Bike helmets – practice what you preach
I insist that my daughter wears a bike helmet. But when it comes to my own head, I’m a bit of a hypocrite. Why is that?
I feel bad. When my daughter was three, she had to hand over her dummy for good. Drama ensued. I got a bit carried away during the persuasion process and boldly claimed: «If you stop sucking on that soother, Daddy will stop dragging on his cigarettes.» She gave up her habit. I didn’t.
I let my daughter down. Something she occasionally brings up – especially when she wants to play and I step out onto the balcony. «But you promised to stop smoking!» True. You’re right. I’m a lousy person. Some day I’ll make it.
Beside the smokes, there’s one other point of contention. The bike helmet. As parents, we are resolute about our daughter wearing a helmet. Our law applies whenever she’s using her bike, scooter or roller skates. So what’s the catch? It only applies to our little girl. Mum and dad make the rules up as they go along.
My daughter has to wear a helmet because it protects her precious little head. I would never forgive myself if our little monster had an accident that would have been less severe had she worn a helmet. It would be the end of the world if anything should happen to her.
The funny thing is, my wife and I both own bike helmets. We just never wear them. They’re not very comfortable, they make you sweat in the summer and personally, I miss the wind in my hair when I’m wearing one. But if I think about it, the reasoning I use for my daughter works both ways: It would be just as devastating for her if I had an accident that would have been less severe if I had worn a helmet.
So from now on, I’m wearing a helmet. Cigarettes, you’re next!
Are you familiar with this kind of scenario? Any advice on how to give up cigarettes? I look forward to your comments.
I'm the master tamer at the flea circus that is the editorial team, a nine-to-five writer and 24/7 dad. Technology, computers and hi-fi make me tick. On top of that, I’m a rain-or-shine cyclist and generally in a good mood.