Potty Training

 

Potty training your child could be a big challenge, especially if it is your firstborn. You may be a little nervous wondering if you are doing everything correctly to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Potty training is a natural part of a child's development and can be made easier just by understanding factors that indicate your child is ready to begin learning the task.

 

One important thing to stay away from is thinking that potty training has to take place at a specific age. Children develop different skills at different ages and every child is unique. Therefore you cannot expect your child to learn how to potty train at the same age your best friend's child learned. Instead be patient and understanding.

 

Trying to potty train a child before they are ready could results in many setbacks. If the child does not understand what is happening and why you are taking them into the bathroom they may become discouraged and even afraid of the bathroom. This could add to the length of time it takes your child to learn how to use the potty. Therefore, you need to wait until your child is old enough to understand just what using the potty means.

 

This would include things like knowing when your child is beginning to have better control over their bladder because they or staying dry more often. Also, when they show signs that they do not like having their pants wet or soiled then you can feel sure they are beginning to understand and it’s time to start potty training. They should also be coordinated enough to be able to pull their pants up and down. After all, if they cannot perform this task it would be difficult to use the potty and may begin to discourage them. You can help in this area by providing clothing that is easier for the child to remove.

 

Children are very curious and love to watch what you do, by allowing them to observe you in the bathroom they will begin to understand and want to imitate this action. Have a potty chair ready for your child and explain to them what it is and how to use it. Keeping a light on in the bathroom can also help considering most light switches are too high for a child to reach. If they are spending too much time trying to get the light on then it may be too late to use the potty. One of the most important steps in potty training your child would be to never yell at them for accidents and always let them know you are proud of them.

 

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Potty Training: Dealing with Constipation

Some children don’t like having bowel movements, perhaps because they have felt pain before, and now resist going.  This resistance can cause constipation as the feces become hard and compacted, making bowel movements even more painful.

 

Here are some questions you can ask to determine whether your child is constipated or not. 

 

•             have they had a bowel movement in the past few days?

•             have they had less than their normal amount of bowel movements this week?

•             were their stools hard and dry?

•             was it painful for them to pass?

•             do they have stomach cramps or a distended stomach?

•             are they complaining of being nauseous?

•             are they losing weight?

•             have they been vomiting for no apparent reason?

•             are their underpants regularly soiled with claylike or liquid feces?

 

If you have answered yes to several of the above then you’ll know you need to take action and help your child.  You can’t make your child have a bowel movement so what can you do? 

 

Get your child to drink more fluids, preferably water.

 

•             If they are severely constipated and over nine months of age then some prune juice mixed with water should sort them out overnight.

•             Make sure their diet is high in fiber – try giving them some dried fruit or grapes and reduce the amount of dairy they have. 

•             Reduce their sugar intake

•             Licorice can have a laxative effect and is a better option than medication which should only be given with your physician’s approval.

•             Make sure they are getting enough exercise – it may be reflection of a sluggish metabolism.

•             Encourage them to go as soon as they feel the need.

•             If they just don’t like it then talk about the importance of having regular bowel movements and how everyone does it. 

•             Encourage your child to sit on the potty for ten minutes an hour or so after each meal to see if you can encourage some regularity.

•             Make sure your child can rest their feet on a stool or the floor so that they feel stable and balanced and can easily push.

•             Try to make having a bowel movement more pleasant for your child by encouraging them to read a book or listen to music while they sit.

 

If the constipation doesn’t go away then it is best to see your family doctor for advice as it may be indicative of something more serious.

 

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Potty Training –Not For the Faint of Heart

If you’ve determined that your child is ready for potty training, it’s time to take the plunge. It’s not easy, but don’t despair, your child will master potty training some time before kindergarten. It’s important to make sure you’re ready, too, because potty training requires a lot of commitment on the part of the Mom.

 

First, you need to make potty training a project. If your child is really ready, and you make the commitment to focus on it, many children can be trained in about a week. But, you’ve got to stay on top of it to make it go quickly. Here are some tips to help you out.

 

Use the timer

Tell your child that when the bell rings, it’s time to race to the potty. Then set the timer for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, race to the potty with the child and see if she can go. If not, set the timer for another 20 minutes and try again. As you determine the right interval, you can wait longer between alarms, but 20 minute intervals is a good place to start. Not only does this make a game for you and your toddler, it ensures that you won’t forget to ask if she needs to potty. Success breeds success here. If she can go for a long time without wetting her diaper, it will encourage her to remember. But, at first, you’ve got to remember.

