Toddler Potty Training - Which Potty Chair??

Since I am having pretty good success all of the sudden with potty training my daughter, a friend of mine emailed and asked me what type of potty chair I was using.

I have to admit, when first shopping for a potty chair I was surprised by all my options. I was also "lured" in by all the bells and whistles that some of these potty chairs had! However, with a little thought I convinced myself that these "interactive" potty chairs would be way to much of a distraction for my daughter and ultimately, work against the goal at hand.

Luckily for me, the basic potty chairs are dirt cheap and this is what we ended up with:




Safety 1st Potty 'n Step Stool

Potty Chair can also be used as a step stool to reach sink, or toilet






Of course I can't guarantee this potty chair will work for your toddler, but it is serving us well. A little tip I have if you are not going to be using this as a step stool right away, take off the yellow lid. I found it to be a distraction and since I removed it she is actually using the potty more :) It can always be replaced later.

 

Pull Ups Potty Training Kit

UPDATE!! I honestly cannot believe it, but today my bumblebee went "pee pee in the potty" not one, not two, not three, but FOUR times on her own! This is an absolute first. She sat on the potty all day just to get stickers and wear the crown. She is so proud of herself (and I am too). This is a great feeling, and the potty training kit was the best money I spent in a long time :)

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I posted not too long ago about finding this Pull Ups Potty Training Kit (for girls) from Amazon.com. I did order the 3 pack offered and am very please with my purchase.



This is absolutely perfect for a little boy or girl that's ready to be potty trained. My bumblebee LOVES Disney Princesses, and the girl kit is designed around them. Here is a picture of the contents of 1 box. (When you order, you get 3 of these kits)

We are working on doing everything outlined in the kit. This is great because when she goes potty she gets rewarded...In her case, its with Disney Princess stickers. She also gets to wear the "princess crown"!

The Pull Ups Potty Training Kit contains:

Big Kids Guide to Potty Training
15 Pull Ups Training Pants (with princesses on them)
2 sheets Disney Princess Reward Stickers
Progress Chart
Big Kid Princess Crown
Big Kid Certificate (To be given once potty trained)
Pull Ups Kids Flushable Moist Wipes
Big Kid Color & Learn Book with Crayons (Potty themed coloring book)
$2 off coupons

This was a great purchase for us because,
A. She needs to be potty trained
B. It is themed appropriately for little girls (and boys)
C. Something we can do together

Have a little boy? Check out the Boy's Potty Training Kit

 

The Mom Network...Great Place for Moms with Toddlers

There are only a few of the many mom forums out there that I get a chance to join/participate. When I was pregnant, my main mom forum was iVillage, however now that I have a toddler I lean more towards The Mom Network.

This is a great place to "meet" other moms like yourself, and the site also has TONS of information on babies, toddlers, all the way up to teens. There really is something for every mom and its free to join....gotta love that! :)

Join the MomNetwork

The Best of What Moms Have to Say is Available Online, All in One Place!

ClubMom, the premier online destination for moms, by moms, announces the launch of The MomNetwork, the Web’s first social network customized to fit the needs of the nation’s largest niche group – moms.

Through The MomNetwork, moms can search for and connect with each other based on shared challenges, interests, kids’ ages, and geography. Moms across the country can now visit ClubMom.com to create their profiles for free.

"Moms have always looked to other moms for advice, practical wisdom, and a sense that they’re not alone," says Meredith Vieira, moderator of ABC-TV’s The View. The expertise moms have shared while on playgrounds, at soccer games, and around their neighborhoods, has now been aggregated through the power of the Internet. The MomNetwork fosters this mom-to-mom camaraderie, while bringing together the best of what real moms have to say."

In contrast to social networks targeting young people, The MomNetwork has been uniquely developed to meet the needs of busy moms. The MomNetwork helps moms find practical solutions to their everyday challenges and issues by directly connecting them with other moms dealing with similar situations. Moms are concerned about Internet security so The MomNetwork has been designed to allow moms to strictly control their privacy and anonymity. ClubMom will continue to rollout new features of The MomNetwork, including online groups,which moms can join based on their shared challenges, interests, or kids’ ages.

