Things You'll Need:
- Buckle guard or safety sleeve
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Step 1
Establish a rule. Tell children you will not start the car or keep it moving unless all riders have buckled their seat belts. Shorten it to a simple statement for easy repetition such as, "No seat belt, no ride."
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Step 2
Model the behavior by buckling up. Parents' actions send a strong message to children about what is really important.
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Step 3
Keep children occupied while riding in the car. Give them car safe toys and books. Busy hands and minds are less likely to unbuckle seat belts.
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Step 4
Stop driving when children unbuckle while riding. Pull the car into a parking lot. Provide a calm reminder of the rule: no seat belt, no ride. Keep the car engine off until children buckle their seat belts. For children too young to buckle their own seat belts, calmly buckle them in and state the rule.
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Step 5
Compliment children who improve their behavior. Praise them for following the rule. Do this the first time the desired behavior occurs. Make your voice and face convey your pleasure.
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Step 6
Purchase a buckle guard or safety sleeve. These are particularly useful for toddlers who can unbuckle seat belts but not buckle them. The devices attach to standard seat belts and prevent little fingers from depressing the belt release button.
