ground in just the right way. The riding back and forth between the house and the ranch is fine without a carseat as long as she's buckled or on someone's lap. A mile isn't that far and most likely there isn't anyone else on the road who could wreck them and they most likely aren't going fast either.
2006-10-06 05:18:39 · answer #4 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My daughter wouldn't be riding in the car with them. And if you are concerned about her safety on the 4 wheeler, tell them you'd prefer them not to have her on it. Or buy her a helmet and ask that they use it. You have every right to feel that your child is safe, do what you want and feel is right and comfortable. And don't worry about what they will think, there will always be people who think you are being too overprotective. Just do what you feel is right for your child. I am with you 100 percent.
2006-10-06 09:21:38 · answer #5 · answered by angelbaby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Research what the exact laws are in your state regarding children on 4wheelers, helmets, carseats. Present this info to your inlaws & let them know you don't want them to be fined for anything because they didn't know about the laws. This would be an easy way to show your concern for them & your daughter at the same time. These laws were put in place to protect our children not harm them & they should be adhered to.
2006-10-06 05:21:30 · answer #6 · answered by curiousgeorge 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine has a boy that almost died at 2 1/2 because his babysitter let him ride in a go kart without a helmet and the go kart flipped on his head. He will forever be scarred and and half of his head won't grow hair. I say that you tell them that if they can't respect your wishes, they won't babysit for you anymore.
2006-10-06 05:33:37 · answer #7 · answered by Another Nickname 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honey, country life is a different world.
I guess I am more used to the 4 wheel riding. My kids use a motorcyle helment when they are on their grandpa's or uncle's 4 wheeler.
As far as carseats go, buy one for them to use for your child. Be sure you tell your inlaws that you want them to obey the law. As far as saftey goes---I would be more worried about the 13 year old driver in the other car or the drunk teenager speeding down country roads.
2006-10-06 05:24:39 · answer #8 · answered by lofolulu 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
NO this is not safe! I would bring it up and if they seem to think it's not a problem and make you seem like the bad one, find another place for your child to go during the day!
Talk to them like an adult, don't let them make you feel like the bad guy! This is YOUR child! Make sure you don't make them sound like bad grandparents, just let them know you would feel better if legal safety precautions were taken!
YOu need to try and be constructive!
Good Luck!
2006-10-06 05:21:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its very unsafe...especially without a helmet on, and protective gear...as for driving on the road without a car seat..what are they thinking?? You are going to have to have a talk with them regarding your childs safety...they are really jepordizing their safety.
2006-10-06 05:32:12 · answer #10 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