The No-Cry Potty Training Solution

The No-Cry Potty Training Solution
Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Diapers

~Elizabeth Pantley

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Quick Facts About Potty Training

Potty training can be natural, easy, and peaceful. The first step is to know the facts.

♦   The perfect age to begin potty training is different for every child. Your child’s best starting age could be anywhere from eighteen to thirty-two months. Pre-potty training preparation can begin when a child is as young as ten months.

♦   You can begin training at any age, but your child’s biology, skills, and readiness will determine when he can take over his own toileting.

♦   Teaching your child how to use the toilet can, and should, be as natural as teaching him to build a block tower or use a spoon.

♦   No matter the age that toilet training begins, most children become physically capable of independent toileting between ages two and a half and four.

♦    It takes three to twelve months from the start of training to daytime toilet independence. The more readiness skills that a child possesses, the quicker the process will be.

♦   The age that a child masters toileting has absolutely no correlation to future abilities or intelligence.

♦   There isn’t only one right way to potty train – any approach you use can work – if you are pleasant, positive and patient.

♦   Nighttime dryness is achieved only when a child’s physiology supports this–you can’t rush it.

♦   A parent’s readiness to train is just as important as a child’s readiness to learn.

♦   Potty training need not be expensive. A potty chair, a dozen pairs of training pants and a relaxed and pleasant attitude are all that you really need. Anything else is truly optional.

♦   Most toddlers urinate four to eight times each day, usually about every two hours or so.

♦    Most toddlers have one or two bowel movements each day, some have three, and others skip a day or two in between movements. In general, each child has a regular pattern.

♦    More than 80 percent of children experience setbacks in toilet training. This means that what we call “setbacks” are really just the usual path to mastery of toileting.

♦    Ninety-eight percent of children are completely daytime independent by age four.

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Potty Training Solution (McGraw-Hill 2006).

Obama: The Historic Journey

I wanted my kids to understand that they have been a part of history. I could not have felt more proud to be an American than the day our country elected Barack Obama as our President of the United States. And naturally I wanted to commemorate the occasion.

I went out and gathered a newspaper the day after Election Day. I also bought a special edition of Newsweek for the boys. But the most impressive  publication thus far has been Obama: The Historic Journey, distributed by the New York Times.

This book starts at the beginning. It tells the story of Obama’s childhood, complete with photos of him as a young boy and even includes a family tree. It gives a little history on his education, and how he met his wife. And of course it unfurls the events surrounding the primary race, the general election and beyond (victory and transition).

Because this title is adapted for young readers, the prose is simple, yet strong. More difficult concepts to understand are explained. Each incumbent’s platform is recapped, in addition to including a nice color map of the final electoral college by state. The portraits are intimate and moving. The story is powerful. It is something I want my sons to know about, and to appreciate. This hardcover book is a gift that feels exactly like imparting a slice of history. And I suppose that is precsiely what it is.

Full of valuable information, beautiful color photos, and the historic story of this great man we call President Obama… this is an important and valuable item to add to any library. It is also one you will cherish forever. I feel fortunate to have received this title for review — a priceless item that was given to me so that I could share my thoughts with you. But I have two sons; which means that I simply must get a second copy too.

The Wisdom of Moms

There is a wealth of information for parents. When I became a mother, I immediately began tapping into them all (or so it seems). Parenting magazines. Books. Professionals. Friends. Family. And of course the internet… websites, blogs, forums and the like. However, as a new mother, and even now as someone with 3 years of experience on the job, the most valuable insight I have ever received has always come from other moms. And until now, the best place to find a group of mothers together online has been a forum or bulletin board.

This is why I am so excited to introduce you to Mamapedia. In a single place, you can consult with a team of other mommies. You can ask advice on any question under the sun, no matter how trivial, how critical; how private, or mundane. You can be refreshingly honest, and get the same candidness in the responses you receive. Go to the website, ask a question, and wait for the wisdom to start rolling in. It is really that simple.

SO many questions have been asked already: if you do a little research, you may find that your topic is already on the site… with several valuable answers to boot. Perhaps the best part about it is that you don’t even have to restrict your questions to topics concerning your children. You can ask anything. And you are practically guaranteed to get something you can use in return. After all, these are moms on here, asking and answering questions. We all know that mothers are the smartest human beings on the planet. The most clever and creative too.

