Hi,

you're both right when it comes to child safety. your wife is right in the sense that children often need to experience things before they will understand danger, however, there is a limit. If your four year old is riding around in the garden with no helmet on then it is probably less of a problem, on the road kids (and adults) should wear a helmet. Your youngest is unlikely to understand danger yet whatever the situation though.

Perhaps you should talk to your wife - explain how you are feeling. You could remind her that although older children (3+) will learn about danger thorough experience, it's still up to parents to keep them safe from unnecessary risks.

maybe if you encouraged your wife sometimes instead of pointing out her weak spots,she'd be happier to respond to your parenting ideas.i was wondering how many accidents your children had suffered because of your wife when you wernt there,if its none maybe you should consider the fact that your over reacting and trying to protect the kids from having expiriences that are helping them develop.they're tougher than you think.

does your wife ever put you down when it comes to the kids? i certainly hope not and maybe you shouldn't be doing it either!!! if you catch your children doing something you thing is dangerous then deal with it we mums unfortunatly dont have eyes in the back of our heads, i have the same attitude your wife has when it comes to kids learning not to do dangerous things, kids have no fear and sometimes as silly as seems you have to let them learn the hard way, not so much as to put them in direct danger but just to make them know that yes that hurt wont do that again!!! i'm the soul carer for my kids as my huuby works full time he has never come home and questioned how i deal with the children, your wife sounds a very busy mum and maybe youshould appreciate her more and not underestimate her abilities with the kids