How would you like to put your child in the carseat without a screaming fit? Does just the thought of this sound wonderful?
What I am about to let you in on is a secret to success. In order for this to work though, you must set the expectations and be consistent. If you give in, you can kiss your dreams of peaceful carseat episodes goodbye.
Choose a time in the week where you don’t have to be at a specific destination for a couple of days (if those exist). Depending on the age and will level of your child, this process could take some time. Make sure that your calendar is cleared so you aren’t tempted to rush the learning.
Ingredients needed:
Carseat
Doll
Child who hates the carseat
No place to go in a hurry
Time
Lots of prayer
Directions:
1. Training – Bring a carseat into the house. Roleplay proper behavior using a stuffed animal or doll. Allow the child to strap his/her “doll” in. Have the child explain to the doll how to get into a carseat.
2. Later, prepare to go somewhere. This “somewhere” can not have a start time in which you have to adhere to. Simply go to the mailbox if desired. Just drive enough to allow the vehicle to start up and move.
3. Walk to your vehicle.
4. Before putting the child in the carseat, bend down to the child’s level and say,
“Do you remember how we helped your “doll” get into the carseat? Today you are going to get into your seat just like you taught your doll. Remember, Mommy is not going to fight you to get your carseat buckled. Instead, I am going to help you. But, as soon as you start throwing a fit about getting buckled up, I am going to set you right here on the ground/chair. I will not give you a warning. Are you ready to let Mommy help you get into your carseat so that we can go?”
5. If the child says, “Yes, Mommmy” then proceed to put him/her in the carseat. As soon as the child makes one whine or cry, gently take him or her out of the seat and place him or her on the specified spot.
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5. If the child says “no” or does not respond to the question, do #6.
6. Walk away and “do” something within sight. Wait one minute or so until the child appears to be ready to try again.
7. Ask the child, “Are ready to let Mommy help you get into your carseat so that we can go?”
8. Return to #5 until the child chooses to get into his/her carseat quietly.
Do this procedure again later that day or the next day. Depending on the child, it make take several trial runs before the child realizes that you are serious about the change. It is very important that the child understands that the vehicle doesn’t move until he/she “nicely” gets into the carseat.
Train the child, set the expectations and hold firm to them. It will pay off.
Share you experience. What have you learned?