Try out the tool. Go there now, even if you don’t have a pressing question at the moment. All it takes is one visit to see how much this can eventually mean for your peace of mind. Best of all, it does not cost you a dime to register or ask questions. You can surf around without even doing that. Type in a topic and you will instantly see all kinds of great advice. In the time that it took me to write this review, I have already learned that The Suzuki Method comes highly recommended and that there are such things as Immersion Preschools. I’m glad I have found Mamapedia now. Wish it had been an option for me back in 2005!!

BlogTour: Johnson’s No More Tears 50th Anniversary

I never even had to consider it. From the moment I found out I was pregnant I inherently knew that I was going to use Johnson’s products on my baby. It feels to me like they have always been around, and it is a name that I trust. If the hospital gives you samples to take home from the hospital, it must be good, right?

My first son had eczema, and the only cleanser gentle enough for his skin was Johnson’s Head To Toe baby wash (the one in the yellow bottle). In fact, for the first 3 years of his life, if I ever tried to use anything else on him during his bath he would have another flareup. So now whenever I smell the fresh, mild scent of that particular wash, it takes me back to those days of being a new mom with my first baby, not having a clue, but still trying my best to get him clean and happy.

Now that he is older, I am able to expand the line of products a little bit, and our new favorite is the Johnson’s Moisture Care baby wash. Rich and creamy, it is the product that I had always wished Johnson’s would add. The trademark scent of their original pink baby lotion — in a wash. Perfect. Every time my mom comes over to help she will bathe the boys for me. And I kid you not, no matter how many times she squeezes that Moisture Care baby wash on the sponge, she has the same remark about how very good it smells.

Now Johnson’s is celebrating 50 Years of No More Tears! To help them reflect on such an honorable history of quality products, Mom Central and Johnson’s have asked me to review two brand new products on my blog. The first one is Johnson’s Baby Bubble Bath & Wash. Kids love bubbles in the tub, but as parents we are always being cautioned about using too many bubbles, and too often. Here now is a product that is gentle and safe enough to use every night during tub-time. Which puts lots of smiles on all our faces. This is especially important to me since my sons have sensitive dry skin, prone to eczema. There are so many cool bath products they have to miss out on anyway – this makes me happy to see that a company is thinking about even those of who have babies with super reactive skin. It is so gentle that you can use it for babies starting as young as 6 months. Fabulous!

The second new product is Johnson’s Head-To-Toe foaming wash. It is the gentle, dye-free and soap-free formula that you are used to from the Head-To-Toe brand. Only this time it comes in a convenient pump that dispenses a rich foam. Moms can use one hand to pump and get an instant lather (priceless when you are a new mother trying to hold a squirmy newborn – see my comments above!). Babies love it because it is as gentle to their skin as water alone. It is still the #1 choice of hospitals, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic. The product you already love, in a form that will make you love it even more (and you thought that was not possible).

My oldest son will be 4 in July and we are still a strictly Johnson’s household. Certain scents will now always remind me of my children as infants, and of my first days and week of being a mother.  These are pleasant scents that bring back the fondest of memories. And I am sure that my grandchildren will be getting bathed with Johnson’s products too.

BlogTour: Disney On Ice

Disney equals magic for children. Whether you are little girl fascinated with all things Disney princess, or a small boy obssessed with Lightning McQueen (as are my boys), there is something for everyone in the world of Disney. Can you imagine the look on your child’s face to see one their beloved Disney characters come to life? Not all of us can make it to Disney World for the family vacation, which is one surefire way to make the magic come alive for your child. Another way, though, is the Disney On Ice show.

In this day and age, we spend way too much time in front of screens. Computer screens, movie screens, tv screens, gaming screens, cell phone screens… you get the idea. It feels like the bulk of our entertainment is just being watched through some electronic medium. Don’t get me wrong, technology is convenient and makes all of our lives easier. But some things (like wholesome and exciting family fun) should be done live and in person, as a family, together.

Here is your opportunity to give that sort of real-life experience to your children. Believe me, they will never forget all the fast-paced action, colorful costumes, and the larger than life presence of the characters that all come from a Disney On Ice show. We are talking top-notch talented skaters executing complicated choreography and music that your kids already know and love from their favorie Disney shows and movies. You can’t go wrong. And I understand that in today’s economy, every single penny has to be spent wisely, so here is an opportunity to make it even more likely that you will be able to treat your kids to this wonderful experience:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code “MOM” at select ticketing channels*. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Gold Circle Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply.
Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public – just enter the code “MOM” when purchasing those seats.

Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM code are as follows:

Houston
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey
April 15-April 19

Dallas/Ft Worth
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey
March 18-March 29

Sunrise/Miami
Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy
March 26-April 5

Toronto
Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy
March 18-March 22

Kansas City
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey
April 1-April 5

Denver
Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure
March 12-March 15

Phoenix
Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure
April 9-April 12

Chicago/Rosemont
Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Sept 8-Sept 13

To learn more about Disney On Ice shows touring the country this year, visit http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/ and visit ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

And yes, please share the code! Spread the love! We want to get any many children as possible the chance to experience this grand event. Since we all like to treat our kids to something special, as well as save money in the process, I am sure this post could not have come at a better time for you. Enjoy!!

Family Traditions Ringling Bros. Blog Tour

The Circus Is Coming To Town!

I like having special traditions with my sons. I believe that this is the magic of childhood. Those special events that you can always count on to happen only every so often (which makes them even more sweeter). Lots of people use holidays to incorporate some sort of tradition into their lives, but it doesn’t always have to be that. In fact, Ringling Brothers Circus is a great idea for families looking to have a special event that will create memories for life. This is a super fun event, that may very well be your child’s first live show (but certainly not their last!). It is something they are sure to remember for their entire lives. I know that personally, I have never forgotten my first trip to the circus and surely never will. I like to think that I am creating similar lasting memories for my children too!

So now that you have a fabulous idea for starting a new family tradition, what is better than Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus? Scoring discounted tickets!! Just by using the discount code “MOM” you can get 4 tickets for $44 in select cities. Details follow below:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code “MOM” at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers.  Other Restrictions May Apply.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public – just enter the code “MOM” when purchasing those seats. Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM discount code this spring are as follows:

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
March 5 – April 13
Offer not valid on performances from April 10 – 13 at Madison Square Garden

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Phoenix
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Dallas/Ft Worth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 29-August 16

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Kansas City
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

To see which Ringling Bros. tour is coming to a town near you, visit www.Ringling.com. And visit www.ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

And please, spread the news about this awesome savings opportunity to friends and families close to the listed cities. This discount code is meant to be shared.

Also, did you know that the Baby’s First Circus program allows babies to receive a free ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere. No expiration date! I made sure that both of my kiddos got their free ticket. Because we all know that no other circus compares to Ringling Brothers. There is, indeed, a reason why they call it “The Greatest Show On Earth”. I take my kids to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus every time they are in my area. There is nothing like seeing the wonder on their faces as they take in the sights and sounds.

So go on and treat your family to the circus. At $11 a person it feels like a steal. If you’re super excited and feel like clowning around with your kids to celebrate the cool deal you just got on Ringling Bros. tickets, email me. I’ll send you a clown nose (while supplies last).

Sensa Update

It’s hard to believe I am now on Month 5 of using Sensa. This product is starting to get some serious press too! Just this week there was an article in Woman’s World for the product. Sensa has appeared on the home pages of both HSN and MSN within the month. And The Daily Candy featured two articles about the product here and here.

The affect this product has had on my appetite is unreal. It seems as though I eat less and less without even trying. There are times that I have to actually remind myself that I haven’t eaten in hours! Whereas the first month I used the entire box of tastants within 30 days, now at the fifth month I always have some left over. And that is with me sprinkling liberally on everything I eat. Proof positive that I am eating less.

Evidence just keeps pouring in from everywhere that Sensa is working, and no one can dispute how easy it is to incoporate into your life.

If you are ready to try it, they are still running this fabulous deal. You can get 15% off your order and FREE ground shipping with coupon code ROCKETXL at www.trysensa.com

What have you got to lose? Besides 15 or 20… or maybe even 30 pounds?

Sensa Update

I can hardly believe I am starting month 4 of Sensa. The time has gone by so quickly. There are some things I can say with absolute certainty about this product.

