We had so much success with potty training using the timer method that it occurred to me one day recently: Why don’t we use the timer for other things?
Brilliant!
So now if Baby B seems to be resisting bedtime, we set the timer and tell her that when the timer goes off, that’s when Mommy and Daddy have to leave. Amazingly, she goes along with it and doesn’t put up a fight when this happens, perhaps because we’ve absolved ourselves of the responsibility for the decision, at least in her eyes. To her, it’s the timer that’s deciding she needs to do something, not us, so she doesn’t have that natural urge to rebel against our wishes.
It works for so many other things, too.
She’s taking too long to get dressed? We tell her when the timer goes off, it’s our turn to dress her, so she’d better do it herself before it rings.
She won’t use the potty before we leave the house? Once the timer goes off, we’re the ones who will pull her undies down and place her on the potty. She doesn’t like that, so she’s motivated to do it herself before it comes to that.
Of course this method won’t be successful forever, but I’m always excited when I find new ways to conquer challenging toddler behavior.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 4:11 pm |
You sure you guys haven’t been doing this parenting thing forever? Because you’re very good at it
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 4:17 pm |
Alex–That’s very sweet of you to say! I must say…I do think we feel pretty confident in our parenting, even if we’re in the same boat as everyone else and are just winging it! A little confidence goes a long way, I’m learning!
D
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 11:25 am |
Maybe I need to use a timer with Tim…
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
I think Baby B is very lucky. I believe in nurturing a childs natural instints, but sometimes its hard to do that when we have 3 different kids. Organized chaos ensues
But somehow we make it work.
You’re right about the confidence. I think that as you see your child turning out so great it gives you the boost to keep doing it, which in turns gives them confidence that radiates into everything they do. Self fulfilling circle
I love reading you because even after 3 kids I still learn stuff, and I get a new perspective on kids through your eyes.
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 11:49 am |
Thanks, Alex! Your comments are very helpful because chances are good that one of your kids has gone through something that we’re going through.
D
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 4:29 am |
Your very welcome…and I’ve gotten some peace out of knowing my child isn’t the only one with eating issues. Although you haven’t much about Baby B’s eating lately…is she over her picky phase now? Joshua still isn’t
I’m trying to be Zen about it…and keep lots of yogurt and homemade bread in the house since thats about all he eats!!
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 4:30 am |
Er…you’RE welcome…*sigh* its way too late for me to be up typing correctly…obviously!!
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:07 am |
Alex–No, she’s still picky, but I think I’ve come to terms with it so that it’s not as much of a battle anymore (even if the battle was mostly within myself, not as much me vs. her). She eats breakfast fine, I’m told she eats a good lunch at daycare, and she’s gaining weight fine, so I just have to trust that she’s getting what she needs overall. It really did help once I switched to looking at things more on a weekly basis as far as what she gets, as opposed to on a daily basis. If she weren’t thriving, I’d probably sweat it more, but we offer her healthy foods and it’s up to her to decide what to do with it.
Good luck with Joshua! Even though I’m at peace with it, I still definitely know the frustration of this issue.
Knowing that your other two weren’t really picky eaters gives me hope for whenever we have a second child. Though, that one will probably be the nightmare sleeper, as Baby B has always been a freak (in a good way) with sleeping well.
D
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 5:05 pm |
Thanks…I’ll need your luck *sigh* his diet is soooo stagnated. I make sure what does go in is good(often home made/whole wheat/12 grain bread and low sugars etc)and he eats what he does eat VERY WELL. LOL no issues on weight…he’s small but he’s even percentiles all around so thats not an issues to me. I guess its just the…hassle? Making sure I have the limits list of stuff he eats(feeling bad if I tell the girls they can’t have the last banana because its all Joshua will eat-well not all but you know what I mean), and just the fact that he’s almost 3…but then I read blogs or articles and hear its pretty common…so I feel a bit better and more Zen. At least I try!!
And everyone told me my 2nd wouldn’t sleep as well as my first(nightmare to put down but slept at least 12 straight hours from 3 months) and the 2nd did too(although it was 12 hours from 4.5 months I think, but still 8 hours before that). Then they said I got lucky and my 3rd surely wouldn’t, and then my son slept 12 hours from 2.5 weeks. I use to get him up around midnight for a night nurse for my comfort mostly, but he wouldn’t have woken if I didn’t. But I nursed all 3 every 2 hours for about 6 months(then spread the time between nurses out after that)…so they got their calorie fill during the days and had full bellies for bedtime. So…just because one does something doesn’t jinx you for the next!! Just think positively!! Affirm a thing and it is so.
Except that doesn’t work for Joshua’s meals!! LOL as much as I arrirm and send positive vibes when I make him a plate of what we’re eating…doesn’t help!! LOL maybe it only applies to sleep