Savanna Robinson

The unconventional guide to toilet training tips

02/03/2019 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

We are just now into our third week of our youngest being toilet trained. Well, two weeks of no accidents during the day surely counts, right. Toilet training your toddler can be a huge and tiring job. It is not always the easiest task to achieve in your parenting life if you are doing most of the work for it. So I thought I’d pass along some of the toilet training tips we’ve tried- and what worked and what didn’t.

I swear it was super easy with my first, as she basically got the training part done at her 3 days a week daycare. And it just clicked with her a lot quicker it seemed…though maybe that’s just old age making me think it was quicker. (It was a while ago seeing she’s now 16).

But with our recent experience with Miss just turned 3, it seemed to take forever for it to click. Plus I was only working part-time, so a good deal of it was spent at home with her.

I’d read up on the 3 day training method. And other different theories with how to toilet train your child, but these are the things that really seemed to work for us.

We started talking about toilet training when she started taking an interest in recognising her nappy was wet and when others went to the toilet. It’s part of mum life to have a little person accompany you to the bathroom every time. Of course when I say ‘we’, it’s pretty much just me. The mum. Dad’s don’t seem to take an awful lot of interest in teaching little girls to go to the toilet. I’m not sure if it’s the same when a little boy is in the mix? (Let me know in the comments of your experience there of toilet training tips with the boys).

What equipment you will need depends on if you want to have a potty you can place anywhere in the house (quite a few in my mother’s group have placed in it the lounge room in front of the television the child is watching) or if want to just use the big toilet with an insert in for your toddler’s little bottom.

We started with an insert seat first. It’s padded with cute little ducks on it. And it came with a hook so you can hang it on the wall when not in use (something I never realised how handy it was till my mother got the same one for their place and put the hook on the wall).

But the adult toilet was a bit big for her. So we tried the little step stool I keep in my pantry. That let her get on the toilet, but she wasn’t happy with her legs swinging and not being able to put them down to feel secure.

So after a while of no real success, and multiple toileting accidents (lot of wet pants, wet lounge, wet puddles everywhere) I decided to go full force in her toilet training over the summer holidays. We stocked up on LOTS of size 2-3 undies. Peppa Pig, Emma Wiggles and Dorothy the Dinosaur, girly dinosaur ones, mermaid ones. Lots! I wanted to be able to send her to daycare while toilet training and not have to wash multiple times a week. We were probably averaging at least 3 wet pairs a day for daycare before she’d ask for a nappy to go on.

I got a toilet training book from the shops one day that she was fascinated with it. It was very cool, and tailored to girls. Plus it had a button you could push that made the toilet flushing noise and cheering at the end. I must say it was a favourite book for weeks.

We bought a potty. Made the mistake of letting my husband ASK her which one she wanted when she originally picked the cheapest one in store. No. We had to get the pink Minnie Mouse one that cheered when you pulled the handle on it.

She liked the Minnie Mouse potty for about a week, till she accidentally did a poo on it. And scared herself. Oh well! We went back to trying to encourage going using the insert seat.

Then I reread a few articles on the 3 day potty training again and any more toilet training tips I could find, and about how it might not actually work fully in 3 days, but it’s about still getting them to continue trying. And finding the right bribe currency for your toddler.

So we tried that. I stocked up on a few treats that she liked when at the grocery store with her. Smarties (chocolate beanie type sweet) worked at first. Kinder Surprise was always a good one but costly to do except as a big reward. Lollipops worked a couple of days. Oh and what she called Wiggly Worms (a new mini Curly Wurly bar thing that looks a bit like a chocolate worm squiggle..she loves them! Curly Wurly Squirlies are their name). She also spotted a Peppa Pig magazine that had about 6 toys and 3 colouring books/magazines in it. That worked for a bit too.

I had a gift voucher to use up at a book store, so stocked up on a couple of Polly Potty books- the story and the sticker book. When those arrived she quite enjoyed putting stickers in the chart at the end of the book, and in the story.

