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Noteworthy Wednesday!

Potty Training

One thing that we know for sure is this. “potty training” cannot be accomplished until the toddler is physiologically and developmentally ready. This readiness occurs between the ages of 2 years and 3 years. It is during this time that the child can consistently identify the signals from his full bladder and then have enough control to get to the potty.

When and how to proceed with “potty training”

Your child’s and your readiness:

Child’s Readiness Signs:

The signs that a child has reached this developmental readiness stage are:

• Long periods of dryness
• Asking to be changed when his diaper is soiled
• Expresses pride in accomplishments

Chances are if you observe these signs it may be time for successful “potty training”.

It is important to look at what else is going on in your toddler’s life as well. If he is going through other transitions such as giving up a bottle, starting school or experiencing any other change in his routine it may not be a good time to begin “potty training” You will increase your chances and his chances of success if you are sensitive to these other transitions.

Your Readiness:

If you or your child’s primary caregiver is going through a difficult transition and cannot deal calmly with “potty training” then it would be better to wait a couple of weeks or so.

Create the right atmosphere.

Atmosphere is important.  The first thing you will need is a “child size” potty. http://www.babiesrus.comThere are many available. You might even want to take your child along when you buy it. At the same time pick up a picture book or DVD, which will help to peak his interest in potty training. http://www.amazon.com

You might also want to buy an adapter seat. Make sure your choice is secure and comfortable. Children can be afraid of falling into the toilet and be sucked into the bowl. The flushing noise can also scare them. You may also need a stool to go with the adapter seat.

CAUTION: This type of seat involves some climbing and your toddler will always need assistance so that he does not fall and hurt himself. An injury in the bathroom can be serious so take precautions to keep your child safe.

For safety reasons, my preference is the child size potty. Make sure you read all precautions and warnings that come with potty equipment.

Children learn by imitation. Have your child try sitting on his “potty”. Encourage him/her to watch you use the bathroom. Remember, it is easier for a boy to learn  to us the potty while sitting down.

While you are assessing your child’s readiness and creating the atmosphere consider what approach you want to take to the actual potty training process.

Some suggestions:

• Toilet training in less than a day and similar methods; see reference below.

• Going along with your child’s cues and progress slowly, allowing him control the process in his own way.

• Taking it slow. The steps of training may take a long time. Some children may accomplish it in a few days others may need several weeks or even months. Let your child take his/her time to move from one step to the next.

• Praise your child, compliment him/her on having dry pants, getting to the potty and any successes that he has during the process.

• Very important: accept accidents as part of the process. Do not punish or get angry with your toddler. Calmly clean up an accident and suggest that he remember to use the potty the next time.

References:

http://www.pottytrainingconcepts.com/A-Potty-Training-In-One-Day4.html

http://www.babycenter.com

Suggested toddler books:

“Everyone Poops” by Taro Gomi

http://www.kanemiller.com/book.asp?sku=25“

“Once Upon a Potty”by Alona Frankel

http://www.joshuaandprudence.com/find.html

“Uh Oh! Gotta Go!” by Bob McGrath from “Sesame Street”

http://www.bobmcgrath.com/ohoh.htm

If you have a baby that still takes a nap you will have to do a little adjusting to get him/her onto the new time schedule. Probably this morning he woke up an hour or so earlier due to the clocks moving back an hour.

So in order to accommodate, try to keep your little one up as close to the regular time for his nap and then put him to bed at his normal hour.

If your little one has given up his nap put him to bed as close to his normal time as you can and he will gradually adjust.

Good luck.  Happy sleeping…

NOTE WORTHY WEDNESDAY!

Being a mom is sometimes thought of as somewhat of a “thankless job”. Now, I do not mean that it is actually a “job” or that it is entirely “thankless” but at times these words come to define how many moms feel at some highly stressful moments.

If you talk to different moms you would probably get as many different answers as moms that you ask as to, what they do to keep stress under control.

One thing for sure is that stress can and does need to be controlled, or it will have a negative effect on your emotional and physical health. Taking care of yourself will reap rewards for you and your family.

Something to remember is this, there is not one way and one way only to deal with the stress of being a mother or a working mother. But there is a common denominator and that is TIME.

