Salient point, Running Mommy. It's satisfying when things come together that way.

On the flip side of asking kids about their missing helmet, I try to compliment the ones who *are* wearing them. I'll say, "whoa, look at that cool helmet!" or "Nice helmet!" as I pass. Some kids want to be thought of as smart, but almost all kids want to be cooooool.

I'm a fat chick--I don't cut any slick racing figure on my entry-level bike. But on a ride through the trail at the ballpark this week, a little girl sitting on a bike with training wheels watched me coming and looked up at me as I passed slowly by. She was literally staring at me with her mouth hanging open. I smiled at her and she smiled back. I think she'll be more inclined, not less, to wear the helmet that was hanging off her handlebars, don't you? I think she thought I was a vision of loveliness, maybe.

We can be a positive example. We don't have to preach it.

Karen