posted by:tashadoestulsa
posted on: 2/7views: 3235 Comments
I haven't been completely forthcoming with you, my dear readers. You see, when my son and I went to the dentist a few weeks ago, we got some news that, at the time, I elected not to share with you. It's shocking information, yes, and while I didn't think at the time that I should break the news (I did, after all, have to inform friends and family first), I think the time has come for me to come clean. To be honest. To bear the naked truth.
By doctor's orders, my son must give up his pacifier before his second birthday. Which, by the way, is a mere two weeks away.
Dear Lord in heaven, help us all. Amen. With a cherry and gourmet raw sugar on top.
As anyone who has read this blog more than one and a half times knows, my son loves - actually, even LURVES doesn't quite cover it - his pacifier, or what he calls his paci. I've written posts about his paci-packing habits, I've shot video of him attempting to suck on two pacis at the same time (no small feat) and practically every other photo of him I post has the butt-end of a paci smack dab in the middle of it. Even Joe Kelley has asked if we need to have "the paci talk."
Hey, it's not like I don't know that it's time for the paci habit to take a hike. Also, it's not like I think I can skirt the blame for which I'm due for having waited until the kid is on the brink of starting his third year of life to help the little guy kick the paci to the curb.
Even though I wasn't a party to the formation of my son's paci addiction (he never cared about them until, when he was about six months old, I went out of town for a few days; my grandmother stayed over to help my husband manage and trafficked pacis and chocolate milk into my house until there was no going back), I've allowed it to continue to this late point.
Now, though, things must change. And my son must suffer. And I must go a few nights without sleep.
Hey, it'll be fun. I'll be reminded of the newborn days of shredded nerves and sleepless nights. Maybe then, at least for awhile, my womb won't do back flips with a double-half tail spin every time I see the rubber-band wrists of a newborn.
Oy.
Okay, moms and dads, spill it: Did your child use a pacifier? If so, how did you break the habit? How many days should my child and I plan to sit around the house crying in misery into each others' shirt sleeves? To say that I could use a bit of advice here would be a gross understatement, so don't hold back. Help me get through this. You never know - I might be willing to supply chocolate in exchange for your trouble. Because heaven knows I'll be stockpiling the stuff between now and birthday No. 2.
comments
- Natasha - 02/07/2010
Oh, ladies. Thank you so much for your advice and stories of your experience. My husband and I are going to sit down together and read through these again when he gets a study break. Hopefully we can do more brainstorming after that and agree on a method to which we can be loyal until the paci truly goes bye-bye.
Really, everyone. Thank you.
- luvstoread - 02/07/2010
My sister made a big deal about how big her son had gotten. They talked about how the new babies in the world needed paci's, and then she tied his pacifiers to balloons and they sent them off to the new babies. . . I don't remember if this worked. Whatever you do, you will both survive it and be happy again - keep it in mind.
- hometeamwins - 02/07/2010
I never had the paci battle; it wasn't magic for my boys after they were about five months old. I think you just need to think long and hard about the method you choose and stick to that method. If you go cold turkey, throw them ALL away so you won't be tempted to give in. And ask your husband to help you be strong and stick to that method.
Same deal if you do it gradually: be consistent about when he gets it and don't waver on that.
I think consistency is more important than the method. Whatever you do you'll probably be tempted to change it, but don't.
- Bev - 02/07/2010
OK, I have 2 daughters in their 20's, did child care in my home for over 26 years, and currently have a almost 6 yr old grandson & 9 mos old grandson. I began with daughter #1 at age 1, nearly 26 years ago......at age 1 yr, the binkie was only allowed in the bed. If she wanted it, she had to sit in her bed, if she got out of bed, the binkie stayed. By her 2nd Christmas, we made a deal with Santa to promise her an extra gift in exchange for her binkie. It worked! She sat on Santas lap, told him her wish list, he told her he would trade her a new toy for her binkie, she said OK & handed it over. A little rough that night, I will not lie, but the 2nd day & night we just kept reminding her that Santa was going to keep his word & he did, she got extra toys that year! I have weaned 100's of children in my childcare, as well as our 2nd daughter & oldest grandson the same way & this may, grandson # 2 will experience that tradition......save one back to show him when he is grown!
- TtownMom - 02/07/2010
My heart goes out to you sweetness. There are several trains of thought on this one. You could go cold turkey--which is brutal for a couple days but then possibly over. no promises. Or you could start slow. Say, paci only when Sam is in his bed or when something traumatic has happened. No paci out of the house. Then cut back to no paci during naptime(mainly because you aren't so tired during naptime and better equipped for coping:)). Then finally cut bedtime. This is what I did for a little one I nannied for. It was pretty painless. For me, who was not the mom. Be strong! This is one of the few times you know for a fact you are doing the right thing by tossing the paci! I loved Kellyology's suggestion on nipping the paci with scissors every few days too. And don't forget the Paci-Fairy!