Working moms have to juggle various tasks at work and sometimes it is exactly these “work” skills that help them run a household and deal with the demands of a family.

A few suggestions of how to use your time to keep stress in check throughout the day:

• Breathe

Sounds simple and it really is because you have this ability with you at all times. Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body down. Deep breathing sends a message to the brain to relax which in turn sends a message to the body to calm down.

• Yoga

Helps to relax the mind and the body. Find a class or even a DVD to learn some simple yoga practices.

• Acceptance

Accept your emotions.  Acceptance is key to dealing with stress, as this will hopefully lead to the setting aside of some personal time to deal with stress

• Support

Go out for a walk with a friend. The point here is to get together with someone who can share some supportive moments with you.

• Exercise

Give your child something he likes to do and take a quiet “time-out” for yourself. Exercise even for a short time will help

• “Lower the bar”

Be realistic with your expectations of yourself, your children and your family. You will not be able to be all things to everyone all the time. Remember, if some meals have to include something  or everything from the freezer so be it.

When you get on a plane and they are describing the safety measures they always tell you if there is a change in cabin pressure the oxygen masks will activate. And the next thing that they say is, if you are traveling with a child that you should put your mask on first and then assist the child with his mask.

Think about this…you need your oxygen and strength to be able to help your children. The same is true at home.

Take care of yourself first, as only then will you have the energy and strength to take care of your children.

There just can be NO EXCUSES!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/nyregion/30bigcity.html

If you have a child that rides a bike on the sidewalk you need to read this.

A four-year old and his family are being sued in New York City.

Synopsis: The child was riding his bicycle on the side-walk and accidentally hit an elderly woman with a “walker”. She fell and broke her hip had to be hospitalized and died shortly thereafter.” Now the family may be trying to recoup some of the medical costs of this accident and this may be the way to do that…somewhat understandable given medical costs these days. But, seriously!

As parents we need to teach our children to respect others. Our expectations of our children of course need to be age appropriate.

Can a four-year old be sued for running into an elderly person on the street? Apparently, the answer is YES.

What are the huge ramifications of a story like this one in New York City? It would be impossible to write about all of them in this blog.

But suffice to say, that as a parent or even nanny you need to be aware of your responsibility to keep your child safe and those around you and your child safe from harm.

My guess is that means, you need to be a “helicopter parent” of sorts. Try to stay off your cell phone and away from other distractions, such as engaging in conversations with other parents. Now if you have more than one child to watch you are in a REAL bind here.

Parents, you may want to check the laws in your city and community and see if your child in fact is legally responsible for any “accidental” harm he may cause to anyone else.

Then, you have some other choices…work to change the “law” or move to another more child friendly community. When you find one let us all know.

NOTE WORTHY WEDNESDAY

Update on:

Whooping Cough

Vaccinations  of children are decreasing for various reasons ….according to recent reports 11 children have  died in California from pertussis or “whooping cough”.

Vaccinations of children begin at about 2 months of age and continue on specific regular intervals agreed upon between the parents and their pediatrician. Booster shots are recommended throughout life…booster shots begin at around 11 years old and then should be given every 10 years as adults.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing can make it hard to breathe.  A deep “whooping” sound is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath.

“Whooping cough” is a bacterial infection which is very serious especially in infants. It can lead to death. However, it can be treated with antibiotics and often children especially infants will need to be hospitalized in order to receive oxygen and moist humid air along with intravenous fluids.

DTaP vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations it protects children against pertussis infection.  Five DTaP vaccines are recommended. The suggested vaccination schedule is 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.

The Tdap vaccine should be given around age 11 or 12, and every 10 years thereafter.

Some health care organizations strongly recommend that adults up to the age of 65 years receive the adult form of the vaccine against pertussis.

Complications of pertussis are serious, these are:

• Pneumonia
• Convulsions
• Seizure disorder (permanent)
• Nose bleeds
• Ear infections
• Brain damage from lack of oxygen
• Bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage)
• Mental retardation
• Slowed or stopped breathing (apnea)
• Death

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR CHILD DEVELOPS THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

• Call 911 or get to an emergency room if the person has any of the following symptoms:
• Bluish skin color, which indicates a lack of oxygen
• Periods of stopped breathing (apnea)
• Seizures or convulsions
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Dehydration

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Pertussis

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