A mother recently found herself on the receiving end of harsh criticism after a local motorcycle club shared a photo of her daughter riding on the back of a motorcycle. The image of young Ella riding with her mom’s partner quickly gained traction online, sparking a mix of admiration and disapproval.
While many praised the adventurous spirit of Ella, others expressed their discontent. “The comments started with, ‘I wouldn’t do this with my child’ and escalated to, ‘You should be in jail. You’re a terrible parent,’” said Jenna Collins, the girl’s mother. In response to the negativity, Jenna felt compelled to share her thoughts.
In her post, she wrote, “This is my 7-year-old daughter riding home from school on a motorcycle. Yes, she’s 7 and loves it. Why? Because I love my daughter!” She emphasized that Ella was wearing all the necessary safety gear and was riding with her partner, who has over 20 years of motorcycle experience.
Jenna pointed out that every parenting choice carries risks, whether it’s driving a car or allowing kids to play sports. “We live in Texas, where it’s perfectly legal for a child as young as 5 to be a motorcycle passenger,” she explained. “This wasn’t her first ride; she has experience. As parents, we want to prepare her for possibly riding her own bike someday.”
Despite the backlash, Jenna stood firm in her beliefs. “Don’t label us as bad parents for making our kids happy,” she insisted. “I will keep allowing my daughter to ride if that’s what she wants. I strive to be the best parent I can be and prioritize her happiness and safety.”
While it’s easy to judge others’ parenting choices, Jenna reminds us that everyone has different values and experiences. “We’ve been labeled ‘bad parents’ for allowing her to ride. That’s just not true. We’re both stay-at-home parents who are very involved in our children’s lives, and we don’t leave them in the care of strangers,” she stated.
So next time you see a child on a motorcycle, remember that parenting decisions vary greatly, and it’s okay to have differing opinions. Just be aware that they can spark lively discussions!
For more insights into parenting choices, check out this post on intrauterine insemination, or learn about fertility options over at Make a Mom. If you’re interested in more parenting perspectives, you might find this blog post on advertiser disclosure engaging as well!
In summary, Jenna Collins provided a strong defense of her decision to let her daughter ride a motorcycle, emphasizing her love for her child and the importance of giving her daughter experiences. While the online criticism was harsh, Jenna’s commitment to her family’s happiness and safety shone through, illustrating the complexities of parenting in a judgmental world.