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Mom Defends Decision to Let 7-Year-Old Ride a Motorcycle Amid Criticism
When a local motorcycle group shared a snapshot of Lisa Johnson’s 7-year-old daughter Sophie riding pillion on a motorcycle, it quickly caught fire on social media. While many praised the adventurous spirit of the young girl, a wave of negativity soon followed.
“Everyone was raving about how cool it was and how brave Sophie was, but then the trolls came out,” Lisa told Today Parents. “It went from ‘I wouldn’t do this with my kid’ to ‘You should be arrested for child endangerment; you’re a terrible parent.’” Frustrated with the backlash, Lisa decided to voice her side of the story.
In her post, she stated, “This is my 7-year-old daughter riding home from school on a motorcycle. Yes, she’s 7, and yes, she’s on a motorcycle. Why? Because I LOVE MY DAUGHTER, and she loves to ride! She’s fully geared up and riding with my boyfriend, who has over 20 years of experience.”
Let’s face it: parenting is full of risky decisions. Cars can be just as dangerous, and we’ve all seen reckless drivers zooming past with kids in the backseat. It’s no wonder some people are uneasy about a young child being a passenger on a motorcycle, especially with the mere grip of her little hands being the only thing standing between her and the open road. But hey, they live in Texas, where kids can legally hop on a motorcycle starting at age 5.
“This wasn’t her first ride; she’s had practice. I stayed close behind on her first trip, and as her mom, I felt she did wonderfully and was ready for more,” Lisa explained. “She even dreams of having her own bike someday, which is why we want her to get as much passenger experience as possible before she rides solo.” It’s clear that this family is all about motorcycle adventures, even if it raises a few eyebrows.
“Don’t label us as bad parents just because we enjoy putting a smile on our kids’ faces with a fun motorcycle ride after school. I WILL continue to let Sophie ride if it makes her happy,” Lisa asserted. “I AM dedicated to being the best mom I can be, ensuring my kids are happy and safe, whether they’re at school, home, or on a motorcycle.”
Lisa raises a valid point: we don’t have to see eye to eye on parenting choices, and calling someone a “bad parent” online doesn’t magically change their decisions. However, it’s worth noting that in her quest to defend herself, she also got a bit judgmental. “We’ve been labeled ‘bad parents’ for letting her ride. Bad parents? Hilarious! We’re both stay-at-home parents running a home business, which means WE are the ones raising our kids—not babysitters or daycare. We are fantastic parents.”
Well, she certainly has a strong opinion on daycare, doesn’t she? But it’s essential to recognize that everyone has their views on parenting, and a picture of a child on a motorcycle is bound to stir up some conversation.
In summary, Lisa Johnson is standing her ground against the harsh critics who deem her parenting choices irresponsible just because her daughter enjoys riding motorcycles. It’s a reminder that while we may not all agree on what’s best for kids, every parent has their reasons for the choices they make. If you’re interested in more about parenting and fertility, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatments and consider exploring this guide on fertility supplements for those looking to expand their families.