| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 01 2007 : 09:15:32 AM
Hi Ladies!~
I thought maybe some of you ladies may be able to offer advice or thoughts or whatever. I have two little ones and am a stay at home mom. You would think I have all the time in the world--but anyways.
I was wondering if any of you with children close together could tell me how you went about or are going about setting a schedule with your young ones. My tow year is desperately ready to potty train but for my inability to figure out how to balance potty training and a screaming 8month old, she hasn't yet. My 8month old is everlasting Grumpy. He whines, screams, cries, and is jsut all around grumpy from the time he wakes up until he goes to naps, then to bed. All he does is fuss. My daughter is a ball of 2year old energy and is into everything. Today, I reached down jsut in time for my son to take his first attempt at crawling/ falling down the kitchen steps. My daughter waits until I have something to do or have my hands in dishwater etc, then opens the door. My son does the inchworm thing and books like 60 for the doorway.  I dont want to put ds in the playpen all the time, but cant pen up the two year old either. It's a lot like having twins. I think that maybe if I could get the two year old on a little more of a structured schedule (still not sleeping throught the night yet ) and my 8month to adapt in a baby way to a schedule that life might not be quite so hectically (is that a word) overwhelming.
Pulling out my hair in South Jersey,
Jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Peanut |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 5:42:57 PM
I second the "let them go naked" advice.
I have a daycare and nekkid works every time.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| smoothiejuice |
Posted - Nov 03 2007 : 10:58:20 AM
Well...you seem to have gotten a lot of good advice. I think it really depends on what you feel. I understand your struggles, but don't let it take over your life. Kids potty train when they are ready. My oldest was potty trained before she turned 2, then we had a baby when she was 23 months...she was not potty trained again until 3 1/2 when she simply took off the diaper and never had an accident again. My youngest is now 18 months, and she is using the potty at home all the time, except at night. She uses the potty at my sisters houses, but no where else. Try not using anything, no diaper, not panties, no pants. They don't like pee running down their legs, trust me. A little naked never hurt anyone. My kids have never been ones to take naps, so I dont have that schedule thing...never have. And to keep baby safe while you work, slings and backpacks are wonderful! I use one or both most of the time. My kids are all pretty close together, so there is always someone into something....I have a 9, newly 8, 6 1/2, newly 5, 3 yr old twin, and my 18 month old. This really is a wonderful time, dont stess, just roll with it, this too shall pass...life is very short and time moves quickly...don't sweat the small stuff! |
| Whimsy_girl |
Posted - Oct 30 2007 : 1:42:03 PM
All kids are so different from one another, but I can give you a tip that has proven to work for me more often than not.
My girls are 13 months apart, nearly three and just turned 4 yesterday. I have been through the same as you and I can say that it really does get better. The more you inlist the bigger one as your big special helper the better. It causes her to stop competing with the baby to have the bottle or potty in her pants. I started explaining all the benefits to her.. it almost felt like putting the baby down, but it really helped boost the bigger ones self image as a big kid.
I said things like "see your little sister has to sleep now because she's just a little baby, but YOU!! You are so big! If you can help me by being very quiet while I put this little baby to sleep, we can snuggle together in mommy's big bed and look at this book" Or "Oh ick! The baby pooped in her diaper! But you're a big kid, do you want to try pooping on the potty for me so you don't have to sit in your icky poop like a baby?"
For us, making a baby seem like the undesirable option really jump started her in wanting to be self sufficiant. It has also in turn gotten Halsey into the idea of being big. She is as I said nearly 3 and as she has grown we have changed what we are saying to include them both..things like, "watch how your big sister pulls the zipper up to her chin on her coat. now you try that so you can be big just like her".
Pretty soon, as close in age as they are Halsey will have reached the point where she can do almost anything Kaylee can do and then we plan to start emphasizing teamwork a little more so that we don't end up with a seriously competitive environment, but so far what we have done has worked fairly well in getting them both potty trained and weaned and sometimes when the stars are aligned they even have table manners in public!!
It really does get easier, I promise!
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
| MarinesWife |
Posted - Oct 25 2007 : 1:50:07 PM
Jessie,
Cold turkey on the bottle. She doesn't need it. Just say...we're sending it off with the garbage man..bye-bye! It is really hard at first but she'll get over it quickly.
