{ask the expert}
Click It or… Help!
By Lyla Tyler

Q: My child hates buckling up and throws tantrums whenever we get in the car. What can I do to make him understand it is for his own safety?

A: Wearing a seatbelt is nonnegotiable, of course, and safety lectures (even, “It’s the law!”) aren’t always persuasive with the preschool set. Try these methods for getting kids on board with the seatbelt rule:

• Do not move the car until everyone buckles up. You may have to cancel a fun activity or have your child explain why he was late to school, to let him know you mean business. If your child unbuckles his seatbelt while you are driving, pull over to a safe place and state that the car is not moving until he puts his seatbelt back on.
  
• Get good role models on board. Everyone in the car needs to follow the seatbelt rule. Besides wearing your own seatbelt, remember that you’re modeling good coping skills for your child every time you stay calm in the face of frustration.
  
• Make buckling up more comfortable. Even if your child is past the legal requirements for a booster seat (six years or sixty pounds), giving him that boost can help his seatbelt fit better. You can also purchase a device that adjusts the angle of the belt or get a soft cover. Many children with sensory integration issues resist wearing a seatbelt. A child with tactile dysfunction, for example, may be oversensitive to the seatbelt rubbing against his neck. If you think your child is showing signs of a sensory integration disorder, talk to your pediatrician.