Bike helmets

Do you always make your child wear a helmet? My ds is 6 and I figured he would just always wear one, but I noticed a lot of kids don't, especially as they get older. Do their parents know? I did not wear a helmet when I was young, but I thought it would be different now.

I am curious what everyone thinks of this.

Re: Bike helmets

I make dd wear one if she is riding any where but the back yard. I hope to stick with it for a very long time. My sil was hit by a car when she was 12 I believe and thank god she was ok. No helmet on. It scares me.

Re: Bike helmets

When they were little, yes. All of the time. Now, ummmm....no. DS is 11 and at this point none of the kids wear them. I don't remember how or why this happened, but it did. Of all of his friends I think only one does wear one regularly.

I wish I had something sage and witty to add to do this, to defend my inaction. Maybe it's because I have 4 kids and I've learned to just pick my battles, maybe because I work 6 days a week and I'm just too tired to nag him (my older 2 don't really ride bikes anymore and they DEF would not wear helmets), maybe because we didn't wear helmets growing up. I don't know.

ETS: spelling

Message edited 7/5/2010 8:13:46 PM.

Re: Bike helmets

DS will always wear a helmet as long as I am aware of what he is doing. I always wear my helmet on my bike, and DS does too.

A lot of kids don't wear helmets, but quite a few do. I'm hoping DS is one of the ones that do wear it. Obviously, I can't force him if I'm not around, but I hope to instill in him the importance of a helmet.

Re: Bike helmets

Always! And if I am riding, I am wearing one. What good is it to my child if they survive head trauma but I am killed or a vegetable bc I didn't wear one? And what kind of example am I setting - do as I say not as I do? It's a pet peeve of mine when I see people biking with their kids. My kids are still small so I am more or less in control of them wearing one still but when they are older, if they wear it down the street and then remove it, they better hope I don't find out. I will hope that they will understand the importance of it even if they have friends who think it is uncooll or messes up their hair or whatever the reasons are when people are not wearing one.

Re: Bike helmets

Bikes, stateboards, skies the helmet goes on or he dosent - same thing for me & DH.

Re: Bike helmets

ALWAYS.

Also just something to think about while you're riding. My sister's friend hit a rock & took a spill while riding around Northport with his 5 year old. He suffered from a traumatic brain injury & has PERMANENT damage. While I'm sure it's a fluke, it's not something I would ever want my child to witness - so we wear one too (for the most part...DH )

Re: Bike helmets

Both of my boys ALWAYS wear helmets at 9 & 6. My husband also wears a helmet at 38 - so they have the right model.

ETA: We have extra helmets for kids who come over and want to play on the scooters, bikes, skateboard, pogo sticks and other toys. They aren't allowed to play on any of those items unless they wear one. Better safe than sorry.

Message edited 7/6/2010 7:06:33 AM.

Re: Bike helmets

MY DS who is 10 always wears his helmet, even if the other kids don't. When I bike ride I wear a helmet as well, cannot expect my son to wear one if his mother doesn't...Safety First why risk a head injury..

Re: Bike helmets

New York State Law requires riders and passengers under the age of 14 to wear approved safety helmets.

Link to the NYS law

of course if a summons is issued it can (and probably would be) waived if the parent shows proof that a helmet was bought.

My DD always wears a helmet when on her bike, scooter or roller blades. Whether it's the law or not she is safer that way !!

Re: Bike helmets

In my house no helmet, no bike/ scooter -- end of story.

Re: Bike helmets

Phew. Thank you. I am glad to hear so many other mom's are like me. I am still wondering why so many teenagers are riding without helmets.

Hopefully my children will continue to be safe.

Re: Bike helmets

In my house, they know not to leave the garage without a helmet on if they think they are getting on a bike or scooter. Its simply not an option or choice open for discussion. My kids are only 3 and 5 and don't go very far beyond the driveway, but just like so many things with parenting, instill the rules when they are little, so it carries with them through their lives.

Re: Bike helmets

Yes! My dd(almost 9) always wears a helmet while riding her bike,scooter or riprider. We're on a private street.. but cars, no cars, it's so important!