Getting rid of the pacifier doesn’t have to be hard if you follow this 7-day plan

It usually starts to happen when your child turns two. You realize it’s time to get rid of the pacifier, but the question is HOW.

There is plenty of advice out there on the “best” ways of getting rid of a pacifier. Some of it is quite comical. In fact, a frustrated mom posted the question “How to get rid of the stupid pacifier?” on YAHOO! Answers (http://answers.yahoo.com). And get this, she received over 20 answers.

Here are some of the answers she received to her question:

·        Simply take them all away and let them throw a fit

·        Buy a different type of pacifier they won’t like as much

·        Cut off part of the nib, so they can’t suck on it

·        Tell them the dog pottied on it and take it out to the trash

·        Put some hot sauce on the tip of the pacifier

·        Tie it to a balloon and send it to the Binky Fairy

·        Take it away while distracting them by playing a DVD

Wow! Seriously, I did not make any of those up. OK…so there are plenty of opinions out there on the “best” approach to getting rid of a pacifier. But, I’m guessing if you’re reading this right now, you wouldn’t feel comfortable as a mom with most of them.

A 7-Day Plan To Getting Rid Of The Pacifier

Following is the step-by-step plan I created which is part of my Pacifier B Gone™ system.

Pre-Day 1:

 

·        Remove all pacifiers from the house. Be sure to look under beds and in any hiding places

 

·        Restrict usage from this point on to only nap time and bedtime.

 

·        Strengthen your resolve. Take to heart that you are doing what’s in your child’s best interest. Be strong, have a positive attitude and most importantly, have FUN! Your child will draw strength from your example of positive leadership.

 

Day 1:

 

·        Create a simple calendar that counts down the days to when the Binky Fairy will come and leave them their special friend.

 

 

*Before bedtime:

 

·        Talk to your child about the fact that they’re getting to be a big boy or girl.

 

·        Have them help you place the Calendar on the wall in their room. Point out the Binky Fairy and the Gold Star at the end. Explain to them how this calendar will be a very special part of them getting big.

 

·        Just before bed, tell your child about getting big and the Binky Fairy.

 

 

Days 2-6:

 

·        Provide time to ensure your child is quiet and peaceful before going to bed.

 

·        Place the sticker for that day on the calendar and count down the days together.

 

·        Read the story of the Binky Fairy coming from the “Now I’m Big” book just before your child goes to sleep.

 

 

Day 7:

 

·        Repeat your bedtime ritual as you did on days 2-6.

 

·        Remember, tonight is special because the Binky Fairy is coming!

 

·        Discuss with your child what being “Big Now” means.

 

·        Explain how proud you are of them as they’re growing up

 

·        Ask your child if they know what’s going to happen tonight.

 

·        Remove your child’s last pacifier while they are sleeping

 

·        Place a special stuffed animal (a gift from the Binky Fairy) in the bed next to your child as they’re sleeping.

 

 

Day 8: Celebrate!

 

Congratulations! Your child is now Paci-Free.

 

·        Create a special “Now I’m Big” certificate from the Binky Fairy

 

·        Have your child place a special sticker on the calendar you created

 

·        Tell your child how proud you are of them and that keep reinforcing that they are getting BIG

 

·        Celebrate by baking a cake, preparing their favorite meal or taking them out to their favorite restaurant

 

The biggest key to being successful in getting rid of the pacifier is following the step-by-step system every day and having confidence in yourself.

 

Of course, you can do this entire program on your own. But, I created a special kit that makes getting rid of a pacifier simple and fun! You can learn more about it here if you’re interested: www.PacifierBGone.com

 

Regardless of which approach you decide to take when it comes to getting rid of a pacifier, the important thing is that you make it a loving experience that will be both fun and nurturing.

 

Michelle Spitzer

Need help getting rid of the pacifier? Discover the nurturing way to say goodbye to your child’s pacifier: www.PacifierBGone.com. Created with love for our children and endorsed by a doctor, Pacifier B Gone is a 7-day solution to getting rid of a pacifier that’s guaranteed to work.