I also used some little sticker reward charts I had left over from teaching, that she got for doing a wee or poo in the toilet. 1 tiny sticker for a wee, 2 for a poo. And when it reached the end of chart (20 stickers) she could get a big reward like her Kinder Surprise. At first it took a long time to fill a chart, but when we combined getting the sticker on it, plus the chocolate and a big song and dance when she successfully used the toilet or potty, they started to fill in quicker.

Another big step was in actually getting a 2 step stool for her to climb more easily onto the toilet and have something to rest her feet on. I originally got that for her to reach the basin tap easier. But she discovered that it was great for in the toilet too, and moved it in there. Luckily we had just enough room it could tuck down the side next to the bowl after use and not take up too much room. And let the door close when not in use.

We got to the stage of her being quite successful for wees at home, but she was terrified of the toilet at daycare. (Doing poos on the toilet typically takes longer to achieve). No matter what we tried, she’d wear undies to daycare, but would refuse to sit on the toilet there even with her other little girl friends who were training too. Thankfully the staff were very understanding and knowledgable about the fickleness of toddlers and kept gently trying there.

She would also ask to put her nappy pants (pull ups) on if she wanted to do a poo, as it must be more comforting to them having only ever done it that way. One would go on, she’d go hide in a corner to do her business, and then was happy to get changed out of it and back to undies.

To try and help with the fear of daycare toilets we had our next toilet training tip of visiting every single rest room around and about town. We’d purposely go out to the shops somewhere and go visit the parent restroom where available. This let her see some little toilets in action, even if she didn’t want to sit on them the first few times. But they were exactly the same as at daycare, so helped her see that they were in lots of different places.

At this point we could go about just in undies during the day and she would let us know if she needed to go for a wee. (With a little packed bag in the car of wipes and spare clothes just in case). So being out and getting to visit an exciting parent room seemed to do the trick for it finally clicking. Plus getting to play in the little play area in the parent room after visiting the toilet made it so much more appealing. A few days of these trips and she was suddenly much more willing to have a go at daycare. First just sitting on the toilet there (and getting multiple stamps up her arms for this achievement) and then actually doing a wee there. We were all so proud that day!

Since then she has been accident free all day, and asks to go to the toilet for wees or poos if I’m around, or will sometimes take herself off if I’m super busy with some other task. Of course now I’m slave to hanging around till she has finished to help her wipe her little bottom. But that role will hopefully not be as long!

Our next step will be undies at bedtime. Unfortunately you can’t train for that as the body has to be ready for this. But that’s more for a post later in the year when we reach that stage. (Though daddy has accidentally put her to bed minus a nappy the one night he was in charge. And she came into our bed half the night. So thankful there wasn’t an accident there).

If you’ve ready for toilet training and liked these toilet training tips, download our free toilet training tips checklist (coming soon). Or check out these recommendations of items that may assist you.

And for more on our adventures in parenting, click here.

9 Healthy Nails Tips

24/01/2019 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

There are many myths that float about the Internet about what are signs of healthy nails or the opposite. So it can be a minefield when you are trying to look after yourself as part of your self-care routine. These are simply my healthy nail tips I try to follow and recommended by reputable medical sources.

Our nails are a pretty important part of our fingers and toes. They help protect the skin underneath on our fingers and toes when they are being used as tools. And they do take a beating at times, because they are there to protect us. So often white marks or spots come up that are simply from damage happening to the nail or nail bed in our everyday lives. How often do you bang your hands on something, and then ten minutes later have completely forgotten that you did it until you notice a mark turns up. Most marks from damage like that will grow out (eventually…the time taken depends on how quickly your nails and hair grown and the time of year too).

Normal healthy nails should be pink where the nail is on the skin, and white on the part that grows off the nail bed. They can sometimes develop harmless vertical ridges down them (going from cuticle to nail tip that is), which can be more prominent the older you get.

(If you want to know what is NOT normal for nails, take a look at this article by the Mayo Clinic).

