Signs

When I run errands I usually try and avoid as much traffic and congestion as possible.  I mean, who wants to deal with more of that than necessary, right?  Anyway, the quest for a seamless route back to my house usually has me driving through a neighboring development instead of traveling the standard roads.  And, each and every time I drive through this development on the way home I pass this sign:

I'm not really sure how I feel about this sign.  I guess it is there to warn drivers to slow down or not depend on their horn, which they should be doing anyway for ALL children.  But this sign.....it makes me wonder about the child behind the sign.  Is the child old enough to know the sign is there?  Does he/she feel like it brings too much unwanted attention?  Do neighborhood kids tease him/her about this sign?  Isn't it hard enough to fit in already without adding a sign outside of your house?  It also makes me think about the parents behind the child.  Did they ask to get this sign put up?  Are they happy it is there?    

When I turn onto my street I am greeted with another sign that gives a different message.  The sign on our street applies to all children and is a great reminder to all drivers to slow down:

This sign refocuses me that I am back in a neighborhood and should slow down and be aware of children at play.  I like this sign.  I like that it does not single out any one child or have a stigma attached to it.  I like that it doesn't make me wonder about the children behind the sign and that it seems so very inclusive for a street sign.  Yes, I like this sign.