It seems lately that I am coming across not only strangers, but friends as well that have their car seats installed incorrectly or their children strapped in wrong. I want their children to be safe, so I want to try to help them correct the problem. However, I know that I get annoyed when other parents try and tell me what to do (even if they're right), so my question is does anyone have any advice as to how I can brooch this subject without making the parent I'm addressing feel like I'm judging or attacking them? Right now I try and take the approach of "I did the same thing when DS was younger, until another mom corrected me", but it seems I still upset some people. Thanks for any tips or advice you can give me!
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In need of some advice!
- Thread starter SammieB
- Start date
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MaggieQ
Senior Community Member
I always start with a compliment. " Your daughter is so beautiful, I can't believe how big she's getting!" The I lead in with the problem. "Oops, her straps are twisted, do you mind if I fix it?" And then fix it, while un-twisting explain why they need to be flat, tight, chest clip at arm pit. And then I compliment again. "I just love this car seat! You made a really good choice." I tend to fix more than just the twist, lol. Tighter or at the correct slot, while also explaining, like you're noticing as you go along.
If they're a close friend, I have no problem stepping on toes, lol. Fix it or she'll get hurt, the end.
Sent from my EVO using Car-Seat.Org
If they're a close friend, I have no problem stepping on toes, lol. Fix it or she'll get hurt, the end.
Sent from my EVO using Car-Seat.Org
DanaherMama
New member
I am having the same problem right now.. People who I know are wonderful parents but are extremely unaware of car seat safety...But it is so hard to try to help correct the mistakes without coming off as a know it all 
smileybrea
CPS Technician
I also start with a compliment then something like "Can I share something with you" or "Oops! His/her strap is twisted, it's too loose, chest clip is too low, etc. Mind if I fix that for you". While I'm fixing, I explain why and usually say something about not knowing better with B and wish someone would've stopped me or fixed it. The hardest part is starting the conversations but most people are thankful. Just remember, you have a chance to save a life..don't worry about how the info will be received.
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