What would you do??

Question

My brother in law and his girlfriend have a 3 yr old little girl. They do not buckle their little girl in her carseat because she screams. I am deeply horrified by their immaturity, and I want to say something, but the problem is that they're family, and I don't want to create enemies with them.

I would like to email them this link http://youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ . What do you think?

I'm concerned that I'm overstepping my place as this child's aunt... But I want to send the link to them so BADLY in hopes that the video will make them think twice about ever again letting their child go in the car without being properly restrained in her seat! Should I mind my own buisness, or should I step in?

I pray that he'll get pulled over with the little girl unrestrained. I pray that he'll be severely (and I mean SEVERELY) penalized. I love the idea of calling the cops the next time that he departs from our house.

Bryson's Mommy: please watch the youtube video. The whole point is that the child should be in a five point harness way past 30 lbs.

Answer 1

I would defiantly step in... Send them the link... Tell them if they are hearing her cry while in her car seat then at least they know she is alive... If they don't buckle her in and get into an accident they may never hear her cry again. I would defiantly step in... Tell them feelings set aside she is a helpless child that cannot make the right decisions and choices and it is them as the adults who are supposed to be making these choices for her, to keep her safe

Answer 2

Definately send the link to them, and any other information you have that will show your family members how niave they are being. I wouldn't worry if it causes a rift, that little one should be all that matters. I would tell them to let her scream. this little girl knows all she has to do is scream and she gets her way. it is so dangerous that they would go anywhere without her being fastened properly. get some graphic images of car crashes and show them what they risk losing by not securing her correctly. This sounds a bit extreme, but if they see what could happen to her, maybe they will think twice about being so recklass.
if you call the police, they may call cps and im not sure that would help the situation any. defiantely talk to them though. dont worry about sugarcoating things or causing problems. if they refuse to take responsibility, then by all means...let someone be the adult. good luck, I hope they come around.

Answer 3

I think you should tell them because what if something was to happen because the lil girl isnt buckled right then you would feel so bad because you didnt say anything. And as a responsible parent i think they should know that it is wrong not to buckle they lil child in a carseat that is what they are made for. Tell them that the lil girl is going to have to learn how to seat buckled soon or later or she will never learn.

Answer 4

STEP IN!!!! Not only is it extremely dangerous, but it is out and out illegal. If they get mad at you, so be it. You would feel horrible if anything ever happened to your niece and you didn't say anything. And family or not, if they don't change their ways, call in an annonimous tip. If they never strap her in, then someone, say at the grocery store or mall is bound to notice. I've reported people before that I've seen in mall parking lots when it was obvious the child was not restrained (sitting on a plastic chair in the trunk area of an SUV - I was appalled!) You know it's the right thing to do, so don't hesitate - just say something!

Answer 5

It's the law!! Remind them of that and they can be pulled over if a cop sees a child not in a safety seat!

My brother-in-law got pulled over and the cop looked in at all of the children and asked their ages so he knew if they were properly secured.

My niece looks young for her age and at 8 the cop thought she was close to 6 and asked where her booster was. She assured him that she was 8!

Answer 6

You HAVE to step in! If not call CPS. It is that serious of an issue. I understand that you do not want to create enemies with your brother but your niece deserves responsible people to look out for her. I hope I am not to mean sounding about this but I do not takwe this lightley. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among children, and majority of those children are in BUCKLED carseat. My son screamed in the carseat also, alot of children do. They have to strap her in or tell them you are reporting them!!!

Answer 7

Honestly when they leave your house sneak off and call the police anonomously saying that there is a 3 year old heading south/north/east/west bound on ____ road tht isn't wearing a seatbelt.

The cops will pull them over and write them a ticket. That will teach them a lesson and keep their child safe while protecting yourself.

Answer 8

PLEASE send them this link. It will be a way for them to see how serious this is without you having to do all the talking. Don't be concerned about overstepping your place. If you don't say anything and she would happen to die then you would feel guilty for the rest of your life although it wasn't your fault. Fight for your niece's life!!! If you don't, nobody will!

Answer 9

It seems like you care more about the safety of their child than they do. Have you mentioned it to them before? Send them the web site because you could be saving her life. I live in TX. and here we have a law that you have to wear a seatbelt at all times.

Answer 10

I think its a wonder full idea of you to send the video clip of little Kyle. It is definitely an eye opener. You don't even have to say no more to them except maybe to check if they got your e-mail. But surely "Go for it"! Because if you don't you might regret it.