The Potty is Your Friend: Getting your child ready to potty train

Peeing in front of your toddler can feel akward but sometimes thats just what you have to do to teach them how to use the toilet. I've had a child in my life and in my bathroom since the age of 22(Raven was born when I was 21 so it was about a year before I gave up my right to privacy in the bathroom). 10 years later with my third child it is no different. My son follows me into the restroom continuoulsly. However unlike with the two girls before him, he can't learn everything from me. Now all I have to do is convince his father that it is a normal process of potty training to let your child watch you use the toilet.

According to http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/ There are certain needs that must be apparent before a child can be ready to potty train.

Physiological

They must be able to stay dry for at least 2 hours: This is to show that they have some control over their bladder.

Voiding large amounts: Another sign to show that they can control their bladder.

Psychological

Know that they are voiding: If they don't recognize the feeling they can't tell you before or try to make it to the potty.

Want to potty train: If they aren't interested or excited about it there isn't really much you can do to get them to potty train.

Physical

Be able to walk: If they can't get around they can't get to the potty!

www.kepkeidshealty aslo says that once your child has reached all these ready signs that you must set the stage for them.

Model: This is when you need to tell and show them what they are supose to use the potty for.

Get the poty ready: Make sure it is the right height and easy for the child to use.

Decide on Pull-ups, training pants and underwear (at different stages your child may be ready for these): Pull-ups are good to start with until the child has some consistant success or they may get discouraged when they have accedents and make messes upon the floor.

Now You Can Start!

Super Single Mom Moment: Make sure you and your child are ready before attmepting to Potty Train so neither of you get frustrated!

Food Stamps, now Food Assistance = Support for Single Moms

Being a single mother in College I rely upon my support system and programs to help me provide some of the basic necisities to my children. One such program I utilize is Food Stamps. Those who have utilized this know how essential it can be sometimes.

Many feel a stigma attatched to utilizing this program. "Once Stigmatized, food Stamps find Acceptance" an article in the New York Times discusses the growing acceptance of Food Stamps. I agree that because of the new card there is less stigma and fraud and a lot easier to use at the stores.

Many stores are concerned with time and getting as many people through the registers as possible. Many Food Stamp users are buisy and don't want to be held at the register for a long time and so the card makes it easier for all.

If this is not a program you are utilizing you may want to apply. According to the Ohio Job and Family Services (OJFS) website you can apply for Food Assistance, formally Food Stamps by filling out an application form found on thier website, contacting your local JFS or filing an applicant through your local Ohio Benefit Bank site. The website explains the guidelines and documents needed to apply.

Although it may feel like a hastle to apply and continually recertifying Food Assistance can be one less thing a single mother has to worry about for thier children. In my opinion there is no shame in providing food for your child. If you can not do this on your salery or if you are going to school and currently do not have a salery Food Assistance most likely is a necsisty.

Super Single Mom Moment: Putting asside political belif and fear of social stigma to provide food for your children!

It's a Valentines Day party, open up the drawbridge, let in the candy

Valentines Boxes and Valentines Cards are a tradition for elementary school Valentines parties. A couple days before, parents and children would mold together a small box or envelope to hold their cards that they made to give the other students. As with many of the holidays, Valentines Day and it's traditions has been commercialized.

Most single mom households and even two parent households don't take the time to make cards anymore. This year I noticed the stores even had boxes you could buy. Squashing all the fun and creativity out of the tradition.

This year we decided not to buy any of the pre-made stuff for my daughter Raven's Valentines "kit". Her father worked for two weeks designing and building her "box". Her grandmother, my mother, printed out cards that they colored during the two snow days we had this week.

The result was a very happy 10-year-old.

Her father spent some money and worked hard but ultimately he said the look on Raven and her classmates' faces was worth it. "Castle Raven" has a center building that opens up for her to insert her cards and holds candy to give her classmates. It also includes a scroll hidden under the "grass" marked by an X. The scroll gives a hint to where other candy is hidden.

As a single mother something like this seemed impossible for me to do. Every year I bought the standard cards and covered a shoe box in tissue paper. I would see other parents/moms bringing in more elaborate boxes and feel like I was letting my daughter down.

This year I did two things that are very hard for me to do. I asked for help and relinquished control. I realized I didn't have the time to do what I wanted for my daughter and saw the opportunity to get her father more involved in these types of events in her life. I also realized that I needed to utilize my support system. My support system consists of my parents, my siblings and a few of my very understanding and supportive friends. They are my lifelines!

Super Single Mom Moment? Asking for help and Relinquishing Control!