General Chat

My grandchildren have saved my pocket money and are to draw it out to buy new bikes for the summer holidays. The eldest one fell off her push scooter yesterday and broke at least one finger, etc. I have often thought of buying them a bike, but am haunted by the thought of a serious accident on something I had purchased directly. Not to happy with them having a cycle at all these days, but......... Happy days

Harry Children have accidents. I'd blame myself for leaving a knife or a boiling kettle within reach of a toddler, but as they grow up you have to teach them about dangers. My two know they should wear helmets when they ride their bike, how to cross a road safely, what to do if they are lost etc. But of course I still worry about them. My mum worries about me and I'm 49!!!! nell

Oh, and whereas they might hurt themselves falling off a bike you bought them, they would have many more hours of pleasure riding it, I'm sure. nell

yeah i probably would blame myself, but at the ned of the day you can say that in any situation! 'touch wood'. Kids need to have fun, and as long as they are taught about roads and how to look afterv themselves on a bike then thats ok! everyone falls off at some point (i broke my arm by fallin off) but thats what bein a kiddy is about! xxx

All kids want a bike, and they have hours having a great time on it, but now and then accidents happen, it's the accidents you always remember with fondness as you get older. I remember falling off my bike when I was 6 years old, and I didn't blame my dad because he bought it for me. 44 years later, I'm still falling off lol.

Oh Harry please don't spoil your granchildrens fun by blaming yourself for something that may happen no matter who actually pays for the bikes. You say they have been saving for the bikes, so presumably they have chosen what they wish to spend the money on. You may have provided the cash but they have made a decision which is all part of growing up, as are the knocks they will get through life. I think you should read the thread put on by Lindy Fleetwood, titled How Did WE Survive. Remember your own childhood. I wouldn't blame myself in that situation. Vivienne

harry if they dont already have one buy them a helmit too. that way you'v done every thing you can to protect them, maryclare

Give them a bonus Grampa - any child that is able to save enough to buy a bicycle themselves is to be admired. With the bonus '' for saving all that'' they can buy the helmets and the hi -viz jackets, the lights and the bells. You should be very proud of them. jess

Would you blame yourself if they suffered health problems caused by obesity because they never got any excercise?

Girls, Many thanks for your input and interest. They have withdrawn the cash and I await results. Pity that, what was a simple safe pleasure for me, turns into a danger and a worry. Still, my mother probably warned me to watch out for the horse and carts. happy days

Remember, they'll be outside getting fresh air and exercise and having fun. So much better for them that sitting in front of a playstation all day! Jan

Please don't fret - just make sure the children get properly fitted helmets and wear sensible shoes when cycling - no flip flops or such. Maybe suggest a penalty of the bike being locked away for so many days, if they are seen riding without the helmets (oh, and get them all a lock and chain and show them how to lock the bikes together if possible to avoid them being stolen). Teach them not to carry dangerous items on the handlebars such as shopping or holdalls that unbalance them or any items that can be caught in the wheel. My son's friend took his golf club on his bike recently, it caught in the wheel and the lad broke both wrists - couldn't work for ages, or do much else either!! Wrecked his bike too. Find out if the police do any cycling proficiency classes and let the children practise in a park with cycle paths and teach them about cycle paths, show them how to signal and manoevre (spelling?) Finally make sure bikes are covered by household insurance or extra cover, show them how to look after and repair the bikes and wish them well.

My thanks for the last two replies. lovely to have a thread full of positive and helpful thoughts. Happy days