Dad Got Caught Not Buckling Kids Up

[littlemommy]

Our street is all closed and being tore up because the city is replacing the sewer line. Good thing we have alley access, so the parents can quickly park back there for drop off and pick up.

This morning, at 4 a.m., I went out to make sure the toys were picked up so the new family would not trip. I saw them pulling up in the alley, and when he got out I said hi. I know I scared him because he jumped. I noticed he had his 2 year old already in his arms, then opened the back door and the 4 year old jumped into his other arm.

Obviously neither of the girls were buckled up. I'm guessing the younger one was riding in his lap!

[wdmmom]

Does DCD do pick-ups as well? I'd tell him that you are a mandatory reporter and that if he doesn't properly secure the children in booster seats and/or seat belts, you will be forced to report it next time.

[CheekyChick]

Who does he think he is, Britney S P E A R S?

I think I would have to say something to him. In a friendly way, I would say, "I noticed you don't buckle up your children and that really concerns me. I would hate to see something happen to your beautiful girls. blah, blah, blah." Hopefully he'll take the extra minute to ensure their safety.

[Unregistered]

Not unless you actually witnessed it.

My preschooler has been able to unbuckle and buckle himself for years from the car seat straps. Most kids I know, especially at 4 years old, can do this in seconds. Come on, how many kids do you know figured out the childproofing on cabinets, doors and babygates in seconds after putting it up? EVERY kid I know - their really useles unless you have the "keyed" kind that require a special magnetic lock to unlock them. My child has his straps unbuckled and is opening the back door before I even I get out of my vehicle and he's been doing that for years. So unless you actually witnessed it, don't lie to the State by reporting it as if you actually witnessed them pulling up without car seat buckled in. The vehicle was stopped when you saw the kids and you didn't actually witness anything other than a dad getting his kids out of the vehicle. And the 4 yr old, depending on the state, might meet the booster seat requirements and is only is a booster seat and seatbelt, which is even easier than car seat straps. If you are concerned, why didn't you ask the dad at the time it happened rather than asking here? That's suspect to me. Think twice before reporting - similar thing happend to me and families are leaving in droves after finding out about the reporting. I can't stress enough that unless you actually witness it and dad admits to it, it's not worth the drama afterwards.

[GretasLittleFriends]

Could it be 2 yr old was riding in the front seat and he unbuckled her as he turned into the alley? And 4 year old unbuckled herself as they pulled to a stop, making her ready to hop out?

Just trying to give him the benefit of the doubt and/or play devil's advocate.

[KEG123]

totally unsafe. I'd say something. Giving him the benefit of the doubt is NOT going to save his children's lives should he get in an accident.

[Kaddidle Care]

You've got to catch them unbuckled - I'd plain out ask him. A 2 year old has NO BUSINESS sitting in a front seat, period.

My brother did Auto Body for years - he calls the front passenger seat the suicide seat because MOST of the damage in car accidents happen there. It's just human nature to turn away from impact and the front passenger gets it.

My SisterInLaw calls unbuckled kids "Tot Rockets". Think about it.

[littlemommy]

My preschooler has been able to unbuckle and buckle himself for years from the car seat straps. Most kids I know, especially at 4 years old, can do this in seconds. Come on, how many kids do you know figured out the childproofing on cabinets, doors and babygates in seconds after putting it up? EVERY kid I know - their really useles unless you have the "keyed" kind that require a special magnetic lock to unlock them. My child has his straps unbuckled and is opening the back door before I even I get out of my vehicle and he's been doing that for years. So unless you actually witnessed it, don't lie to the State by reporting it as if you actually witnessed them pulling up without car seat buckled in. The vehicle was stopped when you saw the kids and you didn't actually witness anything other than a dad getting his kids out of the vehicle. And the 4 yr old, depending on the state, might meet the booster seat requirements and is only is a booster seat and seatbelt, which is even easier than car seat straps. If you are concerned, why didn't you ask the dad at the time it happened rather than asking here? That's suspect to me. Think twice before reporting - similar thing happend to me and families are leaving in droves after finding out about the reporting. I can't stress enough that unless you actually witness it and dad admits to it, it's not worth the drama afterwards.

What I did witness was he had the 2 year old in his arms as soon as he got out. He opened his door and got out as soon as he stopped the vehicle. Even if the 4 year old did unbuckle herself, which I doubt she did because she was half asleep at 4 a.m., that does not mean it's right for the 2 year old to sit in the front seat, even if it wasn't on his lap.

If they happened to both be buckled, and he was reaching around unbuckling them before he stopped the vehicle, that is equally unsafe driving through a dark alley, without being focused on driving.

I'm definitely going to say something. It was unsafe either way it happened.

[Unregistered]

But I would discuss it with Dad first

What I did witness was he had the 2 year old in his arms as soon as he got out. He opened his door and got out as soon as he stopped the vehicle. Even if the 4 year old did unbuckle herself, which I doubt she did because she was half asleep at 4 a.m., that does not mean it's right for the 2 year old to sit in the front seat, even if it wasn't on his lap.

If they happened to both be buckled, and he was reaching around unbuckling them before he stopped the vehicle, that is equally unsafe driving through a dark alley, without being focused on driving.

I'm definitely going to say something. It was unsafe either way it happened.

Then it sounds like you witnessed it - your OP wasn't clear on that. Then if you saw what you saw, then discuss it with Dad. I don't think this is anything that mandates mandatory reporting as outlined in the guidelines, though. Think before you report - you'll be out a client. And be honest with the Dad if you report - tell him you reported him, don't hide it. If you're willing to do the crime, then you must be willing to do the time, so to speak. Either way, you're creating an unneccessary drama and you'll be out money - hopefully you have a waiting list of customers now that school is ready to start and daycare registration periods have passed. I still think you should have asked in the heat of the moment though - asking afterwards will seem suspect to him and will seem like others influenced your decision, which clearly is what is going on here.

[laundrymom]

What I did witness was he had the 2 year old in his arms as soon as he got out. He opened his door and got out as soon as he stopped the vehicle. Even if the 4 year old did unbuckle herself, which I doubt she did because she was half asleep at 4 a.m., that does not mean it's right for the 2 year old to sit in the front seat, even if it wasn't on his lap.

If they happened to both be buckled, and he was reaching around unbuckling them before he stopped the vehicle, that is equally unsafe driving through a dark alley, without being focused on driving.

I'm definitely going to say something. It was unsafe either way it happened.

I would tell him, hey my neighbor stopped me, her brother in law is a cop, and told me,... "that family of yours doesnt use seatbelts for those babies!" I told her that Im sure she saw it wrong, that all of my parents are loving caring ones who put their children first. She then said, "well I hope so cause Ill turn him in!! I know a cop!" then tell him she is always griping about something and you are sure she saw it wrong but you wanted to give him a heads up.... then smile and stare.