Rockin' Lullabies

 

 
After years of working with young children, there are just so many times I can listen to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.  Recently while searching my library's statewide catalog for soothing music to play during mealtimes in my preschool classroom, I stumbled upon lullaby versions (instrumental) of music from Journey, Aerosmith, Queen, and the Beatles -- classic rock songs that I grew up with.
 
Somehow they've taken out the harsh drums and guitars and replaced them with gentle bells and other calming instruments, yet they retain the melody of the original.  I love them; the children love them; so it's a win-win.
 
I've gone back to the library catalog for more titles and found versions available for everyone from Green Day and Nirvana to Black Sabbath and Bjork! 

You'll find all available titles at their website listed below, including sample tracks to listen to first. Remember to also check your library!

Rockabye Baby!

Potty Training Part I - Readiness

 I've trained my share of potty goers over the years and would like to share three important related facts to start:

1.  When children are ready, things will go much more smoothly, so timing is everything.

2.  Too early and frustration and battles of will ensue -- no one is happy and potty learning goes on too long.

3.  Too late and habits have formed that are difficult to break.  Potty training becomes a stressful race against the clock to be ready for preschool instead of a naturally occurring life event.

Montessori-based educators state the sensitive period for potty training is between 12 months and 18 months, which is right for some children.  Other experts say that the parent is the one being trained, as they are responsible for making sure the child sits on the potty at specified times of the day, but still it can be successful.

In my experience, 18 months to up to 2 1/2 years is the window of time that seems successful for most children.

In order to begin using the potty for bowel movements*, children need:

1.  An understanding of the language of their body parts and functions

2.  A predictable or regular schedule of bowel movements

3.  Practice in pulling pants (loose fitting and elastic waist) up and down themselves

4.  A parent or caregiver who is willing to dedicate a period of time to the initial learning process (at least one full week of consistency and routine if possible.  If not, a long 4-day weekend may get you started on the road to success).

This step is especially important as the child will need guidance, reminders, and positive reinforcement to achieve this huge developmental milestone!  This will mean missing story time at the library or other scheduled activities, but it will be worth it.

*Urination sensations can be more complex for children to understand.  The best indicator of physical readiness for urination is diaper dryness after a nap period.  A child may still need a daily diaper, pull-up, or training underwear for occasional wetness, but may use the potty for all bowel movements until he or she can control urination.   


Photo Credit: Dreamstime/Anitapatterson

'I Have to Go...' or Life after Potty Training

When my daughter was small, I wrote articles for the local parenting paper, The Bristol County Baby Journal, and occasional columns for our daily newspaper, The Providence Journal (Providence, RI).  Now that little R is entering his pottying stage, I'm reminded of a column I wrote about life after potty training (circa 1995) that I'd like to share with you:


Whew -- my local tour is complete.  What a whirlwind of activity for four years.  I never thought I would see them all, but I have.

Historical sites?  Ivy League schools?  Plays at Trinity?  No - public restrooms.  I'm the mother of a six-year-old daughter whose hobby is to visit public restrooms.  Why go at home when you can check out strange bathrooms all over the state?

Today we visited three in under three hours.  Must be a world record.

I pretty much expected visiting the restroom at McDonalds, our first stop.  But 10 minutes into our browse through Target, after reaching the opposite side of the store, came that familiar whisper:  "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom."  Off we trudge and there I wait.  She's getting better at this.  She likes to chat, ask questions and explain her philosophy of life while she sits.  My foot is tapping, eyes rolling, cheeks reddening.

One more quick stop at the drugstore to get toothpaste and toilet paper (how appropriate) before we head home.  Halfway up the toothpaste aisle, I hear it again.  I'm ready to scream.

I tell her they have no bathroom here, she'll need to wait.  We'll be home in minutes.  She threatens to do it anyway unless I find her a bathroom.  I ask a clerk; he points to the other side of the store.  "I told you," she says.

Parents have their patience tested continually, but in this area I have been pushed way beyond my tolerance level.  Bathrooms are pretty boring (not to mention the lack of cleanliness issue) if you're the one designated to hold the other person's coat, hat, assorted long necklaces, and a large stuffed leopard named Jasmine.  Waiting.  And waiting.  I'm concerned that the security cameras watching the sink area of the restrooms we visit will think I've lost my mind.  To pass the time, I roll my eyes toward the ceiling and shake my head in disbelief.

When she was potty training, strange-bathroom visiting became the rule.  I learned about bathrooms in places I never knew had them.  All the store clerks had to do was see a toddler jumping in place or crossing her legs and they'd gladly show us the secret hidden restrooms for Employees Only.

At four she lost interest in the excitement of conquering a new restroom.  Since turning six, however, she's at it again, but with newly acquired skills.

She's now tall enough to turn the sink on and off; adjust the hot and cold to suit her temperature needs; work the various models of soap dispensers, and reach the handle crank for the paper towels.  Or, my personal favorite -- electric hand dryers.  Loud, hot, annoying.  She always dries twice - doesn't like damp hands.

I smile meekly at the women who efficiently come and go through the restroom door.  They think she is so cute, lathering up her hands and gazing into the mirror.

All the while, I'm thinking, "Good, here's her stuff.  You wait while I shop."


This column appeared in The Providence Sunday Journal on September 3, 1995.