From: LarryH49@aol.com
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2000 19:30:30 EDT
Subject: Re: ....NEEDS HELP
To: balloon@balloonhq.com

Christina,
I would recommend that you get a short release form and tell them that you 
cannot give a balloon to the child, however you will give them a balloon IF 
they will sign the release.  A parent should be able to assume risk for the 
well being of a child and after all it is the parent's responsibility to 
supervise the child.

It could be written on a half-page with a space for the name to be printed in 
and then the parent could sign and date it.  You want to have your name typed 
in to release you from any liability in case of injury or death caused by the 
balloon.

I would say, "balloons are very dangerous for small children. I realize that 
you will watch your child carefully, but I need some acknowledgment of that. 
Please sign this release."  If they balk then say, "sorry I cannot give you a 
balloon."  
If you work in a particular location, then you can add the name of the 
restaurant, event or property as also released.

While people may not sign it, at least you offered it to them and gave them a 
chance to get the balloon.  If they do sign it, in reality very few children 
die from balloon (about 3 or so per year) so the risk is not too great.
IF you get signed releases, you can keep them in a file at home.  This record 
is good to establish that you do not give balloons to small children and that 
you are conscientious in your work.

Good luck.

Larry Hirsch