The book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Children really changed our lives when it came to #4. The 3 before were great sleepers and we had no issues there. He threw us for a loop! The suggestions in the book were life-savers in the sleep department and I always recommend this book now. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Sleep-Habits-Happy-Child/dp/0449004023
Melissa
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| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 18 2007 : 3:27:59 PM
Hi Jill,
right now, dd isn't around too many kids her own age. Every once in a while she plays with a little girl two months older, but that is on rare occassions.:( We are kinda out in the country so there isn't many interaction opportunities other than church and parties...etc.
hugs jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE!
http://HandmadeHeartStrings.etsy.com
www.MayhemMommyMemoirs.blogspot.com |
| primjillie |
Posted - Oct 18 2007 : 12:58:59 PM
Jessie ~ try watering down her juice (or milk), a little more each nite until it is all water. She will either give it up or just drink the water, which won't hurt her. During the day, don't give her anything but cups. She will drink eventually. I don't know any children that refused to ever drink again when the bottle was taken away! I think it will be easier for both of you when her liquid intake isn't so high. They usually eat better too, which is a plus at that age. Is she around other children who are potty trained? Sometimes it helps if they pick up mimicking other children. |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 18 2007 : 12:00:48 AM
I am so glad things are starting to go a bit easier for you. *hugs* I hope they keep getting better and better! *hugs*
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 17 2007 : 2:04:48 PM
Hi Alee,
Having a better time of it. The baby is up a lot at night, but so much more manageable during the day. I have taken to trying to keep dd on a better schedule and she's seeming to like the routine.
Jill,
how in the world do you go about getting her off the bottle at night?she wakes up yelling (literally) for MORE!! I have the thick training pants..mom found them at Walmart of all places. She is being a little...well..really lazy so it is a battle of wills right now. I just have to keep telling myself. I am the adult. I am bigger and I am potty trained so I CAN do this!! lol
Hugs
Jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE!
http://HandmadeHeartStrings.etsy.com
www.MayhemMommyMemoirs.blogspot.com |
| primjillie |
Posted - Oct 17 2007 : 12:38:59 PM
I'm coming in a little late, but I second the suggestion to get your daugher off the bottle. With all that liquid going in, it will be almost impossible to potty train. Also, all that juice in her bottle, especially lying down, will do a bad number on her teeth. Have you ever seen bottle rot teeth? Not pretty, and very painful for children. Mine were about 2 1/2 when they potty trained and it does take consistency. My daugher took a little longer than her brothers, but she day and nite trained at the same time, so it was worth it. I just used those thick training pants (do they make those anymore?) and took them every hour until they got the hang of it. I even took them in the middle of the nite. Good luck! |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 14 2007 : 4:28:22 PM
How is it going, Jessie?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 6:05:35 PM
great to hear that things are going better and hurray for potty training. OH i just remembered if she makes it in the potty do a happy dance with her to celebrate and then she will want to do it again and eventually you can weene out the potty dance
lavendar girl |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 4:03:50 PM
Jessie-
Nora drools too- so I just pop them into her mouth as she starts nursing. That way she swallows the medicine.
Hugs!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 12:23:40 PM
i used hylands for my daughter (and my husband's toothache) they do work great!!I havent tried them on my son yet as he does drool im afraid it will just effervess..(sp?) right out of his mouth.
My ds is obsessed with the potty chair and my dd only wants to use the big people's potty. ---go figure!!
this is our first weekend of die hard potty training. I am praying my DH survives...lol
hugs everyone!
jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE!
