I think we are going to make the move to the toddler bed soon. There are two reasons...
1.) At some point in the next two years I would like them potty trained and I think they should be able to get out of the bed themselves during this process whether to come get me or to go to the bathroom
2.) Widmar will be leaving and I'm thinking that this has potential to be some sleepless nights so I'd rather him "suffer" with me until they get the hang of it instead of doing it on my own with both boys.
With that being said we will probably do this within the next couple months. Anyone have any tips on how to make this transition? Their cribs conver to toddlers beds which are day beds with a big rail on the side.
Here's another advice question...HOW DO YOU GET YOUR KIDS TO EAT? WE don't have eating issues, its not that they dont ever eat, but if its not a fruit its hard to get the boys to eat it. We are healthy eaters and I try not have the boys eat the same things we do. Sometimes it's not possible because it's too much or spicy, but for the most part I try to make one meal for all 4 of us. I also try not to give them something in place of what they eat if they choose not to eat it. (maybe this isn't right of me, but its a habit I try not to start now) There are times when I have caved, but they get fruit or veggies in place of whatever they aren't eating. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks in advance :)
I think most toddlers go through that picky stage where it's hard to feed them. Sounds like you're doing right by not making a separate meal for them. Just keep putting healthy foods in front of them. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I had the answer to your question, I wouldn't have a child in one of the most exclusive Growth and Nutrition programs in the country. HOWEVER...Grace's nutritionist and other specialists have passed on some advice to us that might help you. First of all, NEVER cave in to their demands and make them something else for dinner. If they don't eat one night, then they don't eat. As bad as you'll feel, making them another meal (or even offering them a healthy alternative like fruits or veggies) sets you up for a power struggle in which they are winning. Going hungry a couple nights in a row is great motivation for trying the dinner Mommy is putting in front of you! Instead, wrap up the dinner they are rejecting, and if they complain about being hungry later offer them the same dinner again. Second, offer them options with each meal. If they have grilled chicken, a vegetable, and a side of rice for dinner one night, chances are they'll eat SOMETHING. This allows them to reject foods they don't like. If they are refusing to even TRY a new food, try playing a game with them. Act really silly and ask them if they can smell the food like a bunny. If they do that, ask them if they can lick it like a puppy. Ideally keep doing this until they try a little bite (Grace is onto me, so I've only gotten her to smell like a bunny). Lastly, if none of this works, it's okay. It's extremely common for toddlers not to eat well at dinner, so don't fret if you can only get a couple bites in them. According to Grace's nutritionist, most kids grow out of the anti-dinner stage sometime around 3 years. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteJana, we had one very picky toddler, Katie (who will now try anything, is a great cook, and expecting her first baby. Go figure :) ). The best piece of advice was one I received from our pediatrician. He told me that if an average toddler gets ONE full meal every day and a half, then he/she is getting enough food. In other words, don't sweat it. I followed advice from the baby "expert" Dr. Sears. Keep healthy foods out for them to eat - cut up fruit, slices of cheese, etc. If they refuse dinner completely, take it out again when they are hungry later. One thing I try to keep in mind: kids are human, too. In other words, they have likes and dislikes just like we do. They may honestly not like something. Molly hates peas to this day. :) Hang in there! One day, they will be teenage boys eating you out of house and home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Irene. Kids will eat when they are hungry, and if you're offering healthy options - they'll get what they need. Try not to sweat it at this age.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the bed issue, I've shared our exploits with you. ;-)