Copyright © 2006, CMI Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

We are going to Disney World!!

Yeah! I am so excited, I just booked our families first trip to Disney World in October! I have been many times (though not in years) and DH went when he was 11. This will be our bumblebee's first trip...She can not wait to see the princesses...especially Cinderella!



Since we are close to Disney World we will be driving, but this will still be a "road trip" for our family which will require hours in the car :(

Here are some tips for your next road trip with toddlers:

Road trips with toddlers are definitely one of life'’s experiences. If you'’re traveling by road with a car full of kids or even just one, these tips will help you keep the kids entertained while helping you keep your sanity in the process.

Make Comfort a Priority - Making your toddler comfortable should be on top of your checklist for road travel. Take along travel blankets and pillows. If the weather is hot place a light shade on the windows to avoid the bright sunlight. If it’s cold out make sure they have plenty of layers on and don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear.

Pack Their Favorites -– Let each child pack a little back pack with their favorite toys, books or even snacks. It'’s exciting for them to pack their own special bag and it'’s nice for them to have their favorite things close at hand. This also helps you avoid them wanting to bring along their whole room. The rule is if it fits in their bags they can bring it, if it doesn'’t then it has to stay.

Make Plenty of Stops - If you are going to drive for several hours, remember toddlers don'’t have the same patience as adults (this is an understatement!), so make sure you take plenty of rest breaks along the way. You can stop at rest stations but also playgrounds or parks, where you can all stretch, or alternatively visit a fast food restaurant which has a separate play area for the kids.

Once you'’re finished, grab a few healthy snacks and make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom before leaving.

Invest in Travel Games -– There are a range of classic board games like monopoly in smaller versions specifically for travel. Cards are also another great travel game and of course handheld electronic games (make sure you have one for each child to avoid arguments) will keep them amused for hours, and may even induce them to sleep.

Apart from games, you can take along art supplies like coloring pencils, coloring books, drawing sheets, crayons, and markers to draw and paint the different scenes along the way. You can even ask them to write and describe each scenery or make up a story or poem.

Listen to their favorite songs. Get a pack of several CDs and, let each kid take turns playing their favorite songs. Who knows they may even enjoy singing along.

Have a fun, and safe vacation!

 

Free Toddler Activities

I can't believe I didn't find this great free resource sooner!

NickJr.com has tons, and I mean TONS of free printables to keep your toddler busy. There are over 101 of just Dora the Explorer (Bumblebee's favorite), not to mention Blue's Clues and the rest of the Nick Jr. gang.

Blue's Clues even has printables on potty training (just what we need right now). The best part as that these are all educational and FREE!! (Can you tell I am excited?)

I have started printing a few new ones each day, and she loves it.

The next time your toddler is rambling for something to do, make sure check this site out.

 

Toddler Snack thats Good for Moms

Who could of thought that a toddler snack, could actually be the perfect snack for moms on a diet??

I have been buying Gerber Fruit Puffs since my bumblebee was 8 months or so. At the time she was just learning to pick up foods, and since she had no teeth, these disolved easily.

I still buy them even though she really doesn't need them. She likes to pick them up one by one, and I figure they are healthier than cookies.

I have been snacking on these babies for ages (banana and cherry are my favorites) but now that I am seriously dieting again I might feel the need to snack more often.

Get this 80 puffs (a decent sized snack)

Calories: 25

Fat: 0g

Sodium: 0mg

Carbs: 6g

Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 0g

This is a dream for moms who count calories, fat, and sugar! The carbs aren't bad either. They are perfect for when you want a little "crunch". Seriously, sprinkle these over some FF yogurt and you got a yummy, healthy snack!

 

They grow up so fast!

My bumblebee is growing up so fast! Just had to take a moment to post a new pic.

They are just too cute at this age!

 

Oh Man! Toddler Messes!

