Showing posts with label 3 year old. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 year old. Show all posts

We Have Recovered from GAFT

I have previously mentioned that Mr. T suffers from GAFT.  Yes, the God Awful F*cking Threes.  I know this sounds harsh, but for anyone that had a smooth sailing "Terrible Two's", I believe GAFT is more accurate for the third year.  However, just today, I believe that I can proudly say that Mr. T. has fully recovered.  

My evidence --> He completely put himself to bed.  Now this doesn't sound like a big task, but for a three year old, especially mine, taking his day nap is the end of the world.  It is a battle every day and he cries every time about how much he does not like or does not need his "day-naps".  All I can think and say back is....Oh honey...you need it.  The best scenario is if I can bribe him with him seeing his Little Buddy Paul once he gets up.  See...they are too cute and I'm sure that bribe would work on anyone, however, it is not possible every time.  

But today, as I was putting clothes away in my closet....I heard his music start up.  I just assumed that because he was so darn quiet that he was surely getting into something.  When I walked in....he had tucked himself in and was already asleep.  Seriously.  Asleep.  All on his own!!!  GAFT is no longer.  I might be jinxing myself here, but this is a huge step in our little word.  

Another milestone worth mentioning...he can now wipe his own ass.  Yes.  For parents, this is a huge milestone.  Better write that one down in the baby book.  1/3/13 = Can wipe his own ass and put himself to sleep.  Big day.   

Posted in: , , , on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 1 comments  

Watch Out George Straight...

George Straight has got some competition if I must say myself.  Here's Mr. T singing "I Cross My Heart".  It is the same song that I sing to him before bed. 

I even hung part of the lyrics on his wall before he was born, so I suppose it is natural that this song is his debut.  Enjoy. 

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1 comments  

GAFT: The Check Out System

During our GAFT episodes, I have realized the following:

You MUST (and I repeat MUST) have a "Check Out System".  I am not sure when Gator Guy and I officially started our Check Out System, but it is the only thing that keeps us sane. 

The Check Out System is when one parent is struggling like hell getting Mr. T to calm down and in turn getting frustrated, angry, upset or any other emotion we don't want Mr. T to do.  The other parent gives a look, a tap on the shoulder, or even verbally says "time to check out".  At that moment, parent #1 walks away... usually making no eye contact.  My preferred method is verbally while Gator Guy gives the look.  Fitting.


This works for us because it makes us realize that we are not alone, we BOTH get frustrated and it is not good for any parties involved if the parent is too worked up.  We've all been there...you raise your voice at the toddler to make that point that they should not yell or scream.  Makes sense, right?  Hell no.  That's damn confusing for the little ones.   So the Check Out System is a necessity. 
Now,  if the Check Out System is not available where either both parents are so fired up to handle the situation or you are alone, then is it time to implement the Parent Time Out.  I remember using this one when Mr. T was just a babe and wouldn't stop crying.  I felt like a terrible mother that I had to sit in the bathroom downstairs with the door closed just to have a moment to breathe.  But it is what kept me sane.  A fellow Yogi reminded me of this technique this week.  She would say to her little one, "Honey, it is time for Mama to have a time out."  That is correct.  Mama needs a time out!!  Mr. T may be confused and he may just continue to cry it out, but the Mama Timeout already has served us well. 
Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to pour a glass of brew.  Don't Judge.

Posted in: , , , , , on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 25 comments  

GAFT: Round 2

GAFT continues to overpower us as of late.  And I wish there was a magic potion or something to relieve it.  I suppose if there was, we would have a million kids and no use for Mama Happy Hour. 

This week has been hard.  Perhaps we are STILL recovering from our awesome trip to Disneyland (post to come), or perhaps it is just the GAFT (God Awful Fucking Three's).  Either way, it is difficult. 

How are parents suppose to cope??  What solutions actually work???


We have tried the following:
1.  Firm rules
2.  Timeout
3.  Distractions
4.  Taking away beloved toys
5.  Bribery
6.  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
7.  Cry it out
8.  Cars2
9.  Music
10.  Back rubs
11.  Food
12.  Water break

I am sure some of the expert parents in the world laugh at my list and see that the main thing lacking is consistency.  Whatever.  Screw you expert parents, because this shit can be hard. 

What eventually calmed down the most recent episode of GAFT was some Magic Music.  I explained to Mr. T that when he was a baby, I would play for him two very special songs and it would calm him down.  I have no idea how he heard me with all that screaming, but he was intrigued and wanted to hear the tunes.  So I played a remake of Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Quincy Coleman and Sweet Sweet Baby by Michelle Featherstone.  Worked like a charm....at least this time.  And I will store the Magic Music in my GAFT back pocket. 

Posted in: , , , , , on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 1 comments  

GAFT: The God Awful Effing Three's

My boss once told me, "Screw the terrible 2's.  That's nothing.  It is the God-Awful-Fucking-Three's that is the real problem."  I remember laughing at him and recorded the quote in "Shit My Boss Says".  Yet another use for google docs  ;)

The other day I was reminded of my boss's quote. 

