One Mom's Journey

When my oldest daughter was 2, I started trying to figure out how to get rid of that darn soother.  Her soother attachment was getting out of control.  Parents with children and soothers totally understand this constant battle to wean the child of the soother.  It is not easy, and we sometimes lack the confidence to take it away.  I know myself, I feared losing the afternoon nap and the constant battle to stop the crocodile tears. I am sure you all felt similar.  While researching some different methods, I came across this awesome list from About.com and thought I would share it.

1. Cold turkey. Stand your ground and don't give in!  It is tough, but you can do it.
2. Phase it out. Start by only allowing it at bed times and in the car, then take away the car, then take away nap, then take away overnight.  Over time is the key to this one.
3. Say hello to the "Soother Fairy" or any other mythological creature of your choosing. The goal here is to take the pressure and anger off of the parents and transform it into a rewarding event. Soothers or pacifiers go to the mythological fairy in exchange for a treat or a present. Preparation is key for this, so best to use a book or song as a tool - and repeat it often.

The children’s book, Susy the Soother Fairy, newly released this past December and is quickly becoming the go-to tool for parents who have a child with a serious soother/pacifier attachment. The book, written and illustrated by Laura Page-Hamelin in Oakville, Ontario, features a fairy and a magic sac that helps toddlers get rid of their soother/pacifier attachments once and for all.

Susy the Soother Fairy Comes when you are Three, is targeted at three year olds directly. Three year olds are able to process the information and accept what is about to happen.. The book comes complete with Susy’s magic sac, making the experience very real and successful for young ones.