Toddlers make the BIGGEST messes!!

My bumblebee just took some of my liquid foundation from our bathroom (Somehow snuck it when DH wasn't looking) and poured it out on our living room table!!

Luckily, it wiped off the table easily, her hands were covered too. If it weren't for this miracle cleanser/makeup remover- purity made simple, we probably would be still scrubbing her!

 

Fun with your Toddler

As a work at home mom with a toddler all day, I often find myself looking for new ideas to keep her from getting bored...which seems to be rather easily lately!

We have gone through a television phase with watching Dora the Explorer (who she loves) and believe it or not, I think she has learned quite a bit from those videos. However, I don't believe a child should sit in front of the TV all day (and I am getting sick of seeing Dora) so I am starting to plan new, fun, educational activites for her through out the day.

Here are a some fun ideas for your toddler:

Go for a nature walk – Educational yet lots of fun. Your toddler will love exploring and collecting different treasures to bring home. Point out big leaves to him or different colored plants or flowers. Collect opposites such as a small leaf and a big leaf or a small stick and a big stick.

Take your time and have fun. Don’t worry if you don’t live near a nature reserve or park. A simple walk around your neighborhood will be sufficient. Your toddler won’t mind and there will still be lots for him to see.

Bake Cookies – The bad news first, things will get messy. The good news, cooking is both fun and educational and even children as young as 2 can get involved. Depending on your toddler’s age let her help and don’t worry too much about how the final product will look or even taste, concentrate on the actual putting it together part. As you’re mixing the ingredients tell your toddler what you’re doing. Name out each ingredient and measurement out loud and once you finish enjoy your delicious homemade treats.

Have Fun With Water - Fill a small tub with water and give your toddler several containers of different sizes. Let her pour water from one container to the other and you can even add some bubbles for extra fun. This is a fun activity that also helps build hand eye coordination. You can also place different objects in a tub and show your child how some of them float and others sink.



I purchased this Water Table for my bumblebee this year. This was a wonderful purchase because of how hot it has been this summer. She loves goining outside and splashing the water and pouring down the little wheel. Highly recommended way to cool off on a hot day with your toddler!

Start a Photo Album – Make a photo album and fill it with pictures of your toddler, your family and extended family as well. This is especially good if your toddler has relatives that live far away. Talk about who each person is and where they come from or where they live.

Paper Tearing or Cutting – Find a couple of old magazines or catalogues and let your toddler tear pages out, try to get her to tear small shapes or just let her have fun. If your toddler is a little older you can teach her how to use toddler scissors to cut out shapes.

Toddlers are constantly learning. This is the perfect age for you to have fun with your child while helping them learn. And don’t think you have to do something too elaborate. Toddlers are easily pleased and will find wonder and amazement in even the smallest of things. Enjoy these years. I know I am. ;)

 

Easy Meal Planning for Moms

When you have toddlers running around the house, meal planning is often the last thing you have on your mind. I think a lot of us mothers really have no clue how to actually "meal plan".

Meal planning can save time and money though, and I know those are two things that moms love!

Beyond saving time and money there are some other great reasons for meal planning.

By planning your meals and doing your shopping ahead of time, it’s easier to make sure your family eats healthy and balanced meals. It’s too easy to reach for the phone and order a pizza when your fridge is empty.

Here are Some Tips to Make Meal Planning Easy:

First, look through your pantry and cupboards and make a mental note of what you have. The see if there are any foods you can use to plan your family’s meals around. For example if you have pasta or rice then create a couple of meals including those staples. I often make a list of the things I do have and bring it with me to the store. This way I can use what I have to make new meals (less product to buy) and I don't rebuy what I already have (something I do often).

Sit down and plan your week’s menu. Write down each dinner and remember to make allowances for days you don’t have a lot of time or get home late. If you know ahead of time Tuesdays are stressful then plan something pretty simple to make for that day or even make double on Monday and save the leftovers for Tuesday. You can vary the meal by changing one or two things around.

