Poll: Did the “Balloon Boy” Parents Commit Child Abuse
The Heene family, courtesy of People Magazine.
A Colorado couple who claimed their son was aboard an escaped balloon pleaded guilty Nov. 13 to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant and a misdemeanor count of false reporting to authorities. Authorities said Richard and Mayumi Heene made up the story as a stunt to gain media attention. They told their sons to lie about the incident as well.
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I thought the whole Balloon Boy situation was a hoax from the start. These parents should be held accountable, but I worry about the welfare of the children. I would hate for the kids to have to be put in the system if it can be prevented.
emotional neglect at the least. Parenting classes, and do away with the narcissistic behaviors of the dad.
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I think if anything they wasted a whole lot of people’s time. All for the name of fame!!
By definition, no, however they DID make incredibly bad choices and are teaching their children very difficult lessons.
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@Veronica: Community resources too!
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I imagine the kids might have some emotional difficulties stemming from this event. It was a horrible parenting decision but I dont think it qualifies as child abuse… I don’t know Colorado’s state laws. I do think that the parents should face legal penalties and be forced to repay the government the cost of the bogus search.
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There is no excuse for stupidity. Abuse? Maybe, depends on the day to day life in that home. It appears the family is learning how to scam and make others suffer for their financial benefit, so is this abuse? Sometimes the home is not what we would want, but it is the best place for the child. Other factors need to be considered and I believe SW’s were sent to the home to check this out.
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Yeah, it’s called exploitation….although in Ohio it would likely just warrant a visit and warning, maybe some parenting class referral. Still it’s a “flag” that things are not too healthy for them…
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From watching the Larry King Show interview and hearing reports of the children behaviors on the other shows I am concerned there is more going on there than we know. Both parents sent many red flags up for me while watching the interview. The children appeared to be seeking permission for every little move they made. It just looked and felt odd. … Read MoreWhile physical abuse my not be going on in that home I have a concern about emotional abuse. –Just observations from a senior undergrad social work major.
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There had been reported police visit to the home for domestic violence. Many red flags not to be ignored.
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Sherry S.: It’s most definitely a red flag. I did not see them on Wife Swap, but the blips that I saw showed an angry and controlling father. Unfortunately, they live where I grew up and live not far form in Denver, so it just puts such a bad light on the area. I agree with the charges and hope they do some time for this in order to make a point to the parents not to continue their antics.
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Alexis A.: yes, often times people can overlook how emotional abuse can have just as much devastating impact on a family as physical abuse or neglect. To allow and expect your small child to lie to so many people is very disturbing to me…
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Robert B.: Are you kidding? Yes! Can you imagine having to grow up with that narcissistic father and that passive mother? Take those kids away!
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Amy T.: Robert, that response seems a bit extreme. If we took away kids from every dysfunctional home, there wouldn’t be any homes to place them in!!
I agree with others who have stated that there are several red flags to other problems most likely going on in the home but I do not necessarily believe that these parents committed child abuse as a … Read Moreresult of this incident. I’d be surprised if the state of Colorado would have enough grounds to remove the children based on this. Exploitation – yes. Red flags to further concerns – yes. Reason for removal from the home – no, not yet at least!!
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Thomas R.: Calling him “Balloon Boy” strips him of his dignity. C’mon folks, his proper name is Falcon.
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Donna P.: I so concur with Amy! I am shaking my head at some of the comments that have been made. This is some of the reason that the profession is hated. Remove the children for what? People tell their children to lie all the time about their age in the name of a free meal, movie or etc. It appears to me that we want to place lies in categories. I wonder what family secrets lie in your family that are not being told? Tis – Tis – Tis – Tis !
I’m a little surprised by how many people answered yes to this… ASKING them to lie is not child abuse. That’s an abuse of your authority over a child and certainly setting a bad example. Perhaps people answered affirmatively in reaction to the family that is featured, because they certainly have some parenting issues that need to be addressed i.e. exploiting their children for personal gain. As a professional though, I could not see myself calling in a report of child abuse because I witnessed a parent asking their child to lie…
I have to agree with Justin C. A lot of parents ask the kids to lie and we may be able to confirm or substantiate chronic illegal behavior if the parent illicits the child’s help, but we have to look at the big picture. We do not confirm or substantiate “stupid” if we did everyone could get that decision at one time or another. We are also not the moral police, but a lot of people think we are. Bottom line is how is this affecting the safety of the children. Are they in imminent danger, I do not think so. I am more upset about the wasted time that went into this fiasco. This is time that could be spent actually making a difference for a family. Watching a video of a parent encouraging her young children to steal expensive jewelry is more concerning than this story.