 

Offer rewards

Offer some sort of reward every time your child goes in the potty. Double it if she tells you she needs to go and then actually goes. Every success should be wildly celebrated. We do our happy dance, sing our song and get stickers, each and every time.

 

Let the little one go naked

This tactic works best for those without carpet. Your child will really get the picture about how potty training works if he has an accident while wearing nothing on his bottom. It can be messy, but you’ll probably find that it really speeds up the process. It seems to work especially well with girls, as they really don’t like the feeling of wetness.

 

The most important aspect of potty training is diligence. There are lots of tools that can help you, like books and dolls with their own potty. But the number one factor in succeeding quickly is simply making potty training a priority, so get prepared. Plan ahead of time to make this week “potty training week” and then stick to the plan. Stay home as much as possible to make training easier. Before you know it, you’ll be kissing those diapers goodbye!

 

 

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Article Body:

If you’ve determined that your child is ready for potty training, it’s time to take the plunge. It’s not easy, but don’t despair, your child will master potty training some time before kindergarten. It’s important to make sure you’re ready, too, because potty training requires a lot of commitment on the part of the Mom.

 

First, you need to make potty training a project. If your child is really ready, and you make the commitment to focus on it, many children can be trained in about a week. But, you’ve got to stay on top of it to make it go quickly. Here are some tips to help you out.

 

Use the timer

Tell your child that when the bell rings, it’s time to race to the potty. Then set the timer for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, race to the potty with the child and see if she can go. If not, set the timer for another 20 minutes and try again. As you determine the right interval, you can wait longer between alarms, but 20 minute intervals is a good place to start. Not only does this make a game for you and your toddler, it ensures that you won’t forget to ask if she needs to potty. Success breeds success here. If she can go for a long time without wetting her diaper, it will encourage her to remember. But, at first, you’ve got to remember.

 

Offer rewards

Offer some sort of reward every time your child goes in the potty. Double it if she tells you she needs to go and then actually goes. Every success should be wildly celebrated. We do our happy dance, sing our song and get stickers, each and every time.

 

Let the little one go naked

This tactic works best for those without carpet. Your child will really get the picture about how potty training works if he has an accident while wearing nothing on his bottom. It can be messy, but you’ll probably find that it really speeds up the process. It seems to work especially well with girls, as they really don’t like the feeling of wetness.

 

The most important aspect of potty training is diligence. There are lots of tools that can help you, like books and dolls with their own potty. But the number one factor in succeeding quickly is simply making potty training a priority, so get prepared. Plan ahead of time to make this week “potty training week” and then stick to the plan. Stay home as much as possible to make training easier. Before you know it, you’ll be kissing those diapers goodbye!

 

 

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Potty Training: Are You Ready to Go Public?

You’ve done a lot of the hard work and potty training is now going well.  To get things running smoothly you’ve been staying home and it’s been working.  You’ve got a good system happening between the two of you and there have been relatively few accidents in recent days.  You’re even starting to feel like this potty training thing is no big deal. 

 

You wonder whether maybe it’s time to head out, to move beyond the safety of home.  However, you know that potty training at home is very different to potty training in the big wide world but you aren’t sure how different and what to do to prepare yourself and educate your child on what to expect.

 

Just because it’s new and perhaps a bit intimidating, you can’t stay home forever.  No really, you can’t!  Of course, it’s tempting to put them in pull ups so you won’t have to worry about any potential accidents.  The only problem is that it isn’t really sending your child the right message about the path ahead.

 

You know that your child can go for at least an hour in between potty visits so if you time it right you might be able to get there and back within the hour.  Well, maybe.  But bladders, especially children’s bladders, aren’t always like that.  You know what it’s like when you get excited or nervous, you need to go to the bathroom more.  Your child is like that too, only they can’t hold on like you can.  So you may well find that your child needs to go more when they are out, not less.

 

So what can you do? 

1.            Explain to your child what will happen when you are out, how it will likely be different from home and any concerns you may have.

2.            Get them to go, or at least try to go potty before you leave.

3.            Find out where the toilets are as soon as you get wherever you are going and go straight away.  It’s much easier doing this calmly before they really need it than in the rush of a sudden urge.

4.            If you’re out in public, as you move around always be on the lookout for those tell-tale bathroom signs so you know exactly which direction you should head if you need to.

5.            If you don’t have a portable potty with you, try getting your child to sit backwards on a regular toilet – some children find this easier because they have the wall or toilet cistern to hold onto and don’t feel like they are going to fall off the seat on to the floor.

6.            Take some spare clothing, a couple of plastic bags, and some baby wipes and paper towels with you in case of accidents.

