The reason I'm asking this is because last night I was reading a thread here and I walked away from the computer for a few minutes. Kaylie jumped in my spot and clicked on a link to the Kyle Miller video (just the page I happened to be on). I didn't realize she was watching it until about half way through. She was laughing and telling me to look at the cute little boy, just enjoying the pictures. She can't read, so I wasn't too concerned and didn't want to make a big deal out of her watching it, so I just let it go. I wasn't paying a lot of attention because that video tends to make me cry.
Then they showed the crash test scene and Kaylie figured out that it was car seat related. She asked about it and wanted to see that scene again. I allowed her to, not really seeing the harm in it. I think it's important for her to know WHY she needs to be safe in the car seat and I think crash test videos are an excellent example for kids that are mature enough to watch then since they show dummys, not real people.
She asked why that was in the video and I simply told her that the video was about a little boy who was in a car accident. She asked if he was in a car seat (that's my girl:thumbsup, and I said yes, he was in a booster seat. She asked if he was OK and I decided to be honest thumbsdown: maybe?) and I told that he got hurt real bad in the accident and had to go to heaven. She was really quiet and I'm looking at her watching tears fall silenty from her eyes. Now Kaylie is a very mature and sensitive child to begin with. She was very shaken and upset by this. She made me promise to keep her safe and said she was never using a booster seat EVER. I told her that boosters are very safe if they're used properly. I don't want her to have a complex about boosters in general.
Then it was my turn to let the tears flow. She looked at me again and said "that little girl doesn't have a brother anymore. Promise me you'll keep Teagan safe in the car, too". She's way too perceptive for a four and a half year old.
So, part of me is glad that we had the opportunity to talk about car seat safety. It's never been an issue with us. Kaylie knows car seats are not negotiable and is probably more outspoken about car seat safety than I am. She could probably teach a class on it.
On the other hand, I feel awful that she was so upset by the video and part of me feels like an awful parent for letting her watch it and having to have that conversation with her. I could have lied, but that's not my style and NOT how I raise my kids. I much prefer an open and honest approach where nothing is off-limits. But I am concerned that I crossed the line on this one.
I'm anxious to see how everyone feels about this.
Amy
Then they showed the crash test scene and Kaylie figured out that it was car seat related. She asked about it and wanted to see that scene again. I allowed her to, not really seeing the harm in it. I think it's important for her to know WHY she needs to be safe in the car seat and I think crash test videos are an excellent example for kids that are mature enough to watch then since they show dummys, not real people.
She asked why that was in the video and I simply told her that the video was about a little boy who was in a car accident. She asked if he was in a car seat (that's my girl:thumbsup, and I said yes, he was in a booster seat. She asked if he was OK and I decided to be honest thumbsdown: maybe?) and I told that he got hurt real bad in the accident and had to go to heaven. She was really quiet and I'm looking at her watching tears fall silenty from her eyes. Now Kaylie is a very mature and sensitive child to begin with. She was very shaken and upset by this. She made me promise to keep her safe and said she was never using a booster seat EVER. I told her that boosters are very safe if they're used properly. I don't want her to have a complex about boosters in general.
Then it was my turn to let the tears flow. She looked at me again and said "that little girl doesn't have a brother anymore. Promise me you'll keep Teagan safe in the car, too". She's way too perceptive for a four and a half year old.
So, part of me is glad that we had the opportunity to talk about car seat safety. It's never been an issue with us. Kaylie knows car seats are not negotiable and is probably more outspoken about car seat safety than I am. She could probably teach a class on it.
On the other hand, I feel awful that she was so upset by the video and part of me feels like an awful parent for letting her watch it and having to have that conversation with her. I could have lied, but that's not my style and NOT how I raise my kids. I much prefer an open and honest approach where nothing is off-limits. But I am concerned that I crossed the line on this one.
I'm anxious to see how everyone feels about this.
Amy