Tips to keep your healthy nails.

Eat healthy foods.
Drink plenty of water- 2 great things for your whole body.
Moisturise your hands and nails daily with a non greasy moisturiser.
Use Cuticle oil daily (applied to skin above nail, not to cuticles directly).
Keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent any devastating tears. And if one occurs, get to it quickly to save further damage.
Keep your nails dry and clean – which means wearing rubber gloves if doing the washing up!
Apply a nail hardener if you think your nails need more strength.
Don’t bite or pick at your nails or hangnails. Always use clippers or sharp nail scissors. (Yes Steve this includes you!).
Use gentle products on your nails. Try to use acetone free removers etc so they don’t dry your nails out as much.

To download these tips to keep as a reminder click here.

But if you are ever unsure about something to do with your nails, go speak to your doctor who can tell you if it’s something sinister…don’t just rely on those images of 10 signs of unhealthy nails you just googled! Some of them may be right, but some may be completely wrong and tell you that something is happening that isn’t really. Your doctor is the best person to ask in the end. Not Dr Google!

Here are some of the top recommended products for healthy nails on Amazon, or you can search your own.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954

https://www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/nails/nail-color.php

Want to take your self care that extra step? Then read about adding wraps and tips on how to apply them.

Starting on Gilenya

07/01/2019 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

So you’ve had it recommended to you by your neurologist to start treatment for your relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. You may have been given a few options to look through, with wads of literature with the pros and cons for each medication. But in the end you have chosen to go with Gilenya (Fingolimod). And now you don’t really know what to expect, or prefer to hear personal experiences rather than the booklet from the drug company. This is my journey of what to expect when starting on Gilenya for helping with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. (But remember I am not a medical practioner…this is just my personal experience).

When I saw my MS nurse with my choice about which medication I had chosen to start after my relapse a few months prior, I was given a plastic sleeve with notes to take to my GP about what I was about to start and considerations that would be needed about treating my health in the future. I also had some tests to do before a script would be drawn up. And the final thing. I had to finish breastfeeding my toddler before I could start.

That was probably the most difficult part. Seeing my nurse in April, and finally weaning my toddler in late December. Then it had been so long I had to get the tests redone to be valid.

Before starting Gilenya I had to have blood tests to screen for a number of things, including immunity to Chicken Pox. One of the tests wanted wasn’t available at all pathology centres, so it pays to check that out beforehand.

Then there is the ECG required to get a baseline reading. I finally had my first one where I didn’t have to completely remove my bra and top, which makes me wonder why so many places still insist on that. Most undignified for us ladies.

And lastly an OCT on your eyes as a baseline to check swelling of the optic nerve doesn’t happen.

My GP also sent me to a dermatologist to get a baseline check for skin cancers after reading the literature provided to her and the incidence of skin cancers in the trial.

With all those complete, an authority script to purchase the medication was written up for me. Allow a few days for the chemist to get it in stock as not all keep some in stock unless they have a few patients on it.

I was booked in for an appointment to be monitored for 6 hours with my first dose. (A requirement by the Australian government for it to be on the PBS).

I had been told to expect an ECG before starting, and hourly through the time, as the 5 hour mark was where the heart rate could drop a bit with the first dose.

What I got was briefly seen by doctor who explained how the day went. Told to take my first dose, and the time for 6 hours was started. Then an ECG at the end and the go ahead from the doctor if I could go home. The bit in between was a long boring wait in the waiting room…armed with books and iPhone.

The nurse had forewarned me to be diligent in taking my tablet every day at the same time for at least the first month. If you miss a dose in that beginning part, you have to do the 6 hour observations again. When on for longer than that, missing up to 2 weeks is okay if you get caught out on a holiday.

May your journey starting Gilenya go smoothly! I’m hoping this is a positive thing in my MS journey and that it works well with minimal side effects. So far it’s been good for me for 10 months.

Living with MS – A day in the life of an MSer

What to do on a hot day with a toddler

30/12/2018 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

Keeping toddlers amused during a heat wave.

