Funny how that question only comes up when you’re running late from answering, “but why mommy”, all morning long. Now your patience is totally gone but at least the kids are finally getting into the car and bam, that’s when they hit you with the “Mommy, why do I have to wear my seat belt?” question.
Aaaaah!, you’re about to go ballistic and just before you scream those dreaded words, a vision flashes before your eyes and you’re in the car seat and your mother is screaming “BECAUSE I SAID SO !!!, and you swearing you would never-ever even think of saying those words, ha, welcome to parenthood.
So, you put on your calm mommy face and remember that the same question may mean different things at different ages.
For the younger ones, it’s most likely a “comfort” thing. By now wearing a seatbelt is a habit for them, and they’re not at the age to question the rules, yet. Not wanting to wear a seatbelt is your clue that something is not quite right. Perhaps the strap is too tight? Do I need to add or take away a pad? Or does the seat need to be adjusted?
The animal learning network supports the proper use of child safety devices in a moving vehicle. Our kids grow so fast, clothes no longer fit, new diaper size, it never stops. The same applies to your child’s safety device. Remember as they are growing and changing and so may the recommended safety settings. Regularly check that your child is within the recommended safety settings guidelines. If not, please adjust, as they work best when used properly. Enough of the preachy stuff, I’ll try to keep it to a minimum.
Now if they’re pushing back on “inside the house” stuff, then it’s a safe bet they’ll push back on car stuff too. They’re testing their independence and wanting control over themselves. The key is to give them control, just not the control they’re expecting. Change it from “Whether or not they’re going to wear a seatbelt?” To “Whether they are “big enough” or insert “cool phrase here”, enough to put it on themselves.
Praising anything they do independently in the seatbelt process is not only motivating for continued success, but it’s also great for their self-esteem. Be patient as learning to put on their seatbelt by themselves can be a bit of a process. However, if you remember to celebrate the small wins along the path to successful independence it can be a wonderfully empowering journey for your little one, a proud moment for you and perhaps a small dose of regret, they’re growing up too fast.