7.            If they have an accident in a shop or restaurant – let the staff know and race to the bathroom with your child.  Sure it is embarrassing but you won’t be the first.  All you can really do is apologize – quickly – and leave a big tip. 

8.            If your child has an accident at a friend’s house then it’s your responsibility to clean it up.  It’s

best to take your own paper towels so you can quickly spring into action without having to ask for everything and make it a big deal. 

9.            Don’t forget to take your sense of humor – accidents or not, you’re going to need it.  There may be several false alarms with your child wanting to find out what happens when they say the magic trigger word.  If you feel this is happening, try not to get upset with them.  Instead try praising them for telling you and being so responsible about their potty training, even though you know it’s not easy. 

 

Good luck!

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Popular Bed Wetting Solutions You Can Use

A huge number of children are affected by nocturnal enuresis, or sleep wetting, as it is often called. Although there is no specific treatment for this condition, parents can still find some good bed wetting solutions that work. This sort of problem is most common with children under the age of five – any extreme measures against it are simply not justified. However, sleep wetting is a problem and it may become an annoying issue to deal with, both for parents and for the child. While children under five do not have obvious psychological issues related to this phenomenon, after a certain age they become conscious about it. This is when finding appropriate bed wetting solutions becomes important for the child’s social development.

 

How to diminish the negative effects of bed-wetting

 

While this problem is natural for small children, parents can still take a few steps and reduce the negative effects associated to it. Parents can start by investing some time in preventing the problem from taking place. As part of the most commonly used bed wetting solutions, parents can control the levels of liquid their child drinks in the evening and before going to sleep. Diuretic drinks are those that fall in the following categories: caffeine containing, carbonated and acidic. Stopping your child from consuming them at night is an excellent bed wetting solution. It also helps if the parent trains the child to go to the toilet right before going to sleep. It is important that a pattern is developed in this case and the child will learn to urinate at a specific hour in the evening. This method, combined with low liquid quantities consumed in the evening, has some of the best results in reducing bed wetting at night. 

 

Bed wetting solutions - diapers

 

Although the actual urinating process can’t be stopped, its effects may be reduced if the child wears a diaper. The diaper eliminates all the problems that affect the parents: having to change bed sheets every morning and it also helps the child sleep better and wake up in a dry bed. Older children might be against wearing a diaper, as they feel they are too old for that, so a simple change of term – from “diaper” to “night protection” is preferable. As an extra protection method, parents should also have protective plastic sheets because diapers are not 100% leak absorbents.

 

The radical approach to bed wetting – medications

 

Using medication to reduce night time urination is one of the most radical bed wetting solutions and, in most cases, the most effective as well. Treatments with medication such as anticholinergics, desmopressin or imipramine are often used to solve bed wetting problems. While such drugs have high success rates, parents should also remember that they are chemical and hormonal substances, and long-term usage may lead to unwanted side effects. As far as bed wetting medication is concerned, the opinions are varied, many parents trying to avoid this solution at all costs and teach the child to deal with the problem on their own.

 

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006.  All Rights Reserved.

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Playtime, Motivating Kids, Make Exercise Fun

You know your kids should be active, but often they can be found hunkered down in front of the TV, video game or computer while the sun shines outside. It's a scene parents everywhere have lamented. The solution is pretty simple: Get them active by making exercise fun.

 

In fact, don't even call it "exercise." Call it "play" and give them lots of opportunities to do it. If you gently suggest a bunch of activities (running through the sprinkler, playing whiffle ball, drawing a hopscotch grid with sidewalk chalk), they're very likely to take you up on one. And if they enjoy themselves, they may take the initiative next time to choose that activity over being a couch potato.

 

What's fun to a kid? Sure, they love a day trip to an amusement park or a family vacation getaway, but there are many low-cost, everyday ways for kids to have a great time being active. Each kid will have his or her own favorites, but most will enjoy activities that offer one or both of the following:

 

Physical thrills, such as swinging on a swing, splashing into a pool or gliding on skates

 

A chance to get better at something, such as riding a bike, catching a ball or jumping rope.

 

With thrill-seeking kids, be sure to supervise closely. (Riding on a tire swing can be fun, but falling off onto the hard ground isn't.) And when it comes to skill building, be sure to take notice when your child shows improvement. Maybe your child is landing some solid kicks on the soccer ball or jumping rope with increasing speed. Your encouragement-and your child's own satisfaction-will spur him or her on to keep practicing.

