I turned in my son

Crystalina wrote: Today was the last straw. I'm getting really tired of Evan not sitting in his car seat the right way. He pulls his arms out so his belt is only around his waist and he will turn around to look out of the back window.He has the type that goes over his head and locks between his legs. I have told him again and again and I have pulled over and fixed him yet he still does it. He did it today again and I turned the car around and headed for the State Patrol barracks. I hauled him and Izabella (she sits the right way) in there and asked for an officer to come out and show him the proper way to sit. I told them that I didn't want them to scare him because he loves cops and firemen but I wanted THEM to tell him because he looks up to them. The Trooper was so nice and told Evan that if he wants to grow up and be a Trooper he has to sit the right way in his seat. It worked and he sat the right way for the rest of the day. Hopefully he doesn't forget this little trip.

DVFlyer replied: Be sure to praise him for sitting correctly. That and Duct Tape should do the trick.

PrairieMom replied: I didn't even know you could do that! I'm keepin that in mind for when Ben misbehaves!

BAC'sMom replied: My Mom did the same thing to my daughter about 3 years ago. She took down to the Sheriff Office here in town, because she kept on getting out of her seatbelt. It scared the crap out of that child, now every time she gets in the car she puts on her seatbelt and STAYS in it. And if you happen to put the car in gear before she finishes getting belted up, she has a complete melt down. Sounds cruel but it worked with her.

jem0622 replied: Kudos to Mommy for setting him on the right track! WTG!

Crystalina replied: Oh yes, I praised him all the way home. And the Trooper and I made sure he knew he was not in any trouble. I don't want him to be afraid of cops.

Kaitlin'smom replied: what a great idea. Kait cant get hers undone like that, that was one of the reasons I did not one like you described cause I know way to many kids who did the same thing as your son was doing. Kait does like to ask everyone in the car to buckle up

good job mom

luvmykids replied: Great idea! Glad it worked!

AlexsPajamaMama replied: Wow Great job Mom!! That's a great idea!!
We tell Alex that the police will get mad if he doesnt hold hands in a parking lot....but he doesnt have any issues sitting in his car seat at all.
Im so happy to hear that that worked for you...so far!!

A&A'smommy replied: wow that was smart I hope it has taught him something

mom89 replied: Oh I'm having the same problem with mine!!! Except mines only 3...

Crystalina replied:
Evan is only 2!

ilovemybaby replied: Abby has already started getting her arm out on one side (out of the 5-point harness type). So I have to buy this thing to go up the top of the belt on her chest so she can't do it.

redchief replied:
Mmmm... Duct tape.

I can't believe the number of special behavior correcting requests I get from parents during visits to the firehouse. I understand it though. To our kids we must sound like so much old news sometimes... I guess a different voice of authority, especially from someone a child looks up to, can have a real effect.

ilovemybaby replied: Yeah I never tried to get out of my seatbelt or anything. My dad used to be a Policeman. So we didn't get up to much.
I tell Paul off if he starts to drive when I haven't put my belt on yet. And if he doesn't put his belt on straight away. He usually drives out the driveway before putting it on and puts it on as he is driving down our road. And I don't like that.

redchief replied:
I so do that.

jacobsmama replied: WTG mom!!! and good for him for sitting the right way and heres hoping he will remember this trip for future car rides.

NEWMOM05 replied: WTG do you think that will work with my DH? I have to beg him to wear a seatbelt.

Crystalina replied:
Do you know what I do to get DH to wear his seatbelt? I get the kids on my side. I say, "Don't forget to tell Daddy to buckeup also." They won't shut up until he does. He hates it and is against seatbelts for whatever reason but like I tell him, maybe it won't save your life but at least you won't get a ticket. He knows of two people (my sis included) that were told if they were wearing their seatbelt they would have died. In my sisters case her baby would have died or been severly injured because she rolled her suv and she was 8 months pg. I think he just uses that as an excuse because many more have died from NOT wearing them.

MamaJAM replied:

Interesting requirement for being a cop!
I hope the little chat works and he sits safely in his seat now.