Mar. 12, 2008
Isaac and the Car Seat Dilemma
Yesterday we heard of a terrible tragedy in our town. A mother parked her car at her children's school and left her 2 year old (strapped in the car seat) in the car and walked across the street to ask another parent a question. Very quickly, the little boy unstrapped himself from the car seat, opened the car door and dashed around the car, trying to get to his mom. Unfortunately, the mother did not see what was happening and an SUV never even saw the little child and hit him headon. The precious child died at the scene. This family had already lost an older son who died in a motorcycle accident while away at college. How unbelievably tragic!
Here's my Isaac dilemma: My little monkey ALSO knows how to undo at least the top part of his car seat AND he knows how to open the car doors! He regularly manages to undo his upper strap while we're driving-and when you are on the freeway going 65 mph there is nothing that stops my heart faster than finding out (usually by change in location of his voice) that he isn't strapped in like he should be!!! Trust me-if you are driving down a Houston freeway/tollway/beltway there is NO safe place to stop and reload a child into a car seat!!!
What can a parent do? These things are supposed to keep the kids safe and secure, but if they can get out of them then what's the point? I've literally had to stop every other mile to strap that boy back in!!!! I've asked my pediatrician who is really big on keeping kids safe if there was any type of product out there that would help me keep him secure and she didn't even know of one. We discussed ducttaping him in but decided that would pose more of a problem in event of a real emergency.
I am so open to ideas and suggestions about this. I laid in bed last night and held my little guy and prayed hard for that little boy's family. I can't even imagine their loss.......
Comments
Mar. 15, 2008 - 2 year old in car seat
Posted by Anonymous
Are you and your husband on the same page? Who disciplines the kids? Do you let your 2 year old get out of his seat at meals? I guess I have many more questions, but the main one is do you and your husband love your 2 year old enough to do whatever it takes to win the battle of the wills?
I agree with you that duct tape is not the answer. Not only can you train a 2 year old but it's a parent's responsibility.
Here's one simple way. Take it or leave it. Next time you go into a Lowes or WalMart or Handyman pick up some of the paint stirers. They make great spankers. You tell your 2 year old in a loving, clear, eye to eye way that he will stay in his seat, or he will not get out of his seat. Then you explain that if he gets out he will get a spank on his bottom. You tell him every time that you love him so much that you would rather spank his bottom and give him a owy than let him hurt himself by disobedience.
Once you determine that you will follow through every time no matter what as soon as safely possible, your intelligent 2 year old will stay in his seat as told. It really isn't difficult to train 2 year olds. What is hard is for adults to follow through on their word every single time. Discipline is work, but scripture teaches that a parent that doesn't discipline their child hates their child.
Children not only grow and bear fruit when pruned, but they crave consistency from their parents. Whatever you choose to use to deter, be consistent. Be consistent in love most of all. There may be better ways, but all 7 of my kids never got past taking their arms out before they knew they had crossed the line.
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Mar. 16, 2008 - Been there, done that....
Posted by mom45angels
Yes, my husband and I are most definitely on the same page with every aspect of parenting...and yes we've had to spank. This child is the youngest of 5-ranging in age from 20 to 2. We've never had this problem with any of our other children. Also, no, he is NOT allowed to leave the table at meals-he stays in his high chair.
Yes we completely understand scriptures teaching on raising children. Our children will be the first to tell you that we are not opposed to using physical discipline when it is called for. We ALSO understand that each and every child is a precious and UNIQUE gift from God and what works for one child will most likely be different for another child. At this point we are simply trying to find out what works for this little guy.
But thanks for the comment-all comments are welcome!
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Mar. 16, 2008 - VERY special gift
Posted by Anonymous
You were very gracious in your response, and having done all that you have been doing to train your children in the way they should go, you are very humble to publicly ask for advice. I couldn't assume that what you have been doing since I don't know you personally.
I probably would add a an extra strap or two, wow. I will pray for you all to continue to offer your labors unto the Lord. Your son must be a very special gift to have such a strong will. I still want to encourage you to determine to win. By God's grace you will win on many levels and in many ways.
Dr. Ray Guarendi knows a lot about such things. I would bet that he would answer an email. He writes for the Nat. Catholic Register and has a web page http://www.drray.com/
Post what happens so if we face the same issue with our next child we can learn and build on your example.
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