The Car Seat Wrestling Match
Here’s what worked for us (and lots of other parents I know):
Give Them Something Special
Create excitement instead of dread. We started keeping a small toy that only comes out during car rides. My daughter now asks to get in her car seat so she plays with her “car elephant.”
Ideas that work:
• A special stuffed animal that lives in the car
• Books they only get during car rides
• Reusable window stickers to put up
• A small snack they love
Change Your Words
Instead of “Time for your car seat,” try “Let’s go get your car toy!” It shifts their focus from what they don’t want to what they do want.
Let Them Help
If they climb in themselves, let them. Takes an extra minute, but giving them control over that part eliminates most of the fighting. You still do the buckling for safety.
Make It Routine
We sing the same silly song every time: “Buckle up, buckle up, time to go!” Sounds ridiculous, but works. Kids love knowing what comes next.
Reality Check
Some days will still be hard, even with these tricks. That’s totally normal. Fighting a determined toddler feels like wrestling a tiny octopus with very strong opinions.
Most kids outgrow the intense car seat battles by age 3. You’re not doing anything wrong if yours still fights it.