to be sympathetic but at the same time thinking it's their own fault

[mummygirl]

A couple we know seem to be allergic to car seats. They have three children, 3 months, 2 years and 3.5 years. With their first they were using a car seat in the car, but it was more of a container rather than a safety measure, aas the baby was not strapped in the seat.

They always claimed that it was all absolutely safe as they only do short trips within town at 30mph. Have they never heard/read any stats?

I saw the mum two weeks ago with all three children in the car: the little one in a moses basket at the front seat and the other two thrown at the back. Back windows open and the eldest hanging half out of the widnow while the two-year old was jumping up and down (it makes you wonder how can she drive with all this going on). I thought I'd never do this as it seems very dangerous, but each to their own when it comes to their kids.

Well, easy to say "each to their own", but certain laws are there to protect children from behaviours like this (although there are OTT child protection laws).

Three days ago we heard their DC2 is in hospital, we went to visit and found her in a right state. Someone jumped out of a crossroad, mum had to slam the breaks on and she flew from the back seat onto the windscreen (or so the story goes). Poor thing, it's face is smashed in, she will recover and they believe there's no long-term damage done (fingers crossed), but she'll have to stay there for some time.

I feel their pain, I'm very sad for them and have been supportive emotionally and practically. But I understand that they're very angry at the other driver and can't see AT ALL where they've gone wrong. This would have been a minor incident had the baby been in a carseat... But it looks liek they haven't learnt anything

AIBU to think they should accept responsibility and change habits re: carseats?

[ben5]

maybe i'm abit ott as my to ds,aged 3 and 5 go mad if we undo are seatbeats before the engine has been turned off even if the handbrake is on and we are in the drive!!! the police should fine the driver of the car as it is the law to have seatbelts on.

[dollius]

Sounds like they are being cautioned and have been asked to find carers for their other children while they go down to the police station.

Hope so, anyway.