She was riding in her car seat and it was not strapped in, we didn't realize this until making the curve and her tumbling across the seat to the door while strapped in her carseat. Now we can't get her to even get in her seat. When we mention going somewhere she runs and hides and cryes until she throws up.. we have tried to console her ,riding beside her, trying to get her to ride with grandma in her car. Everything but she only refuses to go. She is only 2 years old but very smart for her age. She says she is scared.. What should we do. We have also brought her car seat in the house to let her set in it and reassure her that it is ok, that she will not be hurt in it . this still has not helped. Do you have any suggeestions?
2007-01-24 16:05:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
BOO! to those of you that answered and made this person who is obviously as safety concious as we all are feel bad for the mishap. Criticising doesn't solve anything.
There was a time that my daughter told me when the engine turned on that the belt wasn't fastened properly (it hadn't clicked and I hadn't driven yet...she was RIGHT!). She was 2 and a half and mortified. I re-clicked it. This happens even to the MOST safety concious of us. Save your jeers to the jerks who don't think that safety is important...not to this asker. So many parents think that a belt is an option...not an imperative. This asker is NOT that parent.
This child wouldn't have been upset by this at all if the parent hadn't streesed safety to her in the first place...boo to you who criticize and hadn't realized this.
That being said...maybe tell her that it's not about the seat, but the belt (and show her). That way (since she's smart) it will comfort her and maybe even foster her own responsibility in safety. Of course at this age, parents are responsible, but if she feels that she has control over it, she may feel less stressed and most importantly have a long lasting effect on her realizing that safety is SO important. This experience may help her in her teens when kid think that it's "cool" not to wear a belt.
Make sure, of course, to let her know not to touch the button unless you let her know it's okay to unstrap.
2007-01-24 16:34:01 · answer #1 · answered by Green Booger 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Talk to her while she is CALM and hasn't been in panic mode about driving, bring up the subject of letting her pick out a brand new safer car seat.
I don't know what the laws are where you are - I'm Australian, and by 2 years old there is another style of safety seat they can use, thats quite different, like a booster seat.
Maybe try a seat in a different style like that if possible (a big-girl's seat). And show her how it buckles in safely and can't move as long as the belt is in.
2007-01-24 18:22:26 · answer #2 · answered by vaywen 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I'd be afraid of it, too. I had the same problem with my son's carseat, only luckily we had only gone three houses down before we stopped at my grandma's and we realized it then, before we went on.
Would it be possible to buy another carseat? Maybe one that looks a lot different, or that she helps pick out.
Besides what you have already done, bringing it inside so she can get comfortable with it there, that's the only thing I can think of.
Good luck!
2007-01-24 16:13:16 · answer #3 · answered by Queen Queso 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes telling them that it was your fault. We didn't strap you in, it's not the carseats fault. Telling & showing her what happened. Take her out to the car & tell her that you want to show her something so she'd understand. Then you tell her, this is what happened & why it happened. This wasn't buckled in like this. You can even show her what happens when the carseat is properly secured, on how it barely moves, & when it's not. Kids are quite visual & hopefully this will help.
However, you must be patient as her trust is broken & will take a while to rebuild.
2007-01-24 16:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah! That's a great idea! Bring the car seat in for a few hours a day. Don't force her to sit it in but sit down beside it and see if she will sit in it. Talk about how she looks like a "big girl" in her car seat and how pretty it is. As far as getting her to ride in it now when you have to go somewhere, just try telling her it won't hurt her and show her that it is buckled in and that she can't turn over. Maybe take her favorite toy along for security or put her favorite bear in it and show her the bear is happy. That is a tough one and a tough age too. Best wishes!
2007-01-24 16:11:49 · answer #5 · answered by busemomme 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The idea about letting her help pick one is good, and bringing it in for a while. you might also want to try her being around other children that dont mind the car seat to see her interaction.
2007-01-24 16:17:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have patience and keep trying. She will get over her fear in time. This must have been a very traumatic thing for her and it will take some time for her to get over.
One thing you might try is showing her why this happened and allow her to "check" her own car seat before getting in it. If she is smart for her age, she might get it.
Good Luck!
2007-01-24 16:12:38 · answer #7 · answered by kiera70 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
ensure that the straps are adjusted properly... the section the place the strap comes out from the lower back of the seat must be above the shoulders. The buckle that is going around the chest must be at armpit top. you ought to have the skill to fairly fit one finger-width between your toddler and the strap once you pull it out. in general, you ought to shop telling your toddler that the motor vehicle purely strikes while everybody has their seatbelts on- then stick to it. in case you spot that she takes it off, pull over to the element of the line properly, then positioned her lower back in. Do it each time. The repetition will inspire her to leave it on. good success!
2016-09-27 23:11:13 · answer #8 · answered by doolin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her watch and "help" as mommy and daddy fasten her seat in tight. You could even take her to the police station and have it checked (police and other agencies usually do that for free). Just let her see for herself that it's fastened and won't come lose.
2007-01-24 16:10:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well wow. You forgot to strap your daughter in. Oh sorry daughter we forgot to save your life today... Well your going to have to re-gain her trust. Maybe have somebody in the back with her at all times. Or have her in the front seat with you (if thats legal in your state). Shes just going to have to get used to it but it sounds like you've done all these things. And if shes this smart, you should have been smart enough to strap her in.
2007-01-24 16:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by XoXoGlitter 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