Monday 11 August 2008

Protect the children!

Papa & Mama will have the grand children this weekend - actually for about 4 days. Do we have the responsibility to protect those children? You say 'that's a dumb question!" Pray for us that we do that and that we make good decisions. Let me explain; weather permitting Papa & Mama will take them out on Precious I (papa's pontoon) and let them jump off into the water from the pontoon. They love it! Blake is 9 and can swim - some. Sydney is still learning, she is 7. Sydney WILL wear a life jacket. Blake will not want to wear a life jacket, his parents instructed us that he will wear the jacket. If Papa feels Blake can swim good enough not to wear a jacket then he doesn't have to - right?? After all Papa is in charge now. I DON'T THINK SO! Papa has the responsibility to protect the children and take the more conservative route. We need to be cautious with the children. Blake WILL be wearing the life jacket.

What brings this up? Papa got a call from church for the "prayer chain" last Friday. a child fell off a 'four wheeler' and after falling, the child, was ran over by the four wheeler, was put in ICU, had several broken bones - but will recover okay - praise God! The child was 2 years old! That child, regardless, of age has the right to expect to be secure and protected at all times! Papa cringes when he see's children on four wheelers or riding mowers. Whether you are parents, grand parents or a baby sitter - you MUST protect the children. We need no more horror stories! If I am watching your children you need to feel confident that I am doing the best that I can to keep them safe!

20 comments:

Unknown said...

yes! you are totally right Papa! they depend on us. we need to protect them. and i know you and mama will.

its sad to know how many children "go it alone" each and every day. no supervision, no guidance. that was me as a child. its amazing i survived.

Robin said...

Yes, I agree protect the children even if they don't want to be protected. My kids get annoyed with me because I make them wear tennis shoes and helmets when riding their bikes and scooters. I tell them that the reason I won't let them ride in flip flops, sandles or barefoot is because I love them and its my responsibility to make sure they are safe. I can't make the neighbor children do what is right, but I can make mine. I'm so afraid that a child is going to be injured or killed on our street because so many kids ride their scooters and skateboards down the middle of the street and too many cars exceed the speed limit around the curve. Even though I can't make the other kids wear helmits or proper shoes I can yell look out when a car is coming...

Praying that you have a wonderful, safe time with your grandchildren and that they eagerly submit to your authority :)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - I was broken today reading your latest post - you are a courageous woman of God - He really loves you and has forgiven you completely. You are now an instrument of his. You have two wonderful children to protect - do it! Your hub is right there with you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - the children don't make the choice - we do! I ride bike - a lot, a couple thousand miles a year - always with a helmet. Your kids depend on your wise decisions.

Darla said...

yes he wears that life jacket.. I knew you would make him..hahaha

we are responsible for the children, that poor little two year old...I feel badly for him/her...love your heart!

Robin said...

Unfortunately some parents choose not to make the decision leaving the choices up to their children. I realize that not making a decision is making a decision not to make a decision.

Glad to hear you wear your helmet! Good example!

Carol said...

That's why I cringe when I see golf carts being driving by children, or being driven irresponsibly by licensed drivers. Just tonight I had to caution a college student that doing 360's in a three wheel golf cart with a little one aboard just isn't playing it safe. Some of these golf cart drivers are going so fast, I fear an elderly person or a child stepping out in front of them, and they don't stop in time. Bikers flying through the stop signs on our campground roads are another source of accidents about to happen. Only by God's grace have we avoided serious injuries over the last five years while we've been on board.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - i believe the 2 year old was a little girl. I don't know all the circumstances. But we need to protct the kids.

Robin - a bike helmet is a necessity for papa. I finally convinced a friend of mine to wear one - a few days later he had a bad bike accident. he believes the helmet saved his life.

Carol - We should be very thankful that no serious injuries have occurred!

CrossView said...

The stories of children being hurt or killed through accidents always break my heart- along with the guilt the parents have to live with . =(

Anonymous said...

I agree with you 100% Papa.

The town I live in passed an ordnance that required all children to wear a helmet while riding in a public park, there were legal reasons for restricting the ordnance to public spaces. Many parents got upset that the town was interfering with their rights as parents.

The only reason the ordnance was necessary in the first place was because some parents were not exercising proper care over their children.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - nothing can be more devastating when a child is injured because I failed to protect. Sometimes it is done by accident - but many times out of uncontrolled anger.

Ed - welcome back. The government shouldn't have to dictate to us in areas where common sense should be apparent. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen. Most states have bike helmet laws but they are ignored and not enforced.

Char said...

I couldn't agree more. It seems that since we feel some accidents aren't likely to happen, we treat them as if they won't happen. It should be the other way around! Without being a kill-joy, simple safeguards can be put into place, like life jackets! Also, it seems like protecting the children takes a level of diligence that some aren't willing to give. A sad commentary.

Anonymous said...

I am horrified at the irresponsibility of some people. If a person is in the position of guardian to a child then they should act as a guardian.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Char - I think we need to really be careful when we put our children/grand children at risk. I am praying this weekend will be a good weekend w/the grand kids for mama & I.

Hover - thanks for stopping by - it is unbelievable what risks are taken w/children who are put in harms way.

Anonymous said...

He Better wear his Life jacket!..

I know you will make him. Thanks for being a good grandpa (and Father In-law)

I think you'll need a vacation after this weekend. (SMILE) Good Luck!

-matt

Indian Lake Papa said...

Matt - we will do our best to protect our grandkids - we will obey your instructions! See you Thursday!

Technonana said...

Oh Wow, Papa... taking care of our grandchildren is a HUGE responsibility!!! I know we have 5 and they love to swim in the pool. The older 3 can swim, but I always insist on the younger ones wearing their jackets or floaties in the pool... and I NEVER try to watch all 5 of them in the pool by myself. Too many things can happen in the blink of an eye. I pray that you all have a great time together and everyone is SAFE!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Tech! welcome to my blog - Tomorrow the grand kids come over while mom & dad go on a adult time off weekend. Mama and i think it is great. We will have a busy weekend. But we pray it will be a safe one.

Technonana said...

Yes, Papa, you are trully blessed!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Tech! Yes - and now papa is weeping!