We about to go through some big transitions with the Babito.
Transition #1: Potty Training
I’ve been dreading this step. I’ve heard all the horror stories. I’m hoping that the Babito will make a smooth transition from diapers to the toilet. I think he’s showing some signs that he’s ready. He tells us when he has go to Caca. If he doesn’t tell us verbally he tells us by leaning over the coffee table, couch, or us if we’re on the ground and grunting! He also has a fascination with the toilet and loves to flush it.
Transition #2: From Crib to Toddler Bed
This is one that concerns me. I think he’ll be ok with sleeping in the bed, but I’m worried about him getting up and wandering around at night. I’m looking for advice on this one. Do you shut their door to keep them in their room? We’ve thought about putting up a gate at his doorway to keep him in, but I think he’ll be smart enough to eventually figure out how to open it.
Transition #3: The Terrible Twos
The Babito is starting to show occasional signs of the terrible twos. It seems like he’s been testing us more and more lately. Also, his favorite word, BY FAR, in the English language is NO. I’ve heard from others that the terrible twos are just a myth. I’m hoping that’s the case, but I suspect it’s not.
Any advice for any of these three transitions would be greatly welcomed!
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#1 by Debbie on July 9th, 2008
Good luck to you guys!!
Here’s my advice:
Potty training: With both kids (including a boy), we did the straight to underwear for a weekend. Hubby and I just camped out on the hardwood floors with them all weekend. Usually by Saturday evening they had the hang of it and we were able to move to the carpet. You have the advantage of warm weather and can do it outside, which is great! Anyway, by Monday morning we were done and both of them were good to go!
Moving to the toddler bed: Both of our kids fell out of it, so we actually started with the mattress only on the floor until they were consistently staying on it. Then we moved it up to the bed and put pillows in the space between where the wooden rail ended and the end of the bed. After about two weeks they were fine in the bed alone.
As for the door part, we put a gate at the top of the stairs. We didn’t want them to be confined to their room, so we put a gate at the top of the stairs so that if they came out they could come to our room. And actually, a neat thing that happened with both of my kids, so it will probably happen with yours, is that it takes the kids a long time to realize they can leave the bed by themselves. My kids were so used to us having to get them out of their cribs that they continued to call us when they woke up to come and get them out of their toddler bed… probably for about 3 or 4 weeks. So maybe you won’t have to worry too much about the door closed or not.
Hope this helps…I know every child is different! I hope everything goes really easily for you guys!
#2 by Daddy Dan on July 9th, 2008
Debbie: Wow, Debbie! Thanks for the detailed response and the great tips! That’s too funny about them calling you to get them out of bed! I like the idea of just using the mattress at first. Babito moves around a lot in his crib, so he’ll most likely roll off his bed at first. Thanks again!
#3 by VegasDad on July 9th, 2008
Transition #1: We’re still trying to convince our two-year-old to use the potty. He’ll show interest when he’s ready. I’ve heard that pressuring them doesn’t work.
Transition #2: Our son moved to a twin bed just before turning two. He sleeps with his door open, as do we. We have a monitor in our room, so if he makes much noise we’ll wake up. We haven’t had any wandering problems at all. The most he’s done is wander into our room to wake us up.
Transition #3: For us the Terrible Twos have actually not been very “terrible.” I think every kid is different. Some kids are fine at two and bring on their terribleness at three. Only time will tell.
Good luck.
#4 by Jamie on July 9th, 2008
Transition 1- If you find out the key to potty training, fill me in! It’s slow going over here. BUT I have found that Pull-Ups are just not worth it…it’s too much like a diaper and she doesn’t seem to mind going in it. We’ve went straight to cotton underpants, which is great in that she hates wetting, but awful in terms of cleaning the mess. Eh. It’ll happen eventually.
Transition 2- I’m not full of advice here, except we’re going thru the same thing. We’re planning on moving Audrey straight to a twin bed next week actually. We’re just using railings, lying an air mattress on the floor in case she rolls, and wishing for luck. Our bedroom is right next to hers and our steps are already gated for a safety precaution, so we’ll see.
Transition 3- Two has been full of tantrums, but much outweighed by the good moments. She’ll kick her feet throwing a fit one second and the next be full of kisses and hugs. So it all equals out
#5 by Daddy Dan on July 9th, 2008
VegasDad and Jamie: Thanks for your input! It’s actually nice to know that others are going through the same transitions and to get tips like yours. I appreciate your comments and I enjoy both of your sites.