They say a picture is worth a thousand words and today, I couldn't agree more. I particularly like to talk about child restraint systems because I know that although the information is in many places, it is always good to make some reminder, either through testimonials or new recommendations.
Now I want to share a photograph, published by a mother, in which not only reminds us to always take the chair for the car of our children, but the importance of using it properly: well adjusted and countermarked.
Jenna Casado Rabberman is the mother of two children: one of 6 weeks and another who is about to turn three years old. Like any mother, he often goes out in the car with both of them and if there is one thing in which he takes particular interest is the safety of his children.
Recently he was in a traffic accident, in which another vehicle was hit with theirs by not respecting the traffic light. Her car was completely destroyed, but she and her children were saved, so he decided to share on his Facebook account the image that has now gone viral by reminding us the most important thing about child restraint systems.
I am not one of those who post very heavy or personal things on Facebook, but guys ... THIS is why you safe your children in their car seats correctly ALL THE TIME. Even when they scream because the straps are too tight. Even when they complain about the brooch or going back. Yesterday we stopped to buy milk on the way home after school. We were minutes from our house. Another car crashed into ours. You never imagine that will happen to you. My boys escaped without a scratch, but the paramedics told me it could have been very different if I hadn't taken those extra two minutes to make sure they were secured and adjusted properly. I will be fine, my children are fine, everything else can be replaced. I thank God for keeping us safe (along with Honda, Graco and Chicco).
Edited to add:
I am receiving a lot of messages with these questions so I want to add this information.
My youngest son is 6 weeks old and my oldest son is almost 3 years old.
My car was a 2015 Honda CRV. (His name was Yoshi, may he rest in peace).
The seats are Chicco Keyfit 39 (the child's) and Graco 4ever. Both were going backwards.
AND YES, THE SEATS WILL BE REPLACED.
I never imagined that this publication was seen by so many people! I really only published it for family and friends, but I hope it saves a life by making someone think twice about insuring your child. It is clear that some of you are very bad at that called human decency. I cannot say that I am surprised, I just hope that if they are ever in my situation, someone will show them the compassion they clearly need.
Jenna's photograph has been shared more than 300,000 times, reminding us that even if we drive with caution, we don't know how the other drivers come and that's why we must always take our children in their child restraint system, so let's go to the corner or a five-minute trip.
In an interview for Today, Jenna said that if an eldest son has complained about going in his seat since he was born and that he recently asked him to turn his chair in the direction of the march because many of his friends like that go in his parents' car . "He was beginning to feel that he was 'that mom' for keeping him backwards yet. I will never doubt it again!"
About the impact that his publication has had with the image of his destroyed car and the seemingly intact chairs she comments that he never thought it would go viral.
"I am grateful that we can be an example of what YES MUST BE done instead of what not. I hope people read my story and realize that car safety is not something that should be taken lightly. I I was just being a normal mom, carrying on our normal routine. I never imagined the worst but I still did everything in my power to keep my children safe, because there is nothing worth more in the world. "
Most importantly: well insured and countermarked
As Jenna says well, this story gives us an important lesson: What we should do when it comes to using our children's child restraint systems. I highlight the most important:
- Children should always travel with adequate restraint systems. Remember that there is a chair suitable for the size and weight of your children.
- Do not give in to tears or tantrums for not wanting to go in your seat. The safety of your children is more important than traveling in silence, if they refuse a lot try some things to reassure them or try to travel accompanied so that someone goes with them.
- Always secure our children in their chair, making sure that the straps are tight and all the clasps are secure.
- Take your children to countermarch at least until 4 years of age. It is proven to be the safest and recommended by experts. Do not let others feel guilty for taking him like this, he is your son and his life is more important than anyone's opinion.
Child restraint systems are misused in the car more frequently than we think. Over the years I have seen parents buy expensive child seats and install them in their seats, all for nothing. Because their children are sitting but not buckled or because the chairs are empty because the children are standing or sitting on the floor of the car.
It doesn't matter if you buy the best qualified or most expensive chair in the world. This will not help you if you don't use it well. Always use it, even on short journeys. Secure your children, take them backwards. There is nothing in the world more important than your life and your safety.
