As a general rule, I try not to judge how other mothers choose to raise their children. We’re all byproducts of our environment taking some decision making out of our hands, placing blame on our parents. To the mother who strolls by as junior takes a hit of Coke, I don’t think, “Hello, years of metal teeth.” I just crave a Coke. To moms who try to quiet their demon spawn with a sucker as they tantrum in Target, I think, “Whatever works.” To the parent that spanks a bottom, I think, “Good form in the shoulder area.”
Even when we get into the serious stuff: The mom who backs over her child as she pulls out of the driveway, or runs to get a towel and the kid goes underwater, I don’t condemn her. My heart breaks for her because how many of us are on guard 24/7? I’ve made mistakes that could have led to some serious consequences, but for whatever reason, fate gave me a second chance.
Here’s where my compassion, empathy, and kindness end http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14845286
I do not have compassion for this mother, nor do I carry a single shred of empathy. If you are a parent who does not put your kid in a car seat, be prepared for me to not like you. I know, a sad thing for all, but I assure you, I won’t be the only parent that feels this way.
There are few things in this world that can safeguard life; a car seat and guidelines that go with it are one of those things. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed their view, saying children up to age 2 should be in rear-facing car seats. Research shows parents who follow this rule will have a toddler that is 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a car crash. How could you even hesitate if you value your child’s life?
I know it can be a hassle, especially when your 2-year-old has the go-limp-and-arch-your-back routine down, or has the ability to do that obnoxious injured-animal cry for 10 minutes; small price to pay to not be haunted by the scene of your baby getting scraped off the road when she smashes through the windshield. Awful thought, huh? Just think of the UHP officers who see it firsthand because of a parent’s stupid decision.
Just remember, we don’t control the deer that run in the road, the moron driver who decided texting about so-and-so is more important than paying attention to the road, or the blown tire — we do control if we take the three minutes to buckle in our kids. Put your kid in the damn car seat!
