#motherhood

Potty Training Toddlers: How to Easily Potty Train Your Little One

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Today we are going to talk some poopy stuff. Potty training it is— a real deal in every parent’s and child’s life. Potty training is about breaking a lifelong habit. The thought can be haunting and the task can be daunting for any parent. The first and the most important thing is to start it with the right mindset by being prepared for what is coming so that it doesn’t end up into a bathroom battle of sorts. With few basics in mind, we can make the transition easier and smoother. Here are some tips to help you potty train your toddler with ease.

What is the right age to start potty training?


The best time to start potty training a toddler is between 18 to 24 months. While some children may be ready earlier, most are not developmentally ready until this age range. Before starting, it is also important to assess if your toddler is ready. Signs that they may be ready include being able to stay dry for around 2 hours and being able to follow simple instructions. Also, they should be showing some interest in the process maybe when they do their own thing or watch somebody else do the thing.

Preparing for potty training

Last few weeks I’ve been training my little one. My experience with him was completely different that what it was with my first born. While the first one took only two days to be completely off the diaper, the second one took about a month to completely understand the cues. So the first thing we need to be prepared as parents is that each child is different and they will take their own sweet time.

Also, it is important to prepare your toddler. You can talk to your toddler about the process and why it is important to learn to use the potty. Use words like “pee pee” and “poo poo” often to make them understand the process in simple terms. Sensitizing your little one with books and movies is always a good idea and makes the process so much fun and easy.

Also, you need to be prepared with the right clothings and equipments. Clothes that have loose fitting and are easy to take off and on are a good bet. It is also a good idea to invest in the right potty chair or a potty seat, training underpants. Some of the products needed are discussed below.

Potty training products

Potty chair

The most essential potty training product is a potty chair. Most potty chairs come with a removable inner bowl for easy clean-up, and some models even feature removable splashguards for extra protection. Potty chairs are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable and fits your child’s needs.

Potty seat

Another important potty training product is a potty seat. Potty seats are designed to fit on the seat of an adult toilet and make it easier for a child to use the toilet independently. Potty seats come in a variety of sizes and styles, and some models even come with a step-stool that makes it more comfortable to use. Go for the type and model that suits you.

Toilet training pants

Toilet training pants are also an important potty training product. They are designed to fit snugly and help a child stay dry during the potty training process. Toilet training pants are available in a variety of sizes and styles. While some people prefer cloth diapers during the process, some might prefer the ones with special absorbent layers that provide extra protection against leaks. Have a good time picking your favorite pants, may be with some of your child’s favorite character to make it more interesting for your child.

Books and videos

Books and videos are the best medium to communicate to your toddler. Books are my personal saviour too. I sensitize my child with books for every upcoming life event. It is not only highly effective in communicating the message but it also keeps my child engaged and entertained.

Potty stickers and training charts

Potty stickers and charts provide a great way for children to track their successes and encourage them to keep trying. You can celebrate every little success with the help of a little sticker just for them to know that they did something right.

How to potty train a toddler successfully

1. Start when your child is ready

The best time to start potty training your toddler is between 18 to 24 months. This is the time when they have the physical and mental capacity to understand the process. Starting too early might take a longer time to train while delaying it might also increase the duration while also creating health issues. As stated earlier, it is also important to understand the cues that your child is ready for the training process.

2. Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the key when potty training toddlers. Praise your child when they use the toilet correctly and provide rewards for successfully using the potty. This will help reinforce the desired behavior.

3. Be patient

Potty training can take a long time and some toddlers may take longer than others. Don’t get frustrated if your child isn’t picking up the process quickly. Just keep trying and eventually they will get it.

4. Use right potty training products

There are a variety of potty training products available to help make the process easier. You must choose products that are a right fit for your child— training chairs, seats and even potty training pants.

5. Set a schedule

Having a set schedule for potty training can help keep your toddler on track. Toddlers have a natural urge to pee once they get up so a visit is must once they get up. Also, make visits at frequent gaps so that they get the hang of it, even if they don’t do their thing.

6. Make it fun

Potty training doesn’t have to be a boring or stressful activity. The hardest part is making your child wait. You can always make it fun by introducing games or activities that your child can do while sitting on the potty.

7. Have a potty spot

Have a designated area in your home, specially if you are using a potty chair, for potty training. This will help your child associate the potty with that particular area.