www.MayhemMommyMemoirs.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 09 2007 : 07:57:51 AM
Bump!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 07:14:15 AM
Hyland's work great! There is a difference in essential oils so make sure you buy the best you can. Udder Delight sells yummy goat milk lotions too.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| Alee |
Posted - Oct 07 2007 : 9:09:48 PM
Hi Shawna-
I will have to try the Chamomile and Olive oil. The Hylands are a homeopathic remedy and has chamomile in it. I rub Nora down with a homemade lavender lotion after a warm bath and that seems to help too. It really works-even on adults. My lavender lotion is to Carol Sue as Catnip is to cats :D *Love you Carol Sue* :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| shawna |
Posted - Oct 07 2007 : 8:05:15 PM
Jessie- Just remember in another 6 months this too will pass. It seems like mine will be going crazy with one thing and before I know it they have a whole new game going on. I have had a lot of problems keeping my almost two year old out of the potty! She loves the water!!! and anything that might be flotting in it!!!! I have had to deal a lot with the teeting thing too. I fist loved the swabs with teething stuff in em. I would just get the other stuff all over their lips and never got it in the mouth, but the swabs i would just let em chew on. I haven't tried the tablets before. I mostly on kid 3 used Chamomile and Olive oil. you mix together and can rub on gums, and around their cheeks on the face. It really worked the best. my husband didn't beleive me so he rubbed a bunch on him;;; I few minutes later he said he felt really calm and relaxed. Anyway I have become I beleiver of essential oils! No hidded chemicals!
Don't get hard on yourself about the kids, it's hard work. We must find hope among those who have survived before us!! And the kids are little still- they won't remember are little mistakes, but the love will stay with em forever! Pray for strength!
xoxo s.r. |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 07 2007 : 2:54:04 PM
Jessie-
How are things going today? I hope you are having a little better time of it! I've been thinking about you all day and hoping you are getting some rest! :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| Alee |
Posted - Oct 06 2007 : 3:05:25 PM
Jessie-
With as much drool as these babies produce- the cherrios soften right up. Nora was champ about chewing them right away. I would try one and see how it goes. If you are really worried- cut it in half first, but I don't think that is necessary.
I would highly recommend going and getting those Hyland teething tabs. They dissolve instantly (seriously. I tried one before I gave them to her) I know I mentioned them before but they seem to help.
If you have one of those carriers like a snugli or a wrap, usually you can wear the baby on your back, and if not then you can buy them at Wal-Mart for $20. Nora sleeps more when I carry her, but it won't be long before she won't be able to be carried for long in front. Then I guess all you have to do is watch out for him yanking on your hair!
*hugs*
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 06 2007 : 1:32:28 PM
Alee--
yep, Levi is definitly teething!! His little gums are always so hot and red. He teeths on half frozen washcloths, teething toys, pillows, shoes, my shoulder. Whatever he can "sink" his gums into. My dd was pretty bad when she was teething but I jsut don't remember her being this bad about it. She was later when her molars were coming in, but Levi acts like he has a belly ache all the time. Whenever I pick him he climbs all over me and he's content for a long time. Holding him all the time though can be tiring though I'd love to be able to do it. He weighs well into 25 pds so carrying him so much isn't really an option.
I am afraid to give him cheerios as I don't know if he'll know enough to "gum" it up before he swallows it....such a worry-wart am I!!:)
HUGS
jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE!
www.MayhemMommyMemoirs.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 06 2007 : 1:11:24 PM
Jessie-
I think it is the nature of mothers to worry and worry and worry about their kids. I would go with what your baby is cueing your for. If he is cueing for food, crying and whining at the bottle and happy with foods- I think he is probably ready for it! I would increase the "real food" feedings by one or two a day until you hit a happy balance. Nora is the same way. She nurses for her primary nutrition but has been showing intense interest in food since she was 4 months old. She is now 6 months old so we have started introducing her to food. She really likes food that she can hold and try to feed herself with. She doesn't really like the mushy stuff. She makes that horrible gagging noise when I feed her mush, but she devours cheerios and cheese!
I hope your little guy is getting less fussy for you. I know how stressful it can be!
Also is he teething? Nora sure is! She cries every time I nurse her because her mouth is sore, but she loves sucking on a cooled teether and the chewing foods like cheese and cheerios. Also the Hylands Teething tabets are really working! They are amazing and I love them! They are pretty cheap and you can buy them at Wal-Mart.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Oct 06 2007 : 1:03:02 PM
You all with think I am crazy!! lol..I keep checking in to see whats written new on here. :) You all have been so helpful! My mom found the trainer pants. Walmart had them.--Yay!! for Walmart. I think DD is ready to train as she tells me when she has to go and cries whenever shes done her business in her diaper. She doesnt ever get in trouble for it yet you'd think shed committed the biggest sin. Maybe I should wait to potty train?? It just seemed like she was ready all on her own?!?