This week in greater western Sydney we are expecting to see a massive heat wave with temperatures in the high 30s, and 3 days in a row of 41°C. For a mum with MS heat intolerance, this can be a bit problematic, as any time out in that heat can incapacitate me for a few days, which is not great when you are the main carer for a toddler. So here is my plan for what to do on a hot day with a toddler.

Air Conditioning

It is an essential to have access to air conditioning if you wish to have a cooperative toddler. Hot, cranky toddlers are not someone you want to be dealing with for a whole week! If you don’t have air conditioning available at home, try to get out to places like a shopping centre where you can be in the cool for part of the day at least.

Paddling Pool

Although it can be too hot to be out in the middle of the day (and high risk of sunburning in the smallest amount of time exposed to the sun), it can be quite handy to have a paddling pool available. An early morning or late afternoon/evening splash in the pool can help cool down the crankiest toddler. Just make sure there is an adult available to supervise at all times!

Ice treats

Frozen treats like ice blocks or frozen fruit are terrific to cool down your toddler. And are a fun way to eat food for them. Give them a bowl to place ice blocks in when they get too cold or drippy for them…this can also help save the mess on the furniture if eating inside too.

Fully stocked fridge

Have a fully stocked fridge and pantry can help tame the toddler in a heatwave. We all know toddlers graze constantly during the day due to little tummies. So having enough snacks and meals ready in the fridge and not needing to go down to the local shop with a hot, cranky toddler can be a great help. Luckily for our heatwave we’ve just had Christmas, so of course we are fully stocked with salads and cut ham, plus so many snacks galore with fresh fruit and of course chocolates and biscuits. What to do on a hot day with a toddler

Toys

If keeping your toddler indoors for a long heat wave, it can be handy to rotate the toys they have out to play. If you just leave a couple of things out, and hide other stuff away, you can create new appeal for old toys when you bring out something different each day.

Toilet training

A heat wave can be a great time to work on toilet training your toddler. It’s hot. They don’t need much in the way of clothing on, and can even run around in the nude if you’re willing. Any wet clothing will also dry in record time, so don’t have to worry about it piling up in the laundry!

Movies

A good way to keep a toddler amused inside in a heat wave is to put on a kids movie. Or if adventurous take to a cinema for the latest flick showing. You may end up watching the same movie over and over…but it’s a small price to pay for a happy toddler in a heat wave. I always like to do computer work next to my toddler if movie watching in the heat. Or get a few jobs done around the house.

iPad apps

If the appeal of movies has worn off, you can try switching to the iPad for some games. Our favourites here are ABC animals, Dinosaur Puzzle Game and Smart ABC, along with ABCKIDS iview and listen apps.

Those are just some of the ideas I use for keeping my toddler amused in a heat wave. Hopefully these will help you maintain some sanity while battling the toddler in a heat wave war.

But if you need some more ideas and suggested schedule for keeping your toddler amused on a hot day, then come check out my new download.

Need more tips for your toddler, click here.

How to be a successful direct sales consultant

15/12/2018 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you been struggling with your Direct Sales or small business company? Do you feel like you need a kick in the pants about your direct sales business to get you moving in the right direction, not act all spammy and actually get some real customers, team members and sales? Trying to figure out the world of social media marketing can be confusing, conflicting and downright costly at times. The solution to this – The Elite Suite! How to be a successful direct sales consultant

That’s how I’ve been feeling for some of my time doing Direct Sales or MLM companies (I’ve tried a few over my adult years). There are some really big sellers out there that do all the stuff you hate to see -post on their personal timeline ALL the time, message all of your friends. SELL, SELL, SELL all the time and don’t worry if others unfriend them! Yes I bet you’ve seen some of those people around! They might do well short term, but they haven’t formed any relationships with their customer base and will burn out in the long term as everyone turns away from their spammy selling behaviour.