 

When you find an activity, such as jumping off the diving board, that offers physical thrills and a chance to master a skill, some kids will do it over and over until their skin is waterlogged and the sun is setting on the pool deck. And if you're willing to do more than lifeguard, you can really increase the fun quotient. What's more fun (and funny) than seeing mom or dad bounce off the diving board and land with a cannonball splash?

 

But regular outings to the pool, the park or even the backyard will yield more than just good times. You'll show your kids that physical activity is a normal and fun part of everyday life-a healthy habit they'll want to continue for years to come.

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Playground Bullies: Resolving Conflict Peacefully

Most parents are always looking for new tools to help them teach their children life lessons in an informative, compassionate way. Whether it's an everyday problem or a complex emotional issue, many parents find comfort, guidance and inspiration in familiar stories.

 

For example, the story of the prodigal son helps children understand the concept of family and how their love is unlimited. The story of Joseph and his brothers helps youngsters learn not to be boastful, or to try to be their parents' "favorite." And the story of David and Goliath helps teach kids about how to deal with bullies, an all-too-frequent playground presence.

 

In general, bullies are children who suffer from low self-esteem, and who compensate for their unhappiness and lack of friends with negative and potentially abusive behavior. Fortunately, there are many things that people can do to help children build inner strength. Recognizing low self-esteem in a child is the first and most important step. Other important tips for children include:

 

Believe in yourself. Have confidence that you can deal with bullies in a peaceful manner. One way to foster this idea in children is through an animated story based on the David-and-Goliath story. A new DVD, "The Roach Approach: Slingshot Slugger!" tells the tale in a format that even the youngest viewers can understand. Through amusing antics and inevitable misfortunes, the characters impart important values of love, faith, hope and respect.

 

If a bully is in your class, try to pick a time when you ask for his or her help in doing schoolwork. Remember, most bullies don't feel very good about themselves.

 

If you are concerned about a bully at recess time at school, stay close to the teacher on yard duty.

 

Inviting a bully to join a game that you and your friends are playing is a good idea.

 

If the bully's harmful behavior continues, tell your parent, teacher, principal or another adult that you trust.

 

Acknowledged by the Dove Foundation for family entertainment, "The Roach Approach" series features outstanding stories, music and animation that are sure to capture the hearts of many generations to come. "The Roach Approach: Slingshot Slugger!" has crawled onto Twentieth Century Fox DVD and VHS.

 

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Planning a Baby Shower From Start To Finish

Planning a baby shower is one of the loveliest gifts you can provide a mother to be. But where do you start?  If you are a first time planner or an experienced planner, you can benefit by following some simple strategies to ensure your baby shower goes off without a hitch.

 

Here’s what the experts recommend when it comes to baby shower planning:

 

1) Decide when the shower should be held. Most are held before the baby comes but some moms are superstitious and would prefer a shower be held after baby’s arrival. Be sure you check in first to plan accordingly.

 

2) Decide where the shower will be held. Usually this is a location other than the mom-to-be’s home.

 

3) Decide who should be invited. If you are hosting, you should always ask the mom-to-be who she wants invited before you make a list. You may find she wants a co-ed party or a small family only affair. Be sure you check in with her before you get started.

 

4) Send out invitations and be sure to include R.S.V.P. information and baby registry information. You’ll want to know exactly how many people are coming and your guests will want to know where they can buy the guest of honor some great gifts.

 

5) Decide on a theme. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. It can even be as simple as ‘pink’ if the mom is having a girl. You might consider asking the mom to be, she might have a theme in mind. This will help you plan decorations.

 

6) Order a cake or decide on the type of cake you want to make. A cake is a must have for all baby showers.

 

7) Plan on having some appetizers for guests. You don’t have to provide a full meal, but snacks are a nice touch.

 

8) Pick a few baby games out so you have something to do during the party. You can find hundreds of baby shower games on line.

 

Once you have planned all of these essential steps, the rest of the baby shower is easy! You simply need to set up house, decorate and welcome your guest of honor on their big day.

 

Most baby showers last about two to three hours. The first ½ hour or so guests can spend mingling and munching on goodies. You can then spend another ½ hour playing a couple of games.

Then allow your guest of honor to open her gifts! Be prepared to write down who all the gifts came from so your mom can send thank you notes.

 

After the gifts are open, usually guests have some cake, mingle some more and then leave. You might consider having some party favors available for guests. A great idea is mini baby bottles filled with jelly beans or some other inexpensive treat!

 

The most important thing to remember about baby shower planning is that everyone should have a good time. Sit back, relax and don’t stress about minor details. Most people are just looking for a good laugh and some time to pat mom-to-be’s growing belly!

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