Hit my son with my car - guilt

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad is a retired pediatrician. He always rolls down his windows when he's backing up. I asked him why once, and he said it's because of the number of injuries and deaths he saw to children that happened in the driveway, usually while the other parent was screaming for them to stop. Being able to hear is important. I would also install a backup camera. I'm glad you're child is OK.

This is good advice, I will try to get in that habit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't feel guilt, feel gratitude for this amazing second chance you have.

Thank you

Yes this.

Also, this happened to my husbands family. I am not sure if the child lived. Since then we ALWAYS back into parking spots.

Well you gotta back one way or the other. Child could very easily be in the garage when OP backs in.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry, OP, what a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two days ago I was backing my car out of the garage, and next thing my wife is screaming at me to stop.

I knew I'd hit him, he's only 1. I got under the car and he was underneath, in the middle, crying, with his foot stuck.
I'd dragged him about 3 yards.

He appeared fine but I called an ambulance, and they checked him over, and then we took him to the doctor for a check up.

Thank God he is fine, it could have been so much worse. I keep playing out the scenario in my head and imagining much worse things.

You are having a normal reaction to that horrible incident. Ditch the car. Get one with a camera or camera and sensors - even better.
This is not uncommon. Your son will remember nothing. You will fit some time. But see it as a second chance for all things positive you could do for yourself and for him, and for your wife - I’m sure she is seeing this over and over again in her mind, too. Thank goodness he is ok.

[Anonymous]

OP, when I was a little kid, I fell on an open vent at a neighborhood drugstore and had 3rd degree burns. This was before lawsuits. My mother didn't sue.

Another time, my grandfather accidentally pulled my sister's arm out of her socket by lifting her up and playing too rough, swinging her around.

Accidents happen. Just have a plan next time.

No turning the ignition on until you can see where the children are. Then triple check and get the best technology to see when you back up. Be present when you drive and don't get in the car and blast the music first thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, when I was a little kid, I fell on an open vent at a neighborhood drugstore and had 1st degree burns. This was before lawsuits. My mother didn't sue.

Another time, my grandfather accidentally pulled my sister's arm out of her socket by lifting her up and playing too rough, swinging her around.

Accidents happen. Just have a plan next time.

No turning the ignition on until you can see where the children are. Then triple check and get the best technology to see when you back up. Be present when you drive and don't get in the car and blast the music first thing.

Had to correct that it was a 1st degree burn, not 3rd degree. Left no scars, but still hurt.

[Anonymous]

That is a nightmare OP. I am glad your son is ok. Here is what we used to do when our children were little. The other parent IS in charge when one parent is going out. As in, if I were to leave for work or store, my DH used to hold the child physically and say “I got him”. This parent will not let go of the child until the car is pullled out and gone. Or when taking the child with us, first thing to do is to buckle the child so we know where he is.
The parent responsible for dropping off the kids must text the other parent that the kids are dropped off. If the text is delayed by 15 min, the second parent is to call and check so that kids are forgotten in the car.
You can have a number precautions but please do talk to a therapist. Again, even though I don’t know who you are, I am glad your child is ok.