potty training

How to Train Your Toddler

August 7, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s one of those things that you really have to experience in order to join the conversation. And even then, since every child is different, your advice should be considered, but not necessarily followed. And sometimes, despite your solid preparations and best intentions, everything gets thrown for a loop. And if you’re really unlucky, something will happen and you’ll have to start all over again.

I’m talking about potty training, of course.

I probably potty trained my first son later than I should have, simply because it was easier to change his diaper than go through the motions of getting him on the toilet seat (he’s resistant to change; I’m resistant to accidents on my Berber carpet). The truth is, I didn’t stress about it – I had never heard of a 16-year old wearing diapers, so I was fairly certain that eventually, he would get there.

That’s why I’m not here to offer foolproof potty training tips… there’s no such thing! However, I would like to share a few helpful suggestions from Kandoo Kids, my favourite brand for keeping kids clean.
kandoo 1. The Basics: Each child is different but the general age range to start potty training is 18-24 months. Start by making positive associations with the toilet early on, such as showing your child how you sit on the toilet to go “potty”.

2. Routine: Establish a routine that encourages your child to use the potty throughout the day.

3. Patience: Since potty training takes time and every child is different, an abundance of patience is necessary… and a little laughter is helpful too.

4. Stay Positive: Even if nothing happens, help your child feel good about the process with positive reinforcements such as singing songs, clapping hands or give them stickers.

5. Washing Hands: Encourage healthy habits from the start by teaching kids how to wash their hands.

Earlier this month, I shared my best tips for keeping kids clean over the summer months. I trust Kandoo Flushable Wipes and Personal Care Products and Boogie Wipes for the task. Well, now it’s your turn to share – for a chance to win a Kandoo prize package valued at $150! …

The Egg that Trained My Toddler

October 31, 2013 By Lena

I know you’re looking at the title of this blog post and thinking… come again?

Truth be told, I spent a long time deciding whether it was actually an egg that toilet trained Reid, or if hard work, persistence and a positive attitude reigned supreme. In the end, I decided to give credit where credit is due…

All bow to the mighty KINDER Surprise. Delicious treat and toilet trainer extraordinaire.

Okay, I’ll elaborate. Early last year, I joined the #KINDERMom program with Mom Central Canada. If you’re so inclined, you can read some of my posts here and here. But the truth is, as much as I loved the concept of KINDER Surprises, my boys just weren’t that into them. They liked the chocolate and they were fond of the toys, but they could take it or leave it. In fact, a box of unopened KINDER eggs eventually made its way to the next door neighbour’s kids without so much a word of protest.

That was last year. Fast forward to this summer, and the magical discovery of YouTube. I know you’re going to laugh at my little guys, but their very favourite videos in the entire world are the ones dedicated to unwrapping KINDER Eggs. Think I’m joking? I wish! If I didn’t take the tablet away, they would literally squat in front of the screen for hours watching videos like this one while trading insight on the size and desirability of the toy. And then, at every shopping trip, the boys asked for a KINDER Surprise. (I suppose “asked” is putting it lightly. They threw tantrums until I finally threw two eggs in the cart.) I thought of all the KINDER eggs I had previously given away and wanted to cry.

So when the opportunity once again came to join the #KINDERMom program, I jumped at it. Because the idea of not having to buy the Eggs for the foreseeable future was very appealing to me, and my boys more than just like the Eggs now. They’re obsessed with them.

So, I got to thinking.

Toilet training was going slowly. V-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. And with Reid being the last one in the household who still dabbled in diapers, I was very motivated to put an end to it. Suddenly, I realized that KINDER Surprises are not only a treat; they’re also a reward. They reinforce good behavior, and they celebrate a child’s accomplishments, big and small. And after almost six months of grossly ineffective attempts to toilet train Reid, we considered his willingness to use the potty to be a BIG accomplishment. Hence, I bartered with him: using the potty throughout the day = 1 KINDER Surprise after dinner.

My husband scoffed at me. Here’s a boy who defiantly shunned all toilet training attempts for over half a year. And here I was, thinking the promise of a chocolate egg would change his mind?

Reid was fully trained 3 days later.

Do you have a little one who loves KINDER Surprises as much as Reid does? I’m happy to share with you KINDER’s newest partnership – Disney Princesses and Marvel Heroes!…

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From Pampers to Prada.

February 24, 2013 By Lena

I’ve been in a relationship for almost five years now. At first, it was just an exclusive kind of thing… but then, for a short period of time, I actually had two to contend with. And let me tell you, when you’re going at it two at a time, sometimes, it’s overwhelming.

Of course that only lasted for a few months; the first outgrew it – or rather, I forced a full breakup. You see, we both needed our freedom.

So I was left with just one – back in my comfort zone, if you will. And now, after two and a half years, it looks like I’ll finally be done. I’ll finally be free.

Our home is about to become Pampers-less.

Truthfully? It’s mostly awesome, but also kind of bittersweet. No more diapers means that I officially no longer have babies in my household. Those tender moments – changing a diaper in the middle of the night before a feeding, gently applying cream to those oh-so-soft cheeks – will be replaced with hollers of “Come wipe my bum!” and “Look at this one, it takes up the whole toilet!”

Right.
Splendid.

And so with Reid’s potty training officially underway, I began reminiscing about my relationship with Pampers. Truthfully, in terms of products, it has likely been the most long-lasting, trusted relationship that I’ve had. From the very first hour of their lives, both Ryder and Reid’s sweet little bottoms were coddled with Swaddlers. Through the months that followed, I’ve believed in Pampers’ ability to keep their delicate skin soft and dry; to take them through the night with comfort; and to keep their business contained in the diapers… and off my very expensive leather sectional.

Will it feel strange to not see the familiar green Baby Dry box in the corner of Reid’s room?
Will I miss scanning the flyers for sales, clipping coupons and inputting Gifts to Grow Points?

I’ll never forget the first few moments of Ryder’s life. After enduring over 30 hours of labour and a natural childbirth (someone told me that us “au naturel” mamas have bragging rights for the rest of our lives) I was understandably exhausted. As my head rolled to the side of my hospital bed, I saw the most enduring thing – the nurse showing my husband how to properly diaper Ryder.

And I thought, “Phew. Maybe he can show me how to do it later.”
And I remember feeling a little bit vulnerable, because Ryder was swimming in his newborn diaper.
And I thought, “What have I done?”

Husband went on to be a champion diaper-changer, and I’m still convinced the nurse showed him a critical technique that allows him to consistently have the best time….