This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Allie – congratulations!
Today’s giveaways are all kid related. First up is an ebook written by one of my favorite bloggers, Writer Dad. He and his wife have written a fabulous guide called Potty Training Power.
Photo by Steve Navarro
Itching to ditch the diapers (off your kids, I mean)? Then this ebook is for you. It is chock full of practical, useful information for getting through the often-challenging milestone of learning to go on the potty. It’s all you need for potty training help.
Sean and Cindy run a highly-specialized preschool, and have managed to potty train a whole myriad of children at a variety of ages. They’ve experienced first-hand all sorts of personalities, temperaments, and ages of kids. They know what they’re talking about.
This book strips down the mystery of potty training into six basic steps, and walks you through each one, so that you keep your sanity and store your energy for the task at hand.
Potty Training Power is a complete manual for the entire potty training process, and you’ll read it feeling encouraged and empowered to master this milestone in your child’s life.
One reader will win a copy of Potty Training Power with – get this – full