Although going to the supermarket once a week is a good way to save time and avoid overspending, it may not always be possible for all items. If you buy a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables you may want to only include half a week’s worth of items on your list and make a second quick trip during the week for the rest. Just stick to the produce isle to avoid temptations.

When planning your list think of meals that are both nutritious but frugal. Casseroles, stews and pasta dishes can be quite inexpensive and also easy to prepare. To save money, include one or two vegetarian meals a week. You can make a nutritious meat-free chili or cheesy pasta bake. Tuna is another great frugal food you can add to pasta or rice dishes.

When you’re buying your vegetables plan your meals around them to avoid wasting food. Say you buy a bag of carrots then try to include carrots in several dinners or use them for snacks to avoid ending up with a fridge full of expired produce at the end of the week.

Think ahead and use your freezer. If you’re making something that freezes well like spaghetti sauce, a stew or casserole make double and freeze the second portion for those days where you just don’t have any time to cook. Also get a Food Saver. I can't tell you how much money this has saved me!

Finally, don’t forget to stick your menu on your fridge or other prominent place and plan ahead every day. If you’re making a crock pot stew you can cut the veggies the night before and add them to your crock pot in the morning. Leave your meat thawing in the fridge during the day and leave the items for the evening’s dinner out so that you can easily start cooking once you get in.

I also check the Sundy ads for coupons for the products I am buying. This really saves a lot in the long run.

If even after these helpful meal planning tips, you find yourself too busy check out

Dine Without Whine - A Family Friendly Weeky Menu Planner

 

What's a Mom Supposed to do....Tips for the Terrible Twos and Temper Tantrums!

Oh man! My two year old is throwing another temper tantrum and...It's driving me crazy!! Sound familiar?

The terrible twos, even the most dignified parent has been left red-faced and wanting to be swallowed into the ground while their toddler is having a meltdown.

Here are a few simple tips for avoiding toddler temper tantrums:

Don'’t let your toddler get over-tired. Set a regular nap routine and try to stick to it, and make sure he goes to bed at a reasonable time and gets enough sleep during the night. Tiredness is often the first reason for a tantrum.

Keep sugar levels stable - Don'’t let your toddler’s blood sugar levels dip too low. This will make him irritable and tired, and a temper tantrum will soon follow. Make sure he has plenty of small nutritious snacks throughout the day to provide him with a steady source of energy to avoid blood sugar dips. Also, don't give juice to your toddler at bedtime, apple juice is the worst! My daughter is always crying for juice, and often refuses milk, if this is the case she gets water. Juices of course, are loaded with sugar.

Give your toddler time - Allow enough time for activities like getting dressed, brushing their hair and getting in and out of the car. Your toddler will want to do a lot of these things on his own and rushing him is a sure way to start a tantrum. Give him a little extra time and let him try to be independent by allowing him to do certain things for himself.

Put cookies and snacks away. Is there a certain treat that always causes your toddler to have a tantrum? Out of sight, out of mind, is a great way of avoiding tantrums.

Ignore It.– This is easier said than done and of course it depends where your child is having his tantrum. If you a’re in the middle of the grocery store you can'’t just walk away or ignore your child, especially if they'’re grabbing or breaking things. In this case it may be best to gently pick up your child and take him outside or to an area away from people and noise. Give him a few minutes to calm down and a big hug.

If your child is having a tantrum in a safe place like at home, then it's best to walk away until he calms down. Make sure he can'’t hurt himself or anything or anyone else and just walk away. Once he's finished give him a hug and talk about what he'’s feeling.

Give your toddler a Hug. Many times your child just needs to be held and needs you to help him control his emotions. If he's in the middle of a tantrum try gently hugging him and just hold him. A lot of the times this will completely diffuse the tantrum. Be sensitive to his reactions and if you see your hug is only making him more upset then give him a little space instead or try a different approach.

For More Temper Tantrum Tips:



Everything Parent's Guide To Tantrums: The One Book You Need To Prevent Outbursts, Avoid Public Scenes, And Help Your Child Stay Calm