The Toddler years..... The time in every parents life that they only wish that Prozac was sold OTC, and you truly learn why Chuck E. Cheese sells alcoholic beverages. 
In these years also comes the new uncharted territory of discipline and the dreaded Potty training....
On average a Toddler hears the word no 400 times a day!
Not only is this trying on the parent, but studies show that the over use of the word no, can lead to poor communication skills later in life.
Around my house no was one of the first words that Jackson successfully manipulated in the correct context. Although at this point ( we are almost three) the word no has little to NO meaning to him.
WebMD has offered some tips and advice for parents who are new to a toddlers point of view.
1. Be consistent Try to have the same schedule every day. Consistency is also extremely important in discipline.
2. Avoid stressful situations - By the time your child is a toddler, you will know their triggers and you will learn to avoid them
3. Think like a toddler. - explain things so that a toddler will understand. Set limits but validate their feelings.
These things along with ALOT of patience and the occasional "Mommy Time Out" will help you navigate thru these unpredictable years.
Now with Jackson we have tried numerous things when it comes to potty training.......
- Big Boy undies (complete with Sponge-Bob and Yo Gabba Gabba.
- A really cool "lil" Big boy potty.
- Pull Ups that change color, temperature etc.
- Cheerios as targets in the potty.
- Reward systems
I have come to the conclusion that at the moment going potty like a big boy is a novelty in our home ( at least to Jack).
We don't push the issue and I can only hope that eventually he gets with the program so to speak
Typically the issue is emotional readiness as opposed to physiological readiness.
Signs of emotional readiness for toilet training include:
- Your child stays dry at least 2 hours at a time during the day
- Your child is dry after naps.
- Your child's bowel movements are regular and predictable.
- Your child's facial expressions, posture, or words suggest he or she is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.
- Your child can follow simple instructions.
- Your child can walk to and from the bathroom and help undress.
- Your child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers.
- Your child asks to use the toilet or potty chair.
- Your child asks to wear grown-up underwear.
Again Patience is the best thing not only for your toddler, but for your self.
Remember Bribery is always an option! Mini M&M's work wonders!
And I guess I can't stress Patience enough.....
