Try these easy parent-tested techniques
by Lynn Utzman-Nichols
Whether you
live on a quiet cul-de-sac or busy city road, your toddler needs to learn the
rules of the road. Studies show that crossing a road safely takes complex
mental skills that most kids don’t acquire until age 8. That means parents need
to take the lead in managing road safety. The key to toddler road safety is
simple rules and a serious tone. Try these easy parent-tested techniques to
keep your toddler safe.
This is an
old saying that still holds great value. Take your child to the curb where cars
pass and have her listen to the road sounds. Ask her what she hears.
Oftentimes, toddlers go 100 miles an hour, so having her stop and observe with
all her senses raises her awareness. One mom makes a point to loudly say
“whoosh!” when a car passes to emphasize that the sound of a car means danger,
adding a quick “step back!” and “hand!” to increase her daughter’s awareness
and secure her safety. Explain that the road is for cars and the sidewalk is
for people. Finally, involve your child in the decision-making process of
determining when it is safe to cross the road.
Here’s
another basic road rule that’s passed down from generation to generation, and
for good reason. Revise it by teaching them to take one more look—look left,
look right, and then look left again. This habit will pay off when they are
teenagers riding bikes as we all know how quickly a car can pull up to an
intersection and turn right without stopping.
Cars are
big, heavy things. Toddlers need to respect them. One mom told her 18-month-old
son that cars can ‘run you over and squash you.’ Graphic, but true. She gives
the example of squashing a bug—something her toddler understands—saying a car
can squash you like a mosquito. Another mom tells her toddler that ‘cars can’t
see you’ so you must watch them extra closely.
This is a
must for toddlers, not only when crossing the road, but in parking lots as
well. One mom suggests saying ‘hand please!’ in a firm voice. Holding your
child’s hand also keeps them from running ahead and impulsively taking a detour
in the road.
Toddlers learn
by imitation. One father tells about how he was in a hurry so he crossed
against a light with his 5-year-old son. When the boy got home he told his mom
he was very confused about the right thing to do when crossing the street. If
daddy did it, wasn’t it okay? This is a great reminder that consistency is king
when it comes to rules. Always wait for the ‘walking man’ at lights. If you see
people crossing against the light make a point to say ‘Look at them! They are
not being safe!’
If a ball
rolls into a street, chances are a toddler will want to chase it. Give your
toddler a lesson in calling for help when this happens. Practice stopping at
the curb and calling a phrase, like ‘Help, Mommy!’ so it is on their tongue for
when they really need it.
Riding
around the block is a big adventure for a 2-year-old. It can be a scary one for
parents with little speedsters who want to cruise ahead and go fast. Give the
rule that they can’t go faster than you. Teach them about curbs and that they
must always stop at the curb or at a crossing. One dad has his son stop and get
off his bike each time a car passes.
If your
child is riding his trike in front of the house make a steadfast rule that they
can’t go beyond the neighbor’s fence or another strong visual marker that is
near your house. Of course, he can’t do this without your supervision. To
increase safety and riding toys, consider getting a vehicle with a removable
stick that allows you to control it when needed.
Always
remember to have your child wear safety gear. Let him pick out a helmet and
decorate it with stickers—whatever it takes to get him excited to wear it.
Remember you are the role model and you need to always wear a helmet when riding
also.