“Safe, Dad?”

One afternoon, a little boy sat beside his father in the car as they waited for his sister to come out of school. The boy looked thoughtful. “Dad,” he asked, “can I ask you something?” “Of course, champ,” the father replied, glancing at his phone.“ Why do cars have seatbelts?” “To keep us safe in case something bad happens.” The boy nodded. “And why do I have to sit in the back?” “Because you're still small, and it's safer for kids to sit in the backseat.” The boy paused, then asked his third question: “And why are there airbags?” His father smiled. “Airbags protect us if we crash. They help stop us from getting hurt.” The boy looked down for a moment, then quietly asked:“ Then why do you still look at your phone while you're driving?” The father froze, phone still in his hand.

Food for thought

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If safety really matters, lead by example eyes on the road, not the screen.