How to Keep Kids from Opening the Car Door
- 1). Lock the child safety lock on the back doors of your car. Many cars have special child safety locks on the sides of the car door while it is open. It locks the car door so the child cannot open the door from the inside, even if it is unlocked. The door can only be opened from the outside.
- 2). Lock the doors the regular way after you have buckled up your children in seat belts, booster seats or car seats. Even if you have used the child safety lock, get into the habit of locking car doors.
- 3). Keep a stash of special books, games and toys that are only kept in the car. They distract children from playing with car door handles. These types of distractions work well for all types of trips. Praise them for using the items to reinforce the good behavior.
- 4). Say "No," firmly if your child tries to open the door. You do not need to shout, but you must make it clear that opening doors is not allowed. Many children start trying to open the door when they are toddlers, around the age of two years, so creating a long list of rules would not necessarily work for them. For older children, create a family rule of not opening the car door while the car is moving.
- 5). Sing their favorite song to distract your child's attention away from the car door. A song, such as "All the Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round," pertain to the driving and has hand movements that move their hands away from the car door handle.
- 6). Play a CD for your child to keep them from opening the car door. Sing to the music and ask your child to sing along as well. Keep other toys or games in the front seat, if this does not work. These should be separate from other toys in the back seat to keep them fresh and exciting.
- 7). Offer your child a snack, such as crackers inside a plastic bag. It may be messy for your car, but it is safer than an open car door. Give your child a craft project, such as playing with play dough. It would occupy their hands.
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