Bouncy Bouncy Bouncy Bouncy Fun Fun Fun Fun Fu -- oh, crap
Saturday, our next-door neighbors assembled a trampoline in their back yard.These are very nice people, and I don't want to suggest that they've done anything wrong by setting up a trampoline. But still, we have to live with the fallout from it.
On Saturday, the dad assured us that they'd be following the manufacturer's safety warnings (placed clearly on the side of the trampoline), which include admonitions like
- Only one child at a time allowed
- No flips
- Adult supervision at all time
Apparently these are pretty standard rules in the industry, and for good reason.
On Sunday, the mom assured us that no, they'd be following their own rules; two kids at once, and she'd be in the kitchen if anyone needed her.
On Monday, they circulated a flyer to the block, inviting kids to come use the trampoline, even when they're not at home, and restating their own rules: two kids okay, no adult outside is just fine, etc. True, there were some sensible rules: no kids under trampoline while others are jumping, kids waiting to jump must wait away from the trampoline. I saw virtually all of these rules violated today -- while one of the parents was outside "supervising".
Did I mention they set this thing up under a tree? Duh.
So, they've got great liability coverage on their homeowner's insurance, and they're not afraid to use it. Fine for them. But they've put us in the uncomfortable position of having to tell Emma that she has to follow the real rules -- one kid at a time, no flips, etc. -- or she can't use it at all. Emma, of course, will agree to anything we ask of her in order to play over there, but will she actually follow the rules if we're not watching? Once she sees other kids jumping in pairs, other kids tumbling, she's going to want to join in -- and I can't blame her for that.
Maybe I should send a flyer next door suggesting that it'd be just fine with me if their children use my power tools when I'm not home.
posted by MeanMrMustard @ 8:42 PM
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