…Or is it?

Who doesn’t like the cooing and ooos coming from a baby? They are first sounds that make a parents’ heart skip a beat. It is also so easy to get caught up into cooing and oooing. Yet, hold back those random sounds and use that sing song voice in a complete sentence.

At this point you’re most likely asking “What is with this crazy woman? What does she mean?” It has been proven that grown up conversation can improve and assist in vocabulary and verbal communication when the kids age.

The conversation at first will of course be one sided. You might even feel a little crazy explaining what you are doing while changing a diaper. But, when a child sees your mouth movements and hears your words they store those foundational components.

Deleting baby-talk can have far larger impacts past vocabulary.

• Problem soliving and making friends.
• More explorative and willing to try new things.
• Able to comprehend new concepts with ease.

We  constantly say “use your words,” but we must first give that base and expose our children to the correct vocabulary first.

So even as you are washing the dishes, walking through the store. Talk and talk some more to your baby. Don’t let those judging eyes stop you from building up that foundation for success.

Baby talk most of the time includes incorrect grammar and words that seem to be apart of a foreign language. We wouldn’t want an instructor to make up words and add random gooey sounds while teaching a new language, thus keep this in mind. So, we should be avoiding that same practice while talking to our little ones.

Speak clearly, concise, and with the correct wording for items. You’ll be grateful later in life when you child has a better vocab than you 😉

For further research on this topic and its vast amounts of benefits, read MORE HERE.

So as parents there is always the unsolicited advice of how to do things. Which foods are best, the best diapers to use, the best parks. It can all be so overwhelming!

This is very true when it comes to Potty Training as well. From when a child should be potty trained to how one should go about it, there are just so many “ways” you can or cannot approach this development milestone. Social emotionally potty training a child can be a very hard thing for a child to comprehend and establish.

From one mom to another, and with my background in Early Childhood Education I have compiled just 5 things you should avoid, good luck!

1. Do not make it a battle. 
If you both are in tears by the time you get your little one to sit on the potty, it is not the right time. It shouldn’t be a game of bribing and fighting. If a child is truly ready to be potty trained they will sit and try freely and with enthusiasm. When be forced to sit on the potty the child becomes even more scared of the act and thus the whole process will take longer.

2. Do not reprimand children for having an accident or shame for not using the potty. 
As stated above potty training is more about the social emotional aspect. It should never be about embarrassing the child or making them guilty for having an accident. Along with anything children try to master there will be digression and progression till full on mastery, patience can and will be your best friend throughout this process. (Note: Pediatricians claim to not worry that your child is not potty trained until age 4!)

3. Do not start potty training in a transition or in times of stress. 
If you are moving into or out of a house, have any major changes in schedule or the household we strongly encourage you to wait on potty training. Children are some of the best feelers in the world and they understand when something in their routine is off. Instead wait till a positive routine can be
established, studies show that parents are much more successful at this time as well.

4. Do not limit yourself to one method! 
Just like when we teach our curriculum, we always have different learning methods for our different learners. This is something to be considered when you are implementing potty training methods! A good rule of thumb is try a practice for 2 weeks, if it doesn’t work that’s when you can transition to something else! What worked for the first child might not work for the second child. Allow yourself trial and error. Remember to keep positive!

5. Do not compare your methods or progress with someone else’s.
It is said that comparison is the thief of joy, don’t take away your child’s small victories because another child in their class is at another level. Every child is different! There are many cases when a child can become potty trained in 3 days and others in 3 months. It is a good thing to try and learn new methods from other moms and dads, but always take into consideration your own child and keep in mind that you are their biggest advocates!

I guess you could say that “Mommin’ Aint Easy” and potty training most definitely is not for the faint of heart! Steal your kids capes from dress up, put them on and tackle potty training like a pro!

Thanks for the read,
Michaela R. 
Young Scholars Academy, Child Success Advocate, Early Childhood Educator