Do you think it is safe for your dc to ride on your dp's shoulders?

[Elf]

The accidents thread has reminded me about this.

Whenever DH does this, I hate it because I think if he tripped on something, then the dc would surely die. It would be a heavy smack on the ground from high up wouldn't it? Also, if you are carrying someone on your shoulders, your vision isn't so good because you are not moving your head so freely are you? This is apart from dangers from up high.

It is such a common thing to do but I feel the danger isn't recognised.

What do you think?

The benefits far outweigh the risks IMO. It's fun, it lets us all walk at a decent speed and I don't have to do the carrying!

I don't even bat an eyelid when they play aeroplanes at the same time (look, no hands mummy!)

Maybe I'm irresponsible.

But the worst injury my kids have ever had was when DD1 broke her collar bone running down a hill. And no-one would suggest preventing kids from running. Would they?

Riding on daddy's shoulders is an essential part of childhood IMO.

An eight month old baby is a bit too young though - won't be able to/understand how to hold on.

This is the point of shoulder's yes?

I can't do it anymore because I screwed my knee up (snow is NOT soft!).

But DS and DH really enjoy it. I admit I have to sometimes not look but they are both a bit crazy and enjoy themselves.

DS's fav is actually over one shoulder (a leg down front and one down the back), they switch shoulders to stop it from getting painful.

I remember my Dad dropping me when he was carrying me on his shoulders. I didn't go on his shoulders again, but I don't have a problem with DH carrying the DDs on his shoulders.

My dad dropped my sister once. But she was fine. My Dad wasn't though - my mother rang such a peal over him, I wouldn't be surprised if she cited it in the divorce papers seven years later!