I came across this video via BoingBoing – I couldn’t make it through the first minute. I don’t want to judge this guy, ’cause, y’know, glass houses, stones… But, wow, this seems like something worth talking about. I would never do what he’s doing, but as a dad, I’ve taken my share of risks with the kids. And on the other side, I am eternally thankful that they’re still alive. So now I leave it to you – please chime in – Is this acceptable to you?
Note – the YouTube video is gone, but here’s a link to the same video on another site – give it a look and talk about how it makes you feel.
by Stu Mark
Recent Posts By Stu Mark
- Poll: What Time Is Bed-Time?
- Love Them Thoroughly In The Moment
- A StepFather’s Father’s Day
- Poll Results: What More Can We Do For You?
- Poll: What’s Missing Here?
3 responses so far ↓
AmyL // Nov 3, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Darn, I get a “video no longer available” message. I’m going to guess that he’s throwing the child up and catching him. Assuming that’s the case I would cautiously say that’s okay, knowing that there’s a chance the child could get hurt.
I’ve noticed how much little ones love the feeling of being thrown up and caught – it’s wildly popular with the under 2 set.
I think that the adult is taking a pretty big risk, but it is possible to survive the excitement.
I can’t tell how old the baby is in the picture. I wouldn’t let someone younger than 1 get swung around a lot. Those heads are too big for the neck to take that kind of stress. So…with caveats I’d say this might be okay. With your own kid. Not someone else’s.
Anita B // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I hope to God that it’s a fake! That baby couldn’t have been much older than one because it wasn’t able to even walk yet! I’m sure the man thought that it was having so much fun, but I was naucious after only a little while. There are so many things that could have gone wrong! Dislocated shoulders, the child slipping out of his grasp and flying through the air, and did you notice the light fixture on the ceiling? Ugh! Off to throw up!
Vic // Dec 10, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Not paying attention, I just caught the video on Bill O’Reilly without really realizing what it was going to be about. I would not watch it again. I’m here because I needed to vent. I don’t know what the relationship is between that poor little child and that obviously mentally challenged grown man but I pray to God he is never allowed to be within close range of any child again. Many of us have playfully swung our children in a circle with our grip around the pits of the arms and shoulders not by the hands with their little arms stretched, especially by one arm. Sure the little one may have been enjoying it but can you imagine the unnecessary pain that would have been inflicted had his arms slipped out of socket or the possible brain damage that could have resulted? The reality is that it is incredibly dangerous to take such chances. Our children are not ragdolls. As adults, we should take precautions to ensure our children are whole, happy and healthy.
Leave a Comment