Green Treehouse

My preschooler thinks it’s time for a new car. Why? She wants a different color, preferably black or silver–apparently the colors that top her “cool car” list. Keep in mind two weeks ago she wanted an entirely different color scheme. Thank goodness she’s not yet requesting pinstripe hues. Perhaps that’s to come during her teenage years.

If rising gas prices have you thinking about a new family car color, check out Yahoo’s Top 100 Green Cars. The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,350) with 45/40 fuel economy tops the list, followed by the 2008 Toyota Prius (MSRP $21,100) and the 2008 Mazda Tribute (MSRP $25,485).

Oh, did I mention she also wants a new booster seat to match the car? Is a new car or car seat on your preschooler’s wishlist?

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Calling all Moms and Dads: How do you get out the door on weekday mornings with your children? Countless parents struggle with getting out the door each morning and getting to school, daycare or work on time.

What are your secrets? Do you lay out your children’s outfits the night before? Do you shave seconds off each morning by using an easy-to-buckle car seat? Do you pump while putting on your makeup?

Please, do tell. Parents everywhere will thank you.

As I piled my kids into the car after the first snowstorm of the season, my preschooler asked, “Mom, is it safe to drive the car after it snows?”  After giving a brief age appropriate explanation about snow driving, I started thinking about ways to minimize driving hazards in all weather conditions–not just in snow.  Driving with precious kid cargo aboard makes safety an even bigger priority, especially since kid-related distractions can potentially increase driving risks.

Here are 7 tips for safer driving:

1.  Buckle up.  Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seat belt.  Kids should be properly restrained in age appropriate child seats–also be sure car seats are properly installed in your vehicle.     

2.  Be alert.  Put down the cell phone (or consider a hands-free headset if you must talk while driving).  Leave the MP3 player or radio alone while you’re in motion–wait until you’ve stopped.  Concentration is crucial.

3.  Keep safe distances.  Years ago, my driver’s education instructor explained the importance of the two (or three) second rule.  That rule says you need to stay a couple of seconds behind the vehicle you’re following.

4.  Be on guard.  This goes with being alert and keeping safe distances, but it also entails driving defensively–being ready to avoid accidents.  Having an escape route.  Just in case.

5.  Observe road rules.   Speed limits.  Road construction signs.  Cross-walks.  Red flashing bus lights.  Obeying traffic laws is a critical component for safe driving–as a bonus, when you obey those laws, it teaches your children to respect them, too. 

6.  Keep loose objects secured.   If you get into an accident, loose objects in the car, like toys or trash, could become projectile missiles.  Consider cargo nets or backseat organizers to contain your objects to keep you, your kids, and others safe.

7.  Discipline later, when possible.  A calm car is incredibly important for safe driving.  Teach your kids that your job is to keep them (and others) safe on the road.  This means they’ve got to behave in a safe way, too.  No throwing objects.  No yelling–that includes you, too!