Toddler Will Not Sit in Car Seat Harness

It sounds to me like this is not so much about the car seat, but a control issue and power struggle. She could pull the same behavior over bedtimes, which clothing to wear, what she want's to eat. She need's to recognize that you are the authority and she must obey. How do you get her to obey in other areas?Unfortunately, car safety is not an area you can compromise in order to get her to obey. The screaming is really just a temper tantrum and is unacceptable. You need to play mean mommy and tell her this is the way it is, like it or not, and she must obey you and not carry on when she doesn't get her way, and if she continues with the screaming and carrying on, it's time for a punishemnt.

I just read an idea on this board (I think) where a Mom took her child to the police station and the police officer explained that it is the law for him/her to sit in the seat with the harness.

I'm not sure if that would work or not, but I would call your police station and ask to come in and have it shown in a gentle way to your daughter. Then, take both kids there so they are clear. If your daughter refuses, gently remind her what the policeman/woman said.

I thought it was a good idea and I would use it if I needed to...which I'm sure I eventually will. Lol.

Good luck.

T.

Your kids are about the same age as mine, except my daughter is 5 and my son is almost 3. I know how difficult it can be, especially when they want what they see as "equal treatment." My husband and I have a rule: "We do not negotiate with terrorists." Let them cry it out. They learn, and if we're lucky, they stop. We try our best to ignore any and all tantrums, especially with regard to making decisions about their safety and ultimate happiness.

I know alot of parents disagree with this philosophy, but we've always employed this rule, and it works well for us.

Good luck!!

Not that you should change your car seat...but my daughter is 3 and is 32lbs and 38in tall. I have seen some car seats or I guess boosters that use the regular seat belt that are for 30lbs and 40in tall kids. I was thinking about getting one of these for when she is 40in tall. Iwas going to ask the mams what they think about these but just have not yet.

I had a toddler that was 2 years old and would try to get out of his carseat. I happened to be driving past a police car that was parked looking for speeding cars. I stopped and asked the officer if he could help me with a two year old that wouldn't stay in his car seat. I was really worried that my son could get out when we were on the highway and that something could happen. He said he had a two year old at home and would be happy to assist. He had a talk with my two year old about how necessary it was for him to stay in his seat for safety reasons. He was very nice and personable to my son, but that was the last time my son ever tried to get out of his carseat. Case closed. My son is 13 now and we still love to tell that story to him.