How do I go about trying other things for baby if not milk. He doesnt care for juice except apple but that makes him have bowel troubles....apple juice is so harsh on baby tummies but boy can it make them go!! I had been putting rice cereal in his bottle (even though pediatricians say no) He did well for a good long time on that but all of a sudden didnt want it. I started with oatmeal and he'll only take that if he has to. He holds out. He loves the baby food but I wonder at 8 months shouldnt he already be eating more of that stuff than the bottle? I've just started it. He is a very big boy! He and my dd weigh the same. He's not fat, just solid!!:) He takes after his daddy so I'm not too worried about the being big part, but I wonder at the food intake.
Am I asking too many questions??lol
hugs
jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE!
www.MayhemMommyMemoirs.blogspot.com |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Oct 05 2007 : 06:55:23 AM
While mine weren't quite that close I remember some of those days (they're 17,15,13 & 7 now!) I would definetly check on allergies with the fussbudget - many babies are allergic to dairy and or soy. Goat milk might help with that (different protein and often well tolerated - Dr. Sears might have some info on his site http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/T032400.asp - click on the feeding link for more on allergies).
As far as the two year old no you don't want to be to regimented but she does need some structure -- simple things like a time to get up, have meals, go to bed. I know even that may seem overwhelming right now so start with one - bedtime perhaps and train her to get ready for bed, brush teeth, read a story and lay down with a favorite lovey and some soft music. It may take a few nights but will be worth it in the end. Even two year olds can learn the world doesn't revolve around them and to wait a few minutes for something while Mommy is caring for brother! Try getting her to help you with the baby, "Can you bring Mommy the wipes please?" things like that, make a game of tidying up before lunch,make feeding baby a special time to read her a story or such that only happens then, give her a dry cloth to dust with while you do.
Get a sling! (try mayawrap.com) this would probably help your fussbudget to cuddle with you and you can still have your hands free. (Dr. Sears has info on this on his site as well). Cut out all activites for a few days and STAY HOME to implement a schedule/routine for your family then you can add things in gradually.
OH and is there a particular reason she must be potty trained right now? If she's ready for it and really wants it then great otherwise wait! Nobody goes to school in diapers and she WILL get the hang of it but there is no law that says she must be potty trained before she's three! Cut yourself some slack - besides which oftentimes little ones like this regress because you've been giving more attention to baby. I wish I would have waited with my oldest just a little longer and not worried about it so much. With mine it really helped to let them run around naked for awhile or using the actual panties without rubber pants - yes it's messier but there's something about feeling wet/dirty that really helps a lot of kiddos.
And even though it may not seem like it these days WILL pass all to quickly and you'll turn around and have teenagers! So make time to play with her, cuddle them, and write down something every day that they said was cute/funny/or obnoxious, take pictures when you can (my Mom has a great one of my sister & I (identical twins) covered in Ajax cause we were helping Mommy clean and had it all over the kitchen!)and look for something to enjoy that day.
Blessings!
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| Carol Sue |
Posted - Oct 04 2007 : 11:00:37 PM
Jessie,
One step at a time sweetie. From a grandparent to a mom, the one thing my mom always always encouraged me to be is consistent with whatever I did. And she is 71 now and her advice is still good. Yes, work on a schedule because in truth it really makes ones life easier in the long run. Have to admit, at first, it is a challenge but soon your children will realize what is coming next and because they do, you can also know what to expect out of their attitudes.
DD laughs at me, but I tell her the same thing, stay consistent, no matter what you do because it really does make a difference. Good advice is just that, advice.
Having had to live in extremely small spaces, you learn to adjust to what works for your family as well. Baby gates might be good in your small space and their are cribs that are smaller size, and for the life of me I can't remember what we called them. Maybe that would be better than the playpen, becasue it would be his bed and used for naps and bedtime.
Jessie you are a wonderful Mom that is learning along with her children that consistency is a good thing for your life as well.
Ya know what the great thing about a schedule is, when they settle in, you actually have time with your honey!!!! To talk, like real live adults, imagine that one!!!!LOL
Take one step and one day at a time. You can do this girl!!!!
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 04 2007 : 4:35:42 PM
Jessie-
I hope things continue to get better for you! I appreciate you posting your trials and tribulations here since I only have the one right now, but someday Nora will get a sibling. (hopefully not for a while though)!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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