1. It is very easy to use. Unobtrusive and does not alter the taste of the foods you love.
2. It is easy to remember. It only takes 21-days to form a habit. Sprinkling Sensa on everything I eat has become second nature. I don’t even have to force myself to remember.  I just do it.
3. It definitely helps me to fell fuller faster, and for a longer time period. I cannot eat as much as I used to at one sitting; nor do I have the desire to eat as often. Sometimes my mind wants/needs to eat well before my body signals being hungry. That is a weird thing to get used to!
4. I am eating less overall. The first month, I used nearly 2 full containers of tastants. By now, I am lucky to even use up one. I always have some left at the end of each month. And that is with me using it consistently.

So that was what I know for sure, now here is what I believe:

1. Sensa has helped me get through the holidays without gaining any weight at all.
2. Sensa allows me to eat whatever I want without gaining a single ounce.
3. Sensa is responsible for my shedding the 5 pounds that I keep battling with (they come off, then come back on, then off again).
4. Sensa has a cumulative effect that is changing my relationship with food, in a positive way.

So while I cannot report an overwhelming statistic on personal pounds shed, I do believe that Sensa has helped me lose about 5 pounds so far. I am hoping for even better results next month.

Remember, if you want to try Sensa too, use promo code ROCKETXL to get 15% off your order and free ground shipping.

And now, I am off to eat one of my son’s birthday cupcakes at 10:30pm (and I have absolutely zero guilt, fear, or remorse about it either).

BlogTour: Liberty Mutual Fire Safety

Ok, I am embarassed to admit this, but it’s true… the first year I put up my very own live Christmas tree, it never ocurred to me that I was supposed to water it every day. Or at all. That’s right. A fully decked out tree, bedazzled with lights, near the heating vent and electrical outlet, in my house for an entire month… without a single drop of water given to the plant. When I finally took it down, it was so brittle and dry that it practically disintegrated right in my hands.

How clueless!! We were fortunate. That was a definite fire hazard just waiting to combust; but we made it through the holidays without incident. Liberty Mutual wants to educate people on fire safety to help avoid dangerous mishaps like the one I created simply because I did not have the information or the knowledge. So they have created an entire website, BeFireSmart, which is an interactive approach to fire safety.

The site is divided into 4 sections: Parents, Educators, Children, and Fire Fighters. Of course I paid close attention to the Children’s Section which has several fun games for the young ones to play online. There is also a downloadable coloring book featuring “Firefighter Joe”. That is an automatic slam dunk in my house of boys.

My favorite activity is the Winter Safety Quiz. It reminds us (in an entertaining way) that with all the heating and cooking we do in the cold months, we are in fact at the greatest risk for fire than any other time of year. Additionally there are games testing your escape plan and your fire IQ.  So even the grownups get to play their own versions of games using online interaction. You can also download a list of Winter Safety Tips which are relevant to any household, and a good idea to keep in mind while going through the daily routine.

There’s much more available on the site than what is mentioned here. Take a little time out of your busy holiday schedule to check it out. Explore it together with your kid, and you might both learn something new. And who would disagree that learning about Fire Safety should be tops on any parent’s list? Just use me and my dying Christmas Tree as an example.. a simple mistake could have had some pretty dire consequences. Since knowledge is power, Liberty Mutual is turning you into a Fire Super Hero with this site.

Sensa Update

I am now starting month 3 of Sensa. I think it might be starting to work. I get full so much quicker now. The same amount of food that I used to eat will now have me feeling totally stuffed if I continue to clean my plate. It seems that I just don’t get as hungry, as often. The effects of Sensa are so subtle and so gradual I would hardly notice any difference at all. But since I am paying real close attention to how this is working for me, I tend to notice every little thing.

I still don’t think I have lost any weight though. My brother saw me this weekend for the first time in about 3 weeks and said that he instantly thought I looked like I had lost weight. That is not what the scale says though.

I am just so curious to see if the weight is ever going to start melting off for me. I have to be honest with you — so far it has not.

But I am not giving up hope. I am going to keep using Sensa every day, on every meal — and I will not give up until it proves it is working on me.

If you have started taking Sensa too, you can participate in the online community simply by signing up for their newsletter. If you haven’t started using it yet, what are you waiting for? The holidays are the perfect time to try to combat the Battle of the Bulge. And besides, here is a little gift for yourself… place an order online and use redemption code ROCKETXL to get 15% off your order plus free shipping. Happy Holidays!