Dear Valued Readers,
In the ever-evolving suburban or urban landscape that we call home, our communities has recently seen an alarming trend: parents, specifically mothers, choosing to take their children out for neighborhood strolls or bike rides on the streets instead of utilizing the safety of our sidewalks. This action may cause from someone being in a serious accident, however, it can pose a serious threat to the safety of the children involved.
Streets are built for motor vehicles, and regardless of how calm or slow-traffic your particular street might be, it's not worth risking the unpredictable. While most drivers are cautious and respectful, there can be exceptions, leading to potential accidents and near-misses.
We must not forget, we are fortunate to live in a community with dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling paths, intended for use by all of us. Let us utilise these spaces meant to provide a secure environment for children to jump, cycle, play and walk, rather than subject them to potential risks on the streets.
Of course, we are all doing our best to parent in an increasingly hectic world. Sometimes it's hard to balance the noise, the mess, the seemingly endless energy that our children have. But safety should never be compromised. We should all be looking for alternatives for channeling their energy in the safest ways possible.
As parents, it’s crucial to remember the message we’re sending to our kids. If they see us making the conscious choice to walk on the streets instead of the safer sidewalks, it normalizes that behavior. Remember, we’re not just parenting today – we’re raising the adults of tomorrow.
Lastly, we are asking all the parents in our communities, to be extra mindful of where you and your children venture.
As always, your feedback, comments, and questions are not just welcome, but essential to ensuring our neighborhood stays a safe, friendly place to raise a family.
Best Regards,
Wellingtons Publishing’s
Parenting Newsletter