Head Lines

Dear Alisa and Gina ~ Last week I saw two kids (about 10 years old) riding up my street on their bikes. It was a beautiful spring morning and they were tearing up the street laughing. About 20 to 30 yards behind was their mother, walking a little dog and deeply engrossed on a phone call. I’m not sure she was watching them at all. What was most surprising about this scene was the fact that neither child had a helmet on. In our state that’s actually grounds for a ticket. I was so shocked I was speechless. Should I have said something to the mother? ~ Bracing for Disaster

When I was brand-new mother, I was walking my 3-month-old baby in the park on a windy, cool day. A woman about 30 feet away saw me and yelled loudly, “Hey, put a hat on that baby.” I was embarrassed, but you know what? She was right. (Although I wish her delivery had been a little gentler.) And you know - I never forgot to bring along a hat for that little head again. So, yes, you should have said something. Reminding a parent to be careful is a kind gesture towards the children, even if the parent feels reprimanded or embarrassed. But hopefully you would have raised her consciousness. ~ Gina

I agree with Gina, this is one of those instances when it’s important to speak up. It’s ok to express your concern and to make sure your neighbor realizes what the law is as well. ~ Alisa