Two Cents' Worth - Potty Training

Potty Training....

sigh

I'm beginning to think that keeping children in diapers is WAY easier.

We spent the entire morning on the toilet (at least 10 separate occasions) trying to get Hailey to poop on the potty.  Nothing.... even though it is her 'usual' poop time.  I've got all the tempting treats and prizes and she wants to go.... but just doesn't know how.  She will pee anytime we put her on but still doesn't tell us when she has to go.  She probably just isn't ready yet.  I will likely wait till after Christmas to really focus on training her.

Until then I will enjoy not having my day revolve around bathroom visits every 20 min (that is even more frequent than pregnancy bathroom visits).

So today I am asking for your tips and advice about potty training.  How did you get your children to use the toilet?

Check out this blog for the MOST HILARIOUS cartoon depictions of motherhood!  The latest post was on potty training as well!

Two Cents' Worth

Favouritism

Did you pester your parents as a child about who was their favourite kid?  Did they always respond with "I love you all equally" (or as my Dad always said "You are my favourite fourth oldest daughter Jen")?

Well I figured it out.... it's all a LIE!!!!!  Every parent DOES have a favourite child (unless somehow they are all miraculously the same).  Now I'm not saying every parent doesn't LOVE each child equally.  Just that they have ones that push their buttons less often than the others.


Knowing about this secret comes with a catch.... You may have a favourite child but you can NEVER.... EVER admit it or speak about it as long as you live.

I'm not very good at keeping secrets!

Two Cents' Worth

Dusty Laundry Machines

Are you among the remaining 'hold outs' that like to waste large amounts of water and electricity cleaning their laundry? (aka - a top load washer/dryer owner) 

 Well I am.... 

and I have noticed over my years of laundering that the machines can get pretty dusty on their exposed surfaces. *now this never occured to me before now - not sure why as it makes total sense AND you all probably do this already* but I figured out an easy way to keep the machines clean without making it an 'extra' chore on your to-do list.

I like to seperate all my towels/dish cloths/rags from our clothing.  I probably do one load of these a week (maybe 2).  Each time I wash them I start the washer to put the load in, turn it on warm water (cause who likes to touch freezing cold water) and grab a clean rag.  I use the running water in the washer and my rag to wipe down both machines before I put the load of laundry in.  You can also add the soap and rinse the rag in the soapy water to clean off the machines.

That's it (brilliant I know)

Use the filling washer as a tap to clean up the machines..... maybe I only have to do this because I have no sink in my laundry room (wow that would be AMAZING).

so there is your little tip on Wednesday,

take it for what it's worth

Two Cents' Worth

This will be another regular blog feature on Wednesdays (check out 'organize it' Mondays).

Two Cents' Worth

This will include tips and ideas or just something to make you think.  Topics may include house keeping, exercising, organizing, parenting, and more.  They will mostly be my opinion so take it for what it's worth :)

Alone Play Time

This one was a GREAT idea from my sister Stephanie. 

  Stephanie is just 15 mths older than me and my closest sibling (in more than just age).  She married her Swiss sweetheart just 8 mths before my wedding and had beautiful twin daughters just 3 mths after I had Hailey.  We talk frequently as we experience marriage and family together :)

If you have one child you will know how often they demand your attention.  Why is it that they always 'have' to play with Mommy?  Wouldn't it be great if they just played by themselves?!?  I was in the midst of this challenge when my smart sister suggested I give my daughter play time by herself.  I hadn't thought of this before (duh).

Have your child choose some toys they would like to play with and take them to their room.  Leave them inside with the toys and close the door (explain to them first that they will be having some play time by themselves and you will come get them when the time is up).  Leave them for 30 minutes, twice a day.  

They will learn to play by themselves and it will help them to have some relaxing quiet play (we all know how crazy they get jumping around on couches and large toys).  I am sure this was even more benificial for my sisters twins but it sure gave me a nice breather each day.  I was feeling so smoothered by my needy toddler.

Now I'm not going to say your child will love it, especially at first.  There will be crying and attempted escapes but stick with it.  Children need to experience play without some one else always being there 'showing' them 'how' to play. 

It makes a big difference in the amount of crying and tantrums I hear each day and also gives me time to spend alone with my baby.

I don't remember to do this everyday but I should because since I started Hailey's imagination has blossomed and she has become more calm...  Thank you Stephanie for the inspiration!

Try it with your kids, no matter what age (of course babies are too little for this, you have to feel comfortable leaving them on their own - and make sure their room is safe for them).  Everyone could use some quiet alone time!

Take it for what it's worth