How I’m Getting My Toddler to Potty Train Herself

I know that right about now you’re probably thinking “that’s not possible”, but I assure you that it is. However, it may not be the solution that works for you, your child, or your circumstances. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the most important thing that my years as an early childhood educator taught me is that every child is different. So, feel free to try exactly what I’m doing, alter some of it, or throw it all out the window. Let’s be honest, no child will be wearing diapers forever, even though it may feel like forever when you are wanting them to be potty trained. I assure you it will happen. I have watched lots of children in their potty training process and it usually goes one of two ways. The first way is that the parent decides its time to potty train based on the age of the child or some other external circumstance. The second way is that the child decides they are ready, whether it be all on their own or by showing signs of readiness and being guided by their parent. I am a firm believer in the second route, it typically means less meltdowns, tears, and accidents. I don’t know about you, but those are the things that I would like to avoid at all costs. We started potty training because Elouise showed signs of readiness, and now she is essentially potty training herself.

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Mrs Seacannon Toddler Tip #1: Teaching Letter Recognition

I’m so excited to be starting a series here on the blog called Toddler Tips. Guys, in no way on the planet am I claiming to be an expert at toddler life because there are days I grab a second cup of coffee and let Elouise watch Elena and the Secret of Avalor for the hundredth time just to stay sane. However, I’ve learned a lot of practical tools and ideas in my years as an early childhood educator, and in order to motivate myself to do them in my own home, I’m going to be sharing them with you. I won’t promise that your child will become a sophisticated, well mannered, baby genius if you try these things, but you will probably have some fun and be pleasantly surprised with what your brilliant toddler can learn.

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Toddler Teeth-Brushing with Dr. Browns

Thanks to Dr. Brown’s for sponsoring this post.

Elouise is at the stage where she loves to brush her teeth, in fact she asks do it several times a day. To be more specific she will proudly declare “Mama, brusha brush teeth” in her sweet little toddler voice. Gosh, I should probably record that one of these days. Anyway, her enthusiasm is greatly appreciated but when it’s time to actually brush, things get a little tricky. You see, we have two very different opinions about what brushing teeth looks like. Her’s looks a lot like sucking out the toothpaste and biting the bristles on the toothbrush in random parts of her mouth. Clearly, her method is not ideal for clean teeth, so we are working on setting up some tricks to help create healthy teeth brushing habits. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush.

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Getting Wild with Playtime

Playtime has been getting a little wild in our house lately thanks to some new super fun toys from Little Tikes. I have a pretty rigorous selection process when it comes to bringing toys into our home. As a teacher I always want toys that encourage development, learning, imaginative play, or all three! Then there’s the other issue that we have a teeny tiny home and Elouise’s play space in in our open concept living area, meaning whatever toys she has are in plain view at all times. So I’m always on the hunt for toys that make sense for our family and these two from Little Tikes have already brought us so many smiles.

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4 Ways to Get Your Child Ready for their Very First Day of School

Well, it’s officially back to school season! Even though Elouise still has a while before her very first day of school, as a teacher my heart still skips a little beat. This is my second year not prepping a classroom, laying out school supplies, and meeting a room full of sweet new faces. Most of my teaching career was in Early Childhood and I taught Pre-K and Kindergarten. That means that I have seen my fair share of kiddos coming into their very first day of school ever. So I’ve complied 4 quick ways to make sure that your child is ready for their very first day of school.

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