This is Mr. T after hysterically crying and throwing tantrums just about ALL FREAKING DAY. 

And YES...that is a PUDDLE OF PEE that he is sitting in.  It totally reminded me of when he smeared shit all over his crib.  I don't know which is worse.  A part of me felt bad that I took the picture, but all ready he says, "that's the day I was BAD."  Yes Mr. T, we all need to remind ourselves to not throw a fit and pee ourselves. 
And so, I officially introduce to you:  GAFT.  The God-Awful-Fucking-Three's.  He's got a seriously case of GAFT and I am just praying that the 4's are easier! 

Posted in: , , , , on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 2 comments  

Operation Potty Train in One Day = Success

I feel pretty confident in saying that "Operation Potty-Train-in-One-Day" was a huge success.  Not only was Mr. T fantastic in public places just after our rigorous attempt to eliminate those diapers, but he is now sucessful through the night!! That is correct my friends.  My little man is officially Potty Trained. 

In fact, I don't think we have had any accidents in public.  Just a couple the week or so after Operation Potty-Train-in-One-Day around the house.  It is also a one man show as far as him getting underwear off, going potty, underwear back on, and washing hands.  I hardly need to go in there.  Pretty darn good, I must say.  

However, I say this with hesitation as I'm sure it will jinx a huge accident tonight.  Because let me tell you...Mr. T LOVES to eat.  Seriously.  I don't think 20 minutes go by without him asking for something to snack on.  I am just crossing my fingers that grandparents do not cave to his cute requests.  I am pretty sure we all know that the kiddo gets exactly what he wants! 

Mr. T is also pretty particular with his Potty Habits.  He now quickly asks, "Can you please shut the door and give me some privacy?"  Yes Sir!!  Everyone likes a little privacy when their are doing their business. I just laugh that he already requires it.  We also will forever laugh (to ourselves of course...don't want to encourage this when the kid is at school!!) when he looks down and says, "I Love You Penis."  Isn't that just what every man wishes he could verbally say each and every day???  Perhaps it is something that they whisper.  Either way ladies, we shall never know. 

The next hurdle to get over I believe....Operation Teach-This-Kid-to-Wipe-His-Own-Ass.  I don't think there needs to be any explanation with that one.  But I will tell you, I will celebrate  like the best of them when this has been accomplished. 

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 0 comments  

Must Haves for Potty Training in One Day


1.  The Build Up - We talked about his Big Boy Potty Day for quite some time.  Discussed how he is now three and does not need diapers anymore.  I felt like there definitely was more of a difference this last month talking about it than if we tried any earlier. 

2.  Patience - and a free schedule of going no where.  Seriously, going potty takes time.  Especially when you do it 40 million times in one day and that is all you talk about!!!

3.  Big Boy Underwear - We picked out his underwear with nothing else but Lightning McQueen on it.  He instantly fell in love. 
4.  Potty Seat - In case you didn't see the theme here, Mr. T now has a couple of Cars potty seats.  They are "very cool" as he says and also has the very necessary pee guard for boys.   

                                  




5.  Potty in One Day Doll - It was an old school method (thanks to my neighbor), but I think it really helped for Mr. T to see that the doll had to go and especially what happens when she has an accident.
6.  Salty Snacks - Nothing makes a boy (or Mama) more thirsty than some salt & vinegar chips and dill pickle pringles. 


7.  Sugary Drinks - This one is a two fold.  First, to get as many liquids down as possible.  The sugar taste makes it more fun to drink than just water.  Second, the sugary drink doesn't really satisfy the thirst as well as water, gatorade or natural juice.  So keep those fluids flowing!!!


8.   Candy to reward each and every potty trip - Not much else to say about that.  Mr. T loves any kind of candy or food.   
                                     

9.  A BFF to bring over lunch and have a dance (and yoga pose) break - What a lifesaver my Dearest E and Best Buddy P was today.  The sandwiches, company, and little break for some dancing and down dog moves was just what we needed. 

10.  Potty books - Courtesy of the local library.  However, it makes me wonder how many times these books have been used ON the actual potty around all kinds of kid's pee and poop!!


11.  A Stop Watch - To time the potty every 10 minutes in the morning....then every 15, then 30, and now we are to 45 min.  Exhausting I must say.   

12.  A Potty Dance and Song - We had a few that we tried.   But he thought this one was hilarious. 

13.  Family and Friends to Celebrate - We made a few phone calls and sent some texts today to make sure that it was a big day.  Everyone of course joined in and I'm sure Gator Guy just loved to take a break from finance talk and discuss poop and pee at work  :)



 

Posted in: , , on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2 comments  

It is P-Day

Yes, Friday is our designated P-Day.  As in Potty Training Day.  Mr. T. is now 3 years old and pretty darn close to being potty trained.  As so, after advice from a neighbor, we are going cold turkey and spending all of Friday talking about nothing but going Potty, drinking a LOT of liquids, and probably having me go a bit crazy.  My hope....have this boy potty trained in one day. 

I know, its a high goal, but I will keep you posted and we shall see the results. 

Posted in: , on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 1 comments  

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