View Single Post
Old November 17, 2010, 05:26 PM   #3
pax
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 16, 2000
Location: In a state of flux
Posts: 7,520
Now you know the problem. That's half the solution! Just make a conscious decision not to let that happen again.

Here's the other half the solution: build "breaks" into your child securing routine. Unlock the door, then take a long, good look around before grabbing your kid out of the shopping cart or stroller. Pick up the kid, then glance around as you move toward the car with him. Place him in the seat, then lift your head and look out the back window before you fiddle with the seat belts. Buckle his seat, then stand up and look around before going for the stroller. None of these breaks (except the first, very thorough one) has to be very long, but they do have to be conscious. You are far less likely to get surprised if you make a habit of looking around whenever there's a natural break in your movements.

Even young children can be very helpful in your quest to be aware of people around you, especially if you can make a game of it. Is your just learning to count? Try this: "Let's count the people in the parking lot today! How many do you see?" Or ask them to help you find "everyone wearing a pink shirt" (trust me, most little kids will then tell you about everyone they see, pink shirt or not). Use their sharp little eyes to remind you to use your own.

Finally, use your spouse and your older kids to help you with the younger ones whenever possible. That leaves your own eyes and hands free to deal with the world around you.

pax
(mom to five boys)
__________________
Kathy Jackson
My personal website: Cornered Cat
pax is offline  
 
Page generated in 0.02401 seconds with 8 queries