I do comedy, therefore I teach??

I received an email from a friend in Ottawa today that made me chuckle. Her 5 1/2 year old took a spill on her bike, nothing serious, but to stop from crying she had her keep repeating "Concrete is a teacher!!" I guess my act is getting through to the kiddies!! LOL Thanks Katherine for the message. It's always good to use comedy to help kids learn...and to not cry after dumping their bike! Knowing you I am sure this little incident will be used as a lesson on what not to do.

I get asked by many, after I do my bit on helmets, if I am really against them. The answer is NO, I am against the need to legislate adn force the use of them. There may be times it makes sense but many times when it does not, like on a scorching hot day when it helps bake your brain!
I believe we all have the right to choose what we do with our bodies. Besides, with all the crazy things I did, and my buddies, while younger I don't recall ever seeing one of us smack our noggins. Skinned knees maybe, but tuck and roll to save the thinker was the plan. Maybe the helmet gives them perceived protection which brings greater risk taking today? I do see kids attempt stuff I would have never tried on my bike.
Even in all my years playing hockey I never took any headshots until the mandatory visor-cage rule came into effect. After that it seemed the sticks came up to head height with alarming frequency. I guess Don Cherry is right on this one. Knowing you can cut a guys face open may make you think twice before swinging the lumber.

Back to the bike crash issue. My sons have always been taught proper handling of their bikes, how to watch for cars etc to ensure they are safe. I have also instructed them on the proper way to lay a bike down if need be. Much more important than a plastic brain bucket. I think too many kids just get a skid lid stuck on them and are sent out with no training...thus needing the helmet. No skills but we keep them safe. You'll be able to spot them in a few years, they will be the knobs hogging the fast lane or making death defying lane changes on our roads as they put all their faith in forced safety equipment over proper handling techniques. As we sew we shall reap. Lets stop protecting the dumb ones ok?