User: Stanford1969

As some boys approach puberty they might start to take an active interest in restraints. I know I did the first time I was put in a harness at age 11 and I can see that it has a "stimulating effect" on my 12 year old. In many ways it's just a normal reaction. Boys that age can be easily turned on. I'm not saying parents and caregivers should be upset or "freak-out" over it. It's just something that you need to be aware might happen.

It's really quite simple. You just start with a good sturdy car seat that had armrests and a high back with padding on either side of the child's head for protection from side impact. If you do a google images search I'm sure you'll find many examples.

Small sized dog collars work well as wrist cuffs and sports headbands can be used to hold a child's head in place. It's not uncommon for kids to play games where they tie each other up. You can just approach this as a game of sorts and they'll be less likely to resist when the time comes. Also you need let your child get used to the idea in steps.

It really does require some trust on their part. Once the boys have been secured and strapped in their seats for the trip they're totally helpless and they know it. With blindfolds they can't even see where they are. I do own a set of ball gags but I don't think I'd ever go so far as to use them.

Sure I can tell you more.

The boys usually spend the day before the trip playing sports or swimming so that when the time comes they're tired out and ready to sleep. Just before getting into the minivan the diapers go on. Since they're getting a bit bigger they don't care for pull-ups, the fit is too tight in the front and they're prone to leaks. The boys are more comfortable with Star Diapers and plastic pants. And they don't mind having their mother or I doing the actual diapering. They get the best fit that way. We get the youngest diapered first and then his older brother.

Once diapered they put on T-shirts and we walk to the van. We have an attached garage so they have privacy as they climb in and are positioned in their carseats. The seats are locked, the cuffs and nightshades go on and their heads are secured. If it's fall or winter I'll cover them up with a light blanket. Since they're used to the drill there's really no fuss.

The boys might talk a bit for the 15 minutes or so and ask to listen to music, but after half an hour they fall asleep and are out for the rest of the night. By the time we get to LA they're well rested and the diapers come off. They don't wet on every drive but it happened often enough that we wouldn't want to make the drive without protection.

It's an easy and safe way to travel with kids. I've talked about it with a few other parents and some of them are considering trying it for their own children.

Is there anything else you'd like to know? If so feel free to ask.

A harness is one thing but a collar is demeaning. It's also dangerous to have something like that around the neck. It could cause chocking. Kids shouldn't be collared.

In less than a year President Obama will be private citizen Obama. At that time he'll have no more right to set policy than I do. So what does it matter?