Potty Training 101

Recently I starting the process of potty training my little girl as she approaches her 2nd birthday. Like most things I sought the advice of other mothers and tried to learn from their experiences what was the best way to make this as easy as possible. I heard everything from "It should only take 2-3 days," to "My baby was only 10 months when I potty trained her." While most of the tales I heard, yes tales, seemed exaggerated, I thought it would be best to watch my daughter's cues for answers. So here are the TOP TEN THINGS MY TODDLER TAUGHT ME ABOUT POTTY TRAINING:

1. If I am in the corner and not making any noise.... it is too late.
2. Pull-ups, panties or training pants, pick one and stick to it. I am already confused.
3. 2 year old like privacy when they go too. I first learned this when she closed the door on me to go potty on her own.
4. You can always clean the floor, it is not that serious.
5. Who told you this was done in 3 days?
6. Asking me every 5 minutes won't make me go more often.
7. Just because you are on the phone doesn't mean I will hold it to you're finished.
8. Reading on the potty helps the time go by faster momma.
9. I love the stickers, but you better hide them or I won't save them just for potty time.
10. Did you really think I wouldn't go potty in these panties, who told you that?

So I have learned to be patient and go at her pace. Also being consistent has helped a lot because some days I just won't to grab a diaper and forget about the whole thing. What are your potty stories? We would love to hear them.

First Week of School

Summer break is officially over. By now our kids have returned to school or daycare and moms have returned to the hustle and bustle of playing chauffeur, buying new clothes and necessary supplies. As I talk to subscribers from coast to coast, I hear all the different things I have to look forward to in the coming years. On the west coast there is the constant search for a "good" school/daycare that is both culturally balance and academically challenging. In the mid-west there is the desire to establish and maintain communication with teachers, without feeling that need to be present in the classroom daily. Now, I am sure that there are wonderful centers and schools with excellent teachers out there, but it seems that they are few and far between. What was your first week like with your children? Share your stories, even if you children are older. Some of our readers are moms and teachers, what are your tips? If nothing else list schools/daycare centers in your area that you loved or hated. You never know who you can help...