As my co-dad blogger in chief, Octavio, mentioned in his previous posts, having perseverance is a MUST in successful potty training. This holds true even if there’s regression and you experience set-backs. Regression is normal. Four million toddlers will embark on potty training each year. Hispanic moms & dads often feel pressure from friends and family to potty train their child as early as possible but don’t understand the process so they stop once setbacks occur. We shouldn’t get mad at our child. It can happen that your child reverts at a moment of stress. If at that time he cannot control his urine, he will most likely revert so he/she can advance later on.

Don’t give up! You’re not the only one. I felt relieved when I received a package from Pull-ups that included a softee potty seat, pull-ups training pants, flushable wipes, activity sheets, stickers, and party hats. I mean, talk about encouragement in a box. This also helped my daughter and I celebrate milestones, because every try deserves a little celebration. It is normal to feel discouraged, so having the support of a brand and the Latino blogging community during this process has been extremely beneficial. Speaking of beneficial things, I must say technology can help in all areas of life–even potty training! I know, it sounds nuts but you have to check out the Pull Ups Big Kid App (http://www.pull-ups.com/na/app.aspx). The Pull-Ups app actually makes taking potty breaks even easier by providing your child with games, tips, tools, and more. Plus, this app will bring your child’s favorite Disney characters to life ( Briani’s favorite movie is Monsters Inc., so this was perfect for her).

The main conclusion of my own potty chronicles and that of Octavio’s is to persevere and you will succeed. After all, when have you seen a 12 year old that doesn’t know how to use the potty by himself? Exactly, it’s rare..so keep on doing what you’re doing. You WILL get there. Download the app for extra help..and entertainment. And remember: celebrate their first, second and every time they go to the bathroom… because when you least expect it, they’ll succeed.

For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups
To learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

PAPIBLOGGER GIVEAWAY!!!
READERS: Comment with YOUR best potty training tip for a chance to win:
o Pull-Ups training pants; preferred size and gender
o Flushable wipes
o Disney softee toilet seat; preferred gender

Facebook followers:
Like the Pull-Ups FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pullups
Tweet about the giveaway using the #EveryFlush hashtag

In my last post about potty training Jacob, I didn’t emphasize enough how important it is to make potty training a family affair. Imagine, if abuela takes Jacob for the weekend, she must implement the same rules and training tips we’ve been using with Jacob. Same with a nanny or daycare professional, or even babysitter or aunts. Everyone must be on the same page so the child doesn’t become confused and gets used to his routine.

Dr. Alberto Andres Cotton is a well-respected Miami based pediatrician with 17 years of experience. Dr. Cotton has dedicated his career to the well-being of children, as well as providing Hispanic mothers with the right information to give the best care. Dr. Andres Cotton has teamed up with the Pull-Ups® Every Flush program to share his expertise with Hispanic moms by offering tips and advice that challenge some of the preconceived notions of potty training.

During the #EveryFlush Pull-Ups Teleconference that I participated in last week, I learned quiet a few tips about engaging and educating friends and family about training pants, the process and the fun rituals that make sticking with the process easier.

Jeannette Kaplun is an award-winning journalist and internationally recognized parenting expert, has over 17 years of experience on TV, radio, online media and as a published author and conference speaker.

Ever felt on the verge of giving up? You’re not the only one! I felt relieved when a blogger asked “Did you ever feel like giving up on your potty training endeavors? What made you kept going? How did you keep your sanity?” I can personally say I have felt like giving up..but this teleconference and talking to other Latino Dads and Moms about my personal proccess made me realize it was normal to experience set-backs, important to get family involved, and that there is no certain age where you should feel the child is “too old” and should have learned by now. Every child is different and as long as he isn’t 11 and still using diapers, I think we are good and need to keep on trying! For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc   This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Written by West Coast Papiblogger Octavio Navarro

If you’ve been reading Papiblogger for a while you know that Manny takes a lot of road trips with this family. Although I haven’t taken as many or as “extravagant” road trips as he has, I have taken a few memorable road trips with my family. The most important thing I consider before embarking on the road is the safety of my family. And that begins with the type of car I drive. I know Manny has endorsed other cars in the past, but I was personally invited to attend the NISSAN car expo this last week and I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by their new cars. I think I’ve even found the next road trip car for my family. The Nissan NEXT event, located at the Los Angeles International Auto Show , gave me an opportunity to explore the wide variety of innovations that Nissan brings to the automotive industry. I was able to check out the the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder with its multi-touch interactive displays, and also had  a chance to drive a wide variety of Nissan vehicles including the Nissan LEAF, the first mass produced 100% all-electric vehicle.. So what is my new road trip car? Hands-down, the new 2o13 Nissan Pathfinder. ( I know Manny, you swear by others, but you have to try this car!) Just look at the beauty of this vehicle via my instagram pics:

The car was popular. Had to wait in line to get a closer look.

Checking out the console. Temperature control and HDD Navigation system. Bluetooth handsfree system and USB adapters..perfect for techie dads!

Have children? Want safety? The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has you covered. Safety locks, plenty of room for car seat ( or seats) dual 7″ head restraint family entertainment system with wireless headphones…that means no more ( or at least less) temper tantrums and having to pull-over for entertainment!

In addition to all the cool features I just described, the Pathfinder gives you back something that is easy to lose once you become a father and that is: your hipness. This car is not for “nerds”. It’s hip and cool and when you’re alone and without the kids, your “me time” will make you feel like a young bachelor again. This isn’t like a van, it has  SUV capability to deal with unexpected weather conditions. Again, safety safety safety–awesome.

If you want to find out more about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, I suggest you check out their Facebook page. You’ll find lot’s of pictures and more details about its functionality and features.

Like Nissan’s page FB and if you’ve test-driven a Nissan Pathfinder or plan on making it your 2013 family car, let me know! Tweet Manny and I ( Octavio) @papiblogger using the hashtag #Nissanespanol and #Nissanpathfindr.

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Nissan. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Trident Layers has a burst of Peach and Mango.

I haven’t bought chewing gum in a long time.  My wife is more of a gum chewer so I just steel her stash whenever I need to refresh my mouth but can’t get to a tooth brush.  She buys it in large packs so there is always some around, usually spearmint.

As a kid, I had my share of bubble gum.  Back then, gum was like candy and enjoyable because of its unique flavor and ability to blow bubbles with.  I guess that nostalgic bubble gum taste is so powerful that I often see it in other products like ice cream or tooth paste.   I remember having fun times with friends trying to see who could blow the largest bubble while trying not to get it all over our faces or hair.

As an adult, chewing gum became more functional—pop a stick before a networking event or meeting.  To me all gum tasted the same.  So it was with great surprise that recently my opinion changed.  I was heading out the door to take my son to the weekly book reading session at the local library and grabbed some gun that was on the counter.  Following our routine, I buckled my son in, backed the car out of the garage, put the car in drive and started driving the 1 mile to the library.  The only difference today was that on the way, I popped in the stick of gum and suddenly experienced a burst of peach follow by a rush of mango.  The unexpected flavors reminded me of those childhood bubble gum fun days and I even started to blow bubbles.  It reminded me that life is full of unexpected sabor.  In fact, that is what being a child is all about—constant new discoveries.  The gum put a smile on my face and helped me enjoy the reading more than usual because it reminded me that I should be more childlike to help my son enjoy his everyday experiences.

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and TRIDENT. However, all opinions expressed are my own.