9. May 2008 by Mama T..

It’s not fun dropping my children off at daycare. Sometimes it is heartache for them, but mostly it is heartache for me. I think back to when I was listening to a radio host complain about how parents should take care of their own children rather than leave them with someone else. All I can say is that in an ideal world I would stay home and bring up my own children. However, this is far from an ideal world, and if I waited until I could really afford my children, I would never have any. Some would say that that’s probably a better idea, but then, how many people would still have children? I’m guessing that the population would decrease and the human race would disappear if we all waited until we really earned enough to stay home and take care of our own children. My children are my joy and if this means me having to subject them to a daycare while I’m making a living, well then I guess that’s what I will do until I come into a windfall. Until then, my day does not start until I pick them up.

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2. May 2008 by Mama T..

This is something I need to do, so please bear with me. I am having a hard time with all these stories about children being abused, molested and murdered. I wonder if it’s getting worse or if it’s just more exposed. The internet makes it so easy for sex predators, but even so, a lot of parents are the abusers and killers. Just recently a man killed his 1 and 3 year old and then himself because his wife was leaving him. The police could hear her screaming when they arrived at the scene. A six year old was tied to a chair and hit so hard it smashed his scull and killed him, why? He wouldn’t stop sucking his thumb; a mother prostituting her seven year old; babies beaten for crying. The list never seems to end. I wonder what’s happening to the world and I wish I could do something to help those poor innocent children.

I received an e-mail once about how people have turned away from God. Tried to take Him out of schools, state buildings etc. but then they blame God for everything that goes wrong, disasters, tragedies etc. Even though they turned their back on Him. I wish people would turn back to Him and realize that only He has the ability to make wrong right, but we have to acknowledge Him. My husband talks about how God must be so angry about how His people are behaving. Aborting babies like it’s nothing. Abusing, molesting, killing innocent children. My heart breaks for them and I wonder if this will ever stop. I children and I fear for their safety every day.

Then I realize that if anyone can help, God can. For those non-religious types, don’t think I’m crazy, I’m just desperate. So I ask that you pray with me and PLEASE PASS THIS ON to everyone you know. Even if you do not believe in God, please pass this on so that those who do can strengthen my prayer, because these poor babies need all the help that they can get.

Prayer:

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ said, “Let the children come to me.”

and “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me.”

Millions of your sons and daughters around the world suffer from so much abuse, neglect, and hatred, you have moved our hearts to pray for them.

We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to change the minds and open the hearts of people around the world,

- that those who seek, perform, or promote abortions might foster life instead of destroy it;

- that those who abuse and molest children open their eyes and their hearts so that they recognize their wrong-doing and that they stop the violence they inflict;

- that the victims of sexual abuse may be protected by you and those around them, healed, and given justice;

- that the victims of these abuses may not themselves abuse others, nor give in to violence or despair;

- that those who have despaired; the families who are in anguish, feel the strength of your comfort during their sorrow; that may be raised up and given hope;

- that those who have died may be raised up on the last day and receive the consolation and blessing of heaven.

We ask that you open our hearts and minds to learn how we can act to prevent abuse wherever it may occur. Grant us Lord, the courage to take action wherever and whenever it may be possible.

We ask this through the intercession of

Amen.

Prayer by Fr. Bernard Disco and T.M.G

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26. February 2008 by Mama T..

Yesterday my toddler fell asleep on the toilet. I was right there, but didn’t realize that he had actually dozed off as he leaned forward onto my lap after 35 minutes of pretty much nothing. He was desperate for a BM, but equally stubborn. I sat on his foot stool in front of him, my back aching, and I was growing seriously aggravated. Suddenly, faint snores escaped his little mouth, and I had to call my husband for back up. I’m seven months pregnant and moving a three year old ain’t so easy these days. And so it was another unsuccessful attempt at potty training, and I tried not to be discouraged.

Today, although he showed signs during daycare, he still refused to go. When I got him home, he couldn’t hold off any longer and finally after 20 minutes sitting on the pot, me reading to him, he gave in and let loose. Yes. Success at last. I don’t know who was more happy.

Potty training has not been a favorite lesson in the world of parenting. I’m sure most mamas and papas would agree. My little man has had my husband and I running in circles after him. What a sight we must have been, not long ago, during another unsuccessful attempt. Our little boy bare bottomed and giggling, while two grown ups chased him with a potty, bickering and throwing blame like children.

It’s taken it’s toll. I researched the best ways to approach the subject. I understand that you cannot show frustration, and you cannot force your child, thus causing a negative experience; but man, it takes a saint to achieve this goal without wanting to pull your hair out. After about a year of taking breaks from the training, we have only achieved peeing in the potty about 90% of the time, and 3 BMs; all in the last few months. With another child on the way, I’m looking to get this project completed soon, and I pray he doesn’t revert back to the diaper, as many articles have warned. I can only do my best, I suppose, but I have come to learn a few tricks that helped us both during these trying attempts:

1. Set him up to potty independently even though you should stay to keep him in the vicinity. We have a little seat attached  to our toilet and a foot stool for him to get on and off. I have a book and a few toys to keep him occupied.
2. If he chooses to get off before achieving success, allow him to, but keep him bare bottomed and watch him closely. As soon as he performs the “poopy dance,” direct him to the potty again. My son finally realised that he could not avoid it, so he climbed back on and stayed there until he was done.
3. When you know he’s in the midst of a BM, divert your eyes and give him some privacy. I noticed my son would look up at me, but I’d continue to read his book, while secretly cheering. Eventually he will let you know that he’s done.
4. Upon success show tons of enthusiasm and give a lot of praise.
5. Give him the treat meant only for such occasions, and continue to act like he’s a hero. It makes the experience bearable for him, and he won’t be so reluctant to get back on the next time round.

Don’t forget that these tips are based on my experience, and all children are different. I cannot guarantee that in months to come, I won’t be chasing a bare bottomed toddler around the coffee table while my newborn baby girl cries to be changed in the background, but I sure as hell will try to avoid it.

Good luck to you all, and if you have better tips than mine. Please share.

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