Toddler Question and Tattoos
We’ve already had a post and discussion on my “Maddie” tattoo, but I’m not satisfied, so we’ll be having another. I’m going to take pics of my existing tattoos so you can see what I’m working with and then maybe you can help me brainstorm ideas for my next tattoo. As an aside, I have also decided that once I have the gastric bypass and reach my goal weight, I’m going to have my highest (non-pregnancy) weight tattooed discreetly on the inside of my left wrist. That way, I’ll see it all the time (I’m left-handed) and be reminded how far I’ve come and not to ever, ever go back.
And now, the toddler question: How in the world do you deal with diaper changes on an older child who has NO INTEREST in lying on the changing table? Maddie squirms and fusses and arches her back and throws stuff* when I try to change her diaper. Is there some secret trick to it that I’m not in on? Is 12 months too soon for potty training? Can I just let her go around without diapers? Because truthfully, that would be less frustrating.
Seriously, what is it about Maddie that can piss me off in TWO SECONDS FLAT? She can get under my skin like no one else. She’s starting to get tantrumy and I’m not impressed with my reactions so far. I’ve got to learn to control my temper because I know it’s going to get WORSE before it gets BETTER.
*I almost typed “throws shit,” but I decided that gives sort of the wrong visual impression.
AD is a total nightmare with diaper changing and has been for some time now. I just try to be super quick about it. Dude, I was NOT KIDDING about the toddler wrestling. They are STRONG. I remember reading the section in Anne Lamott’s “Operating Instructions” where she talks about trying to diaper her 11 month old son. She said, “He acts like I am trying to BRAND HIM.”. Heh. WORD.
Seriously, changing a toddler’s diaper (or clothes) should be an Olympic sport. I’ve started changing Liam on the floor so that I can sit on his legs if needed and so that if he rolls over at least he won’t fall off the table. Very frustrating, indeed.
I know what you mean about the tantrum thing, and it’s SO hard changing a diaper now on that table!
As soon as ours hit one we bought potties and potty books. I was reading online it’s a good idea to start changing them either on the floor or in the bathroom, that way they know that’s what the bathroom is for.
Lately Joey has been getting real tantrum-y, really bad! I don’t know what to do about that, I guess just say “Maddie” in a stern voice and shake your head no with a bad face; my mommy-instinct thinks if they get the “look” it will stop–maybe… ha!
I know what you mean 100% about diapering, tantruming and the ability for the child to get under your skin like no other. She even puts my husband to shame. Sadly, I have no advice or wisdom on any of the above.
Oooo, a tattoo post! I am intrigued.
Diaper changing was right up there with cleaning out the toilet with my tongue from about 13 months-16 months. Finally we found that if we gave Zoe a choice between two toys to take with her to the changing table, she would happily go and lay still. For some reason that totally worked for us. (Just giving her a toy would result in it being flung back in our faces. Somehow giving her some teeny tiny power, like choosing between two toys, made her feel victorious enough to give into the diaper change).
Also, I’m a big fan of using Toddlerese a la The Happiest Toddler on the Block. Even if it doesn’t always work, it at least helps me not get too triggered by the adorable pint sized annoyance that is my daughter.
It took me 30 minutes THIRTY to get a pair of pajamas on my son last night. I was so tired when I was done! And diaper changing got easier when I learned to change him standing up. The poopy ones are still a bugger though.
I change Elizabeth on a changing pad on the floor.
I love tattoo talk!
Let’s see those tattoos!!
My kid’s already squirming and writhing. I’m in big trouble.
OK, that age is HORRIBLE for diaper changes. I had talked to my pediatrician at his 12 month appointment about potty training and she practically laughed at me. Made me mad. We’re still not completely ready for potty training, but it’s not too soon to get a potty and start showing her what it is.
Anyway, if you can do standing diaper changes that is helpful. It’s a learned trick, but it’s good. Or Pampers makes Easy Ups for this age. I do like those, although I don’t spend the money for them. Letting her pick a toy to bring to the changing table is a good idea. Or I’ve tried laying him down on the floor and then putting one leg over his belly. That helps, but I didn’t get the hang of it. And as always, remember…this too shall pass. Diaper changes are easy for us now.
There was a while there where J would SCREAM like we were torturing her every time we put her on the changing table. It’s not as bad as it was, but it’s not great either.
I got serious and mean mom right at the start. Okay, maybe I’m lucky and they weren’t going to be that bad. But I’d grab them by each thigh and growl at them and hold them down and tell them “no” really meanly. At first they’d laugh but then I’d keep holding them down the next time and haven’t had trouble since. Like I said, maybe I’m lucky! I have never been able to figure out standing diaper changes because I am OCD and the diaper must be perfectly. centered.
I can’t wait to hear more about this tattoo.