8. Be consistent

Consistency is the key when potty training toddlers. Make sure you are consistent in your approach and your expectations. This will help your child understand the process better.

9. Take breaks

Potty training can be stressful for both you and your toddler. Take breaks whenever you need to, so that you and your child get a chance to relax and reset.

10. Accidents happen and that’s okay

Be prepared for some accidents in the initial days of the training process. Even when your child is fully trained, accidents are a possibility. This should not be something that leaves you wondering or bothering.

11. Be gentle yet firm

Children need to be told what they need to. However, spanking and screaming never seek results. You’ve got be gentle yet firm in your approach when handling your toddlers.

10. Seek professional help

If you are having difficulty potty training your toddler, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your pediatrician or a child psychologist can provide you with valuable advice and guidance.

Hopefully these tips will help you potty train your toddler with ease. Potty training is a challenging process but with patience and the right products, it can be much easier. Good luck!

A note on my baby turning one!

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My babyZee is one.

I blinked and the year went by. It was yesterday we brought our little bundle of joy home. It was yesterday, I got this unsurmountable feeling of handing a sibling to my older one. It was yesterday, we became proud parents one more time.

You are a blissful baby for us and a wonder for your brother who was, and still is more than amazed at all the baby things you do—your squirms and stares, and smiles and giggles and gurgles and babbles. Watching you, holding you, conversing and playing with you has been such a delightful journey. You in no time changed our home from a cool quiet place to a noisy household filled with a new flow of energy.

I could never had enough despite being a mom second time. You gave me some of the most precious feelings in the world.

You revived the joy of holding my heart out of my body. You revived that sweet smell of a newborn. You revived how the grab of those teeny weeny fingers felt like. You revived the echo of gurgles and coos and infectious smiles. You revived what it felt like watching your own made human incessantly. You gave the feeling of being the most desired person on earth for this new human. Thanks my darling for letting me live those moments one more time.

You gave me the joy of handing you to your brother. All the worries of changing family dynamics had all disappeared in no time when we met you. You both doting over each other are some of the most precious moments for me.

As a woman you made me stronger than ever before—surviving the incredibly difficult times of coronial era, coming out of the health issues that came along and letting go the people and energy that serve no purpose. Your birth told me the things I didn’t know I was capable of.

I must say, being a second time mom was quite different. I was now aware of how fleeting the times are. I was now aware how soon it will be when you outgrow my arms. I was now aware how soon it will be when you start to roll, sit, walk or sleep through the night.

So, the least I wish is to rush to the milestones. So, the least I feel is to be overwhelmed— by a long day, a clingy baby or sleepless nights. So, the least I wish is to crave for silence or a mess-free home.

Because I know, with every milestone, you are gonna leave behind a little of the little you. And I am so very much going to miss it. And here I am, already missing that squirmy, squiggly infant we brought home😌😌, since you are my big little boy today. I wish I could soak in those baby moments forever. But nevertheless, that little more will always be a little less I guess!

This year was such a blessing from God for all of us specially when the times were a little tougher for everyone around. You gave our little family of three precious moments to celebrate, to laugh, to be silly, and our biggest share of joy. I can’t be thankful enough for every bit of it.

A note to my son on being a big brother

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Dear son, I write to you on your eight birthday. After being the only child for good long time, now you share your status of a son with someone else. Somebody like you, who too calls me “mama”.

Imagining another addition to the family filled with excitement as much as it filled me with anxiety.Where on one hand, I dreamt of twinkling eyes and teeny weeny finger and coos and giggles, I was clearly unclear of all that was going to change; your bedtime, our constant hugs and cuddles, the love attention and care and all of what was exclusively yours. I dreaded how you would handle all of that, your attitude, you behavior and your acceptance to the upcoming norm.

And how incredible you have been in doing away with all the doubts that ever did rounds in my mind! You are such a lovely little boy, who is happiest at the mention of his brother. A little boy who loves to share his brother stories in school. A little boy, who happily transfers the spotlight of the family, visitors and friend to his younger brother. I am happy to see this beautiful side of yours and can’t wait to soak in the magical moments when the two of you bond more and more.

Although, it hit me hard initially, very hard indeed. When I saw you after three days at the time of birth of your brother, the longest we had been away from each other. When I saw you silently bundling up in bed without mama’s good night hugs and kisses. When I saw you sitting with your dad over the dinner, without last few spoons to be fed by mama. When I saw you finishing up your bath yourself without distant calls for a towel.

