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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Terrified - how to teach road safety to a 3 yr old

21 replies

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2007 22:43

Dd has just turned 3. I have banged on to her and ds (4) about road safety all of their lives. Ds has the message and seems trustworthy on roads. Dd doesn't have the sense she was born with.

Dh and I were out with them on bikes today and were on the pavement. Someone stopped and asked for directions. Within seconds dd had crossed the grass verge and was heading for the middle of the road. We got her straight away but dh and I were nearly in tears at the thought of what could have happened and tbh we shouted at her! However, she just went skipping off down the road. I have imposed the harshest sanction I can think of (she has gone to bed without her beloved elephants).

I have tried everything I can think of. Part of the problem is that we live in a village and she doesn't really understand how busy roads can be.

Can anyone help? We are terrified now that if we take our eyes off her for a second (which we won't be doing!) she may be in danger.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

gringottsgoblin · 01/09/2007 22:43

baby reins

gringottsgoblin · 01/09/2007 22:44

sorry, didnt mean to be so blunt! but baby reins deffo

policywonk · 01/09/2007 22:45

How scary for you. DS1 ran straight into the middle of a road once, right in front of a car. Luckily the car was only doing 10mph and managed to stop in time, but I felt shaky and tearful for days afterwards.

I was going to say reins as well. She'll probably hate them, so you'll be able to use taking them off as an incentive for her to show you that she can be sensible.

Original poster

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2007 22:47

Used reins when younger but don't you think that 3 is too old for reins?

OP posts:

kitsandbits · 01/09/2007 22:49

get her one of these, not as babyish as reins and my sone loves his - keeps his juice in it whilst out

kitsandbits · 01/09/2007 22:50

my sons nearly 3 - but we live in Manchester - very busy roads.

RustyBear · 01/09/2007 22:50

Not if she "doesn't have the sense she was born with."
Which would you rather have - someone thinking "That child is a bit old for reins" or your DD hit by a car?

kitsandbits · 01/09/2007 22:50

They sell them in John Lewis if you have one near.

gringottsgoblin · 01/09/2007 22:51

not too old if she is running into the road.

gess · 01/09/2007 22:51

Reins. DS1 (8) goes on reins sometimes (he has a learning disability) because he has no sense near roads. Being safe is more important than what it looks like.

gess · 01/09/2007 22:53

here he is aged about 6 with his reins.

Original poster

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2007 22:54

Ok - the reins will keep her safe for now and will think about it, thanks all for the suggestion, but does anyone have any ideas as to how I might get the message across?

OP posts:

mollymawk · 01/09/2007 22:54

Agree with kitsandbits about the rucksack - we have one as well. I use it a lot for my DS2 who is 2 and never wants to hold my hand but to "walk self", so we put the lead thing on the rucksack and he can't get away.
And I think 3 is not too old for one of these (or indeed reins) - it's all about the personality of the child, how likely they are to suddenly forget about road safety, etc.
The best way to teach road sense must be to get the children out walking as much as possible and this a good safe way to do it.

kitsandbits · 01/09/2007 22:55

Awww he absolutly goregeous Gess!

Nice blog too

gess · 01/09/2007 22:56

thanks- am going back to it now, ahving had a bit of a summer break. Not really a blog (although it kind of is), more an product review site, please pass it on to anyone who might find it useful

mollymawk · 01/09/2007 22:57

Original poster

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2007 22:57

Lovely photos Gess!! OK, will get one of those little tykes bag thingies, but as I said, any help as to how to get the message acoss gratefully received.

Oh and thanks again everyone from replying. Its much appreciated.

OP posts:

superalienstitch · 01/09/2007 22:57

gl, was your three year old on his own bike? i wouldnt be able to do that. too scarey.
if just walking, then kids should hopefully pick it up from you as they walk out with you, either holding your hand, or with those wretched dog leash type thigs.

gess · 01/09/2007 23:00

thanks

I think tbh they just get it eventually. Even ds1 has finally learned this summer to 'walk with mummy' (although I don't let him go near roads). DS3 (aged 2) is a total nightmare- he runs off on purpose. DS2 was much quicker at understanding - but he's more serious than ds3. Just keep them safe until they understand.....

Original poster

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2007 23:00

Yes she was. Would point out though that this was on a 10ft plus wide path (including verge) in a quiet village an.d it has no pedals so she just walks along with it

OP posts:

mollymawk · 01/09/2007 23:02

Agree with superalienstitch - I guess that the best way to get the message across is just repetition, repetition, repetition. Going out walking and mentioning what to be careful of all the time.
I think they can know the "theory" very well without really having any understanding of the risks - my DS2 will happily answer questions like "If you run into the road and a car is coming what will happen?" with the reply "Car squash me" but I wouldn't trust him for a second not to do it!

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