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Original poster

How to stop 4yo winding (manual) car window down

32 replies

Bearbun · 05/05/2024 16:31

DH and I have just had the mother of all rows about whether it's unsafe for 4.5yo DS to wind his window down when it's hot. The compromise we've reached is to try and find some kind of gadget that allows him to wind it an inch or so but no further. Does such a thing exist? I've found locks online that make it impossible to wind it at all, but ideally I'd like him to be able to wind it a little bit a) to avoid him overheating in the summer and b) to allow him a little bit of autonomy/control over his environment. Any ideas?

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MrsTerryPratchett · 05/05/2024 19:29

I think you and I had this very discussion!

Grin
NoTouch · 05/05/2024 19:33

When I’m driving I don’t even let adults control the windows 😂. Affects the car AC and the noise hurts my ears!

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MrsTerryPratchett · 05/05/2024 19:34

NoTouch · 05/05/2024 19:33

When I’m driving I don’t even let adults control the windows 😂. Affects the car AC and the noise hurts my ears!

Oi mum (I assume you are my mum), stop telling everyone what to do with their windows. I used to bake in the back because of my mum's bloody ears.

I'm still annoyed 40 years later.

Librarybooker · 05/05/2024 20:30

I’m trying to picture if our DS could even reach the means to open a car window when in his car seat at that age. Speaking personally, having rear car windows open can be irritating. A bit of airflow from the front windows being open is better, if no aircon.

Mammma91 · 05/05/2024 20:36

Bearbun · 05/05/2024 18:44

I should clarify that the row was probably more about our different approaches to risk in general - DH thinks I'm reckless and I think he wraps the DC in cotton wool - and about him feeling undermined when I question him in front of the DC. His concern about the window is that DS will throw something out that will distract an oncoming driver and cause them to swerve, or will stick his arm out when a car is passing too close and get his hand broken. My POV is that he should be allowed to open/close the window a little if he's hot/cold.
DH suffers from pretty bad anxiety in general and literally lies awake in bed imagining awful fates that might befall the DC and figuring out how to avoid them. Also our marriage is in the toilet so non-issues turn into issues very easily.
I think @cranberrypi's and @Fivebyfive2's suggestions will work. DS is generally quite compliant when there's a clear rule in place (especially with a visual!) but is verrrry argumentative if you just spring a request on him - like if we were driving and suddenly said "don't open your window!"
Alternatively @Mammma91 do you have a picture of what you mean? I'm trying to imagine it but can't! Probably just being dense!

Sorry OP - my description wasn’t very clear. I can’t find it on the boots website but it’s these! The block the window going all the way down and the suction cups are amazing you’d have to properly pull them off - even I struggle! So the window only is slightly cracked by a few cm.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ACELIFE-Window-Shades-Protection-Sunshades/dp/B0CQNQCXY9/ref=asc_df_B0CQNQCXY9/?linkCode=df0&hvadid=691993303832&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17583129487329361072&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1007330&hvtargid=pla-2292220256849&psc=1&mcid=5ba9679f3d0a377a9046f2309400600b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI56edsqD3hQMVMppQBh07eAPbEAQYAyABEgLrRfD_BwE&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-parenting-5068931-how-to-stop-4yo-winding-manual-car-window-down

WonderingWanda · 05/05/2024 20:36

We don't have manual windows but I used to lock mine from the front on fast roads because (in disagreemen with most posters on here) at 50 + mph I wouldn't want my child sticking a hand out of the window and I've had too many windscreens smashed by rocks being flung up from trucks on the motorway to take the risk of something coming through the window.

I like the suggestion of one of those sticky blinds so he can only wind it down an inch.

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