geler
15 answers
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Making a teenager wear helmet

My 14 year old must ride his bike more than 8 miles to his school and refuses to wear his helmet. Any suggestions on getting him to safety-up?


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  • # Posted 2 years ago
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Occam
18 answers
50 thumbs up
"Occam's Razor, Laplace's Demon"

Natural consequences and consistency are the keys to making sure your child is safe and avoiding a power struggle.

My guess is that your 14 year old enjoys the autonomy that riding his bike to school gives him.  If possible, set up a less desireable alternative way for him to get to school until he agrees to wear his helmet.

"because you are not safe without a helmet I will drive you mysef before work in the morning even though you will have to arrive early. when you wear your helmet you can bike again."

This sets up a scenario in which the consequences flow naturally from his own actions and avoids a "because I say so" situation.

 
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Mr.Kelada
29 answers
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Tell him it's necessary to wear the helmet to ride the bike. If he again refuses, remind him it's your household and he has to abide by your rules.


You're in a power struggle with him. Stop it - you can only lose. You must reaffirm that you're the boss, not him, and have very dire consequences ready if he disobeys. No idle threats - serious action that you will do. Grounding, loss of allowance, loss of video games/TV/stereo - whatever he loves and make it big.
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becky
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do you cycle? can you start cycling with him and you wear the helmet? Do not get the helmet discussion but just let him learn from example. With youths you will get no where if u impose. also it could be that his friends are no wearing the helmet so in an age when his peers are more important than his parents he will pay attention to his friends. Always try to discuss the issue and not forcefully impose the "rule" i think you can remeber when you were his age you were a little bit rebelious it is part of nature.
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toffer
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I’m a cyclist and I rarely wear my helmet (unless I’m doing a long charity ride ex: ms 150). I notice though if I have a fall I’ll wear it for a few weeks till my confidence in my ability is back to normal. Basically, he’s a kid, not ridding a long distance, everyday almost. He has ability. He has no reason in his mind to wear a helmet.


Oh and just a tip, as a parent don’t be forceful. It doesn’t work. Let him know you want him to wear a helmet and that you worry about him when he does go to school. Let him know you really want him to wear a helmet if he does some trail riding or tricks.
Safety is important but so is understanding.
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fp64
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why ask why?

1) No helmet, no bike. It's the law. (at least here in PA)

2) Let him pick out his own helmet. Check out Nashbar.com, they've always got a sale on.  
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