Family Safety In The Car

We used to not be able to safely ride in the car as a family.

Let that sink in for a moment.

We had to take two cars, Jamie and I separating the boys, or one of us had to ride in the back with the kids and even then it wasn’t all that safe. At one point we had to have a safety plan.

We couldn’t turn left. Or stop at stoplights. Road construction was the worst. Slowing down wasn’t allowed.

I’d tell friends that we couldn’t go through drive-thrus or stop and get gas.

I think most didn’t believe me. Unless you live it, it’s hard to believe.

Car safety. It’s a real thing that families like mine have to practice.

But we practiced. We trialed and errored. We worked on his anxiety before and the build up that would almost always push him over the edge when we were packing up for a trip.

So, we practiced. We went on fake trips.

We would drive around for one minute to practice. And then build up and up. We figured out hot spots and timers and rewards and first and thens. We figured out how to arrange the kids and have success.

Today, we are driving to visit family. It’s a three-hour drive. And we are doing it together. And we aren’t holding our breath because our son AND our family has figured it all out.

It only took five years.

Keep practicing. If your kiddo struggles with car safety…trust me I know. I really, really know. Keep trying. Ask therapists for help and to practice with you.

Keep trying.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.