I sometimes feel apologetic about how quick you grew up into a big and responsible boy. When you no more need me on your head to finish off schoolwork. When you understand why mama couldn’t go out for bicycling with you. When you find ways to entertain yourself while mama rests with the baby.

But believe me it’s you who made my journey with having a baby easier. When I see you join me in lavishing our love to the baby. The way you pacify him when I am in the midst of finishing up something. The way you make my trips to the bathroom a little less panicky. The way you run for errands when I am stuck up with something of anything.

All your little acts of kindness motivate me to be a better mom and do all those big small things for you. More than anything, you make me feel proud of myself of having done things right to see you the way you are!

You are my therapy. Mama might be physically more invested in the baby, but you are always in my mind. My cuddles for him might be a little more, but my warmth for your adorable being remains the same. My words for him may be a little sweeter, but my heart never ceases to take pride for the child that you are and the child you have been. My role of mom may be divided between the two of you, but the child who gave birth to a mom will forever be you. My arms may be full of this new tiny being, but the smell of your newborn self still sits with me and the pleasures you brought to my life continue to give me those stings of excitement. I still wish to keep you in my wraps ever and forever.

Soon our house will be noisier. There will be rivalry, and fights and some bigger fights. There will be moments when you will feel like losing it. But I am sure your love and warmth will be your guide. The beauty with which you handle this role is going to set a benchmark.

I don’t say that you are the best son or the best brother just as these words are meant to say. But these words are the ones which I mean —straight from my heart.

Energy Bars

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If you are looking forward to some make ahead quick breakfast ideas, then these energy bars are something not to be missed upon. These are super easy to make and in only 3 steps.

These energy bars are our family’s favorite. I prefer making it in advance and storing it in an airtight container. They are a savior as quick to-go breakfast on busy mornings or a filling snack in the evenings. They remain nice and crisp for a good amount of time as well.

These bars are not only wholesome, but also highly adaptive and can be varied with a number of ingredients. I find that peanut butter gives a good binding to the ingredients as compared to almond butter. You can also add whipped frosting of any flavors, just to give an additional twist of taste.

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cups peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
I cup nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dry dates etc.
2tbs flax seed
¼ cup honey
Chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Take rolled oats, dried fruits, flax seed powder, peanut butter, almond butter and honey in a dish.


2. In a chopper, coarsely grind all the ingredients.


3. Now add choco chips to the mixture.

4. Next, take a raised baking dish, firmly press the mixture into it. Cover it for 2hrs or until firm.

4. Now using a knife slice it into bars. Store it into an airtight container.

Waffle Pops recipe

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If you are looking for a delicious crispy yet chewy waffle recipe, you are at the right place. These waffles call for just the perfect treat for your kiddos. For mine, it was a heavenly delight and he was over the moon when I made these.

I have been recently obssesed with my mini Dash waffle maker. The waffles are perfect in size if you are trying to eat a limited portion plus the texture too is perfect. These are not as soft as the Belgian Waffles and the crispiness is also particularly distinct. It will not be wrong to say that this mini device can make a massive impact in any kitchen.

The batter used is close to the pancake batter, just that it takes melted butter in addition. And of course, the measurements for batter also need to be precisely followed since the change in batter consistency will lead to variable results.

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 cup milk
2 tbsp softened unsalted butter
Popsicle sticks

For waffle pop coating

1 cup chocolate frosting
1 cup vanilla frosting
Water

For topping

Marshmallows
Chocolate sauce
Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.

2. Whisk together milk, egg and melted butter in a separate bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mix until nicely combined.

3. Add 2 tbsp of batter to the waffle maker and cook for 6-4 minutes, it will turn golden brown on both the sides.

4. Vertically insert popsicle stick through each waffle while warm.

For Waffle Pop coating

1. Mix chocolate frosting and vanilla frosting separately with water in a medium bowl.

2. Holding the popsicle stick, dip half from the sides of each waffle into a bowl.

3. Now top with sprinkles, marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.

Notes:

1. If you substitute ingredients, they may not work the same way.

2. Units of measure shouldn’t be altered.

3. When whisking, don’t overwhisk else the waffles tend to lose their crispiness and get softer.

4. Different waffle makers give different results, for example a Belgian Waffle maker will make relatively softer waffles, so do a research before buying one.