A good place to start

That’s where the Socialite Suite entered my life just after starting with Jamberry. It is all about learning how to market yourself without those irritating tricks that annoy all your friends. I lurked for a bit, bought a few courses at very reasonable prices about using different social media platforms better. And then this year, after being a Suite member for 18 months I decided to take the plunge and join their premium coaching group- The Elite Suite as I still felt I was struggling with what to do next.

I was just going to try it for a month! That’s all. But there is so much value with video tips 5 days a week, graphics, and the support of others who are truly trying to step up their game to be a successful direct sales consultant too! So I stayed another month, and another. I joined up in March, and it’s now August and I’m still there. Everything is self-paced too, which makes it easy to go work on the things I need help with!

Too good to keep to yourself

Then I invited my team mate who was struggling as well with our company going through some big changes. She was going to try for a month and ended up staying. That’s how great the value is of this group is to support you in becoming a successful direct sales consultant! You just don’t want to leave The Elite Suite! And of course Brenda is da Bomb and has her finger on the pulse of the Social Media world!

So if you are feeling like you need that kick in the pants to be a more successful in direct sales, then jump on in to The Elite Suite! It will give you the tools and strategy…but just remember you still have to put it all into place!

Jump into The Elite Suite, check it out for a month and see if it helps you. And you can cancel at any time.

What are the perks?

This is what you get with The Elite Suite membership:

Live, guided coaching every weekday,
Exclusive, monthly Planning Your Monthly Sales Strategy live training session,
A monthly graphics pack,
A highly-engaged and supportive community

So jump into The Elite Suite now! And learn how to the best! How to be a successful direct sales consultant that can rock their business!

Come learn more about Direct Sales here.

Like to see more of my stuff – My community hang out here, but I also use Pinterest and Instagram. (Who doesn’t, hey?).

This post was originally posted on Sassy Direct in August 2018. It’s now December 2018 and I’m still in the group, even without being in Direct Sales due to the fabulous community and support I’ve found there.

A peek at the Direct Sales World

12/11/2018 By Savanna Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s a strange thing, the Direct Sales world. Companies may sell via catalogues only, websites, or through party plan. Some even do a mix of those three or even more ways. As the world has opened up more with the advance of the internet and social media, so have the avenues through which you can find a direct sales company. If you know where to look, they are EVERYWHERE!

As a consultant you are trying to find your footing in the world of sales based from home (usually), and compete with all the big businesses that have huge advertising budgets. As a small business that sells via party plan or website only, you can sometimes be seen as inferior to those bigger companies. And due to the nature of some people in the past, can be seen as spammy or ‘one of those annoying party companies’. So you try to find your own way and voice to be heard over the thousands of others out there!

Not all Direct Sales companies are the same. They all have their own brand values and conditions for consultants (and clients too sometimes). Such a vast range of products can be bought from a Direct Sales company these days too! Beauty products, clothes, food, jewellery…even toys for grown ups. Of course, not every company is available in every country (though potential customers wish they would do so! and soon).

Just as all companies are different, so can the culture of being someone’s ‘Only’ consultant. Those that carry the same products with every consultant strongly cling on to their customers, and it’s even frowned upon in the rules of the company to poach anyone else’s customers. But then there are companies now where each consultant has their own stock, which is likely to be different to any other consultant in the area. With these companies they are encouraged to share their customers around to be able to find items or patterns they are searching for. But whichever type of company, if you don’t look after your customers, they may not return ever again. It is essential to build relationships with them, and make them feel valued (which they are! Without customers, you don’t have a successful business).

Word of Mouth and great reviews can do wonders for whatever type of Direct Sales company you are with. So if you buy a product from someone who does right by you, let them know what a great job they are doing, and let your friends know who to go to. Your consultant will love you for it! Because you are not just lining the pockets of some big company director- purchasing with someone in direct sales is helping them send their kids to dance lessons, to buy a coffee with friends, to finally have a family holiday together! You are helping someone who’s trying to make ends meet and pay their monthly bills. You are helping someone just like you!