one study found 84% of child restraint systems showed critical misuses

Could there be a more torturous activity than being a tot strapped in a car seat for hours at a time? Not from his point of view and odds are, he’ll let you know about his displeasure…very loudly!

on the road again

Have you ever had the shoulder belt of your seat belt lock when you are driving and I’m not talking about when you’re in an accident [better lock up then!]? It just locks up and you can’t move forward. How confining and annoying! So who could blame your tot for getting a little irritated as he sits in his 5 point harnesses with barely any wiggle room! It’s our job to keep him safe, which means being in a car seat at ALL times as you travel, but it’s also our job to make the journey as painless for everyone in the vehicle. Here are tips to tame the travel tantrums: goin to disney

• hey what’s that? In a nutshell, your main mission for getting from point A to point B is simply distraction. Whether it’s a game, nap, food or drink, your best mode of defense from a meltdown is to keep your tot occupied so he doesn’t remember where he is and that he doesn’t really like it.

• sweet dreams A sleeping tot is ideal as you travel, so try to time your travel around nap time and get a few hours of silence.

• entertain New toys, colors, movies & games can be a big hit. Be sure and consider the Fargo, West Fargo & Moorhead Libraries where you can check out kits that include books, games & crafts or download e-books that are narrated. This is an awesome resources and great for the older kiddos too!

• everybody pees Before leaving the house or as you are on the road and get closer to the time your tot will nap, make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom.

The best way to wake a content sleeping tot…make a pit stop for a potty break!

• snack attack Bring along easy to eat [and store] snacks for your tot. Try to keep them as healthy as possible because a big sugar buzz is not going to help your cause. Be very conscious of the choking hazard snacks and food may pose.

Cinderella, Prince Charming, Goofy & Mickey…it’s a preschoolers utopia in southern Florida. The magic kingdom can provide memories of a lifetime, but hopefully they don’t create flashbacks of Disney World gone amuck for you!

Truly, a trip to any of the Disney theme parks can be magical for you and your preschooler. I mean how fun to watch your preschooler meet the real Snow White…

preschoolers [3–5 years]