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What made you get certified? I find myself now wanting to do it. I am not sure of cost or if I can even get into a class but I want to badly to make sure every child I know is safe in their car.
What made you go for it?
I did it because there was a definite need in my area.
But I do need to caution you, expecting that every child you know will be safe in their car is completely unrealistic. You will work with lots of people who will choose not to do best practice, who will insist their kiddo be turned at one and 20, who will insist on a booster at 3 and 30, who will fail to properly snug the harness or put their kids in puffy coats...no matter what you tell them.
A more realistic expectation is 'I will try to ensure that every parent I come in contact with gets the best information out there, delivered in a manner that will hopefully allow them to be receptive, and to keep the future lines of communication open with me.'. :twocents:
A more realistic expectation is 'I will try to ensure that every parent I come in contact with gets the best information out there, delivered in a manner that will hopefully allow them to be receptive, and to keep the future lines of communication open with me.'. :twocents:
This, although I would go so far as to say "every parent who wants the information," rather than everyone I come in contact with. People don't usually take kindly to a stranger (or even a friend) walking up to them and offering advice.
My friends know I'm certified, and if they want information, they come to me. I rarely say anything to them unsolicited.
As for strangers, I NEVER give advice unless it's something extremely egregious (like the time I followed a woman into a parking lot when her child was literally bouncing all over the car unbelted). If I'm in the car seat section of a store, I often let people know that I'm a tech in case they have any questions (and they usually take me up on the offer), but I don't say anything beyond that without their invitation.
One of the hardest parts about being a tech (or an advocate) is knowing when to keep one's mouth shut, and then actually doing it. And not dwelling on other people's mistakes. And not taking it personally when people don't take our advice.
That's not to say that it's all misery. The benefits are when people DO want information and DO follow recommendations.
This, although I would go so far as to say "every parent who wants the information," rather than everyone I come in contact with. People don't usually take kindly to a stranger (or even a friend) walking up to them and offering advice.
I think children should be properly restrained. I think children should be breastfed until at least age 2. I think children should watch less than an hour of television per day. I think children should not eat anything with HFCS in it. (And I can back all this up with good research.)
I don't approach other parents to offer my opinion about their tv/movie viewing, formula-feeding, or snacking. It would be rude and intrusive. Carseats are no different.
Absolutely agree. :thumbsup:
(Although my intent was 'every parent I come in contact with in my role as a tech' , meaning at check events, etc.)
Thanks for pointing that out!
I became interested in 2002 when my first son was born with health problems that made it increasingly less possible for him to safely ride in a regular seat. After he passed away I promised myself that some day I would do what I could to find an appropriate way to transport kids just like him. So I became certified. I took the special needs class. And I'm still looking. Options are slightly better, but still lacking for what some kids need.
I have a friend who is a police officer and also a tech. I told him to keep his ears open if there was a class around for me. He let me know when and that's how I got started with it. I think that was in 2007.
I figured that's what you meant but wanted to clarify just in case.
No but you bet your bottom dollar that I have called the cops when I see babies on laps and 2 year olds dancing in the back seat on a highway.
Blatantly breaking the law is one thing (and even so, you involved the authorities, whose job it is to respond to broken laws -- you didn't handle it yourself), but legitimate parenting differences (like boostering) is quite another.
I am going to have to disagree. I don't think that it is the same at all. Those other things will not kill the child. Not being properly strapped in a car seat can be deadly.
I agree with the other things you said and feel the same way. But car seats to me is definitely different.
do I think that means I should go check every car that goes past me and see if the child is safe? No but you bet your bottom dollar that I have called the cops when I see babies on laps and 2 year olds dancing in the back seat on a highway.
Babies on laps and 2 year olds unrestrained...heck, we ALL want to call the police on those people...and many of us (techs or not) do call.
I think the point was this:
If the parent of a 23 lb 16 mo old has her child forward-facing, he/she is not in violation of the law. If her seat is properly installed, the harness is properly snug, the seat is being used according to manufacturer's instructions...that child is safe. SafEST? No.
Would I give unsolicited advice if I saw this parent in the parking lot of Walmart? Probably not. Just as I wouldn't comment on them giving the child juice, or a lollipop, or a bottle either.
There's a continuum here. Lots and lots of shades of gray. Very little black and white.
I am going to have to disagree. I don't think that it is the same at all. Those other things will not kill the child. Not being properly strapped in a car seat can be deadly.
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