The Imperfect Community

iowafan · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:03 am Post subject: Heely's

Okay--a quick question to you ladies, and it's not Jon and Kate related.
My 2nd grader really wants a pair of Heely's...I found a cheap pair on clearance, but I'm torn on the safety...He can roller blade at a rink pretty well, can ride his bike, but he also crashes into walls at a moment's notice in the house and safety is definitely not one of his big concerns in life...That's why I put him on swim team last year--couldn't get hurt as easily Smile

Safe, or not?
Anybody have them??
Thanks!! dontknow

Jessica · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:04 am Post subject:

My son is 9 and I wouldn't get him a pair because he's accident prone as it is. I'm sure if your son is a good skater, you can feel more confident than I do.

What I can't stand, is when you see and feel the wind behind the kids that have their Heelys spinning down the aisles as Target and the grocery store. I have a good mind to stick my leg out and trip 'em sometimes. I'm always thinkin', somebody is going to get hurt.

I haven't seen as much of this lately. I think it's party due to our elementary school banning them. Kids can only wear 'em if the wheels are taken out. Of course, with the weather becoming, I'm might have to deal with a resurgance. Evil or Very Mad

mammaX3_MOD · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:21 am Post subject:

Personally, I wouldn't buy them for my kids. First of all, the 'fad' is almost over. I agree, Jessica, I just don't see that much of them anymore.
And second, just google "heelys injuries" and see what comes up. blackeye

Soooo many articles of injuries. Lots of wrist and head injuries bandhead

. They say it's hard for some kids to switch weight to stop the skates and they fall. So what do you do? Have your kids wear wrist guards and helmets all the time? Or only if they want to skate with them? Yeah, good luck enforcing that rule. The wheels are built-in!
Plus, they're annoying! You're right, Jess. I hate kids whizzing past me at stores. And I don't want to be the mom with the annoying kids! protest

Friend · Slightly Flawed Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 145

We had a pretty bad experience with them several years back. My daughter fell back on her head and got a concussion. She blacked out. My suggestion would be, if you allow them, require full safety gear, especially a helmet.

Personally, I hate it when there are kids rolling thru the grocery store...it is unsafe.

They do look fun, though.

Jennifer · Slightly Flawed Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 146

My nephew got really hurt around this time last year from heelys. He was wearing them in a Target and was rolling up and down aisles, even though his father told him not to. And he couldn't stop and rammed into the end-cap of one of the aisles and it fell on top of him. They really aren't safe. But I can see why your son would want a pair. So many kids have them and they are a fad. Maybe wearing them outside only like on the pavement or at the park is okay. But in stores and houses, they are a major accident just waiting to happen Surprised

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iowafan · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject:

iowafan · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

I think you're all SO right, it's hard to say no to "active" toys sometimes....So, if he was wrapped in bubble wrap like that one commercial, it would work...When we hear a thump in our house, it's frequently followed by "I'm ok--it was just my head" (seriously!!) so I really appreciate your input's! (is that a word?)

mommyplus3 · Slightly Flawed Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 43

My son had heely's in 2nd grade (had to take the wheels out for school), and as soon as I could, I tossed them. A year and a half later, he constantly complaings of pain in his heels (in the heel...not like a blister). I think it was something form the H
Heely's since that was when the complaints started. Don't really know, but I don't like them.