You’re standing on the corner, heart racing, as your kid bolts ahead without even glancing sideways. To keep your anxiety in check and ensure your child’s safety, try this trick: make a game of counting cars. Tell them, 'Let's see how many red cars go by before we cross. I'll start!' Kids love games (even ones with no prize), and it gives them a reason to look in both directions.
Now, why do they do this? Honestly, small humans have a radar for mischief and a lack of understanding about moving vehicles. At age three, my first loved the thrill of escaping my grip at the intersection of Elm Street (which, yes, still gives me nightmares). Kids that age live in the moment, completely secure in their invincibility.
Here are a few strategies that worked for us:
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Sing a silly song: There's nothing like a goofy tune to capture their interest. Make it up on the spot—'Look left, look right, make sure it's alright!' The sillier the better, trust me.
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Red light, green light: Tell them to imagine the curb is a traffic light. They can only move if the light is green (you make the change). If they start crossing without a 'green light', make a funny noise like a buzzer.
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Practice with a toy car scenario: Use toy cars and figures at home to play out crossing the street. Exaggerate what happens when the figure doesn't look both ways (toys ‘fly’ into the air, laughs ensue).
Here's a real-world scene: You're walking to the park, and you anticipate the street corner chaos. You stop a few feet from the crossing and say, 'Before we get to the street, what's our car count?' They might groan, or rather, they will groan, but stick with it. Say, 'I saw three red cars and two blue ones. What about you?' This not only gets them looking but also thinking. And if they get it wrong, who cares? They're looking both ways.
For those 'independent thinkers' who might fuss, remind them that superheroes always do a quick scan before action. Sounds corny, but ask any parent—corny has its merits.
Lastly, while there’s no magic formula (that I’ve found), these little bits can make the walks less nerve-wracking. Start with the car count game today. It might not become the highlight of your day, but your kid’s safety—that’s what counts.