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We never got out the door - refusing to get into car seat. Help!
N has done this once in awhile where she'll arch her back and scream and slide herself to the floor of the car but I wouldn't say it's a habit. She did it yesterday in the parking lot of the grocery store and just did it again when we were trying to leave for the aquarium. It is SO frustrating! I tried to distract her, sing to her, etc. but every time I tried to get her into the seat, she would freak out and I have no idea why. After a few tries, I gave up, brought her in and she threw herself on the floor screaming. She is now in her crib, not sleeping but quiet. I'm scared this is turning into a pattern. This is the third time it's happened in the past five days and I don't know what to do. Please help!
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Re: We never got out the door - refusing to get into car seat. Help!
Dylan does this sometimes. usually when he's tired.
I have to wake him from naps some days to go pick up my teenager from school.
In our situation it's non-negotiable. The needs of the older child to get home in a timely fashion override Dylan's need to not be in the seat. No amount of patience, explaining or negotiating is gonna work with him. That's just his personality once he's throwing a whopper fit like that.
I physically force him in. No fanfare, just physical force. I usually try to take very deep breaths while I'm doing it so he knows I'm not angry, I'm just down to business.
He usually screams until we get out of the neighborhood and then he calms down. When he's calm again we talk about it and it's like it never happened.
I hate having to do it but sometimes I have no choice.
And... the one thing I don't want to teach him is that if he throws a big enough fit he doesn't have to get into the car or car seat.
Sometimes you just don't get your way. Life's like that. Especially when you're a kid. It breaks my heart to see him that upset but it is what it is.
Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
You've gotten good advice from the PPs that I can't add to as my LO is still so little. But, from my early childhood education background and experience with kids, I just want to throw my support to you. As you noted, she's at an age where she's still a bit too young to really understand reasoning and logic. She is trying to assert some independence and be her own person, but doesn't have the words to tell you. It will get better. You are a good mom!
FWIW, I hope that you are able to get out to the acquarium (sp!) to see the fish and the turtles!
Dylan's 3.5 and I still can't reason with him when he's in a fit like that. He just won't calm down enough to listen to logic. Granted - it's my bad because I'm waking him up but still..... it's frustrating to say the least.
My trick is to push in his lap in the hip area. It's the straightening of the body that makes it hard so if you force them into a bent seated position and then get the crotch straps anchored down you're all set.
It's ugly business for sure.
Sorry you're dealing with it!
Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
I think this is the problem with us too.
Yeah we went through this phase. Ugh.
I'm with shell, and use physical force. I set her in the seat and then lean against her shoulder with my shoulder and put my arm across her body grabbing the lock between her knees. This leaves my other hand to get the straps around her and click into the lock.