Thursday 31 March 2011

messy

My mom's best parenting advice is "if they play with it longer than it takes to clean up, let 'em."  This statement has obvious implied limits, but I have found it an extremely helpful reminder.  So my kids finger paint with ketchup, cover the kitchen floor with flour and transfer water between pots and pans for hours.  Just not at the same time.

Thursday 24 March 2011

ec

Elimination communication is the practice of helping your infant use the potty through listening and gentle encouragement. Babies want to be dry and comfortable and they are born with the ability to do so with their caregivers help.

I've read articles that refer to EC'ing as a way to push early potty training. In my experience, EC is another way to bond with your infant that has amazing benefits for both child and parent. The goal of EC is not for a child to be potty trained, but to give a child the opportunity to relate his/her needs and to respond to them. In most cases, families that practice EC do so part time and still use diapers, paper or cloth.

If you are interested in EC, but don't know where to start “The Diaper-Free Baby” (Christine Gross-Loh) is a fantastic book that helps in this process. My favorite part? She stresses the success in your effort, communication and patience. No counting hits and misses.


Thursday 17 March 2011

retired

you made us smile
you made us laugh
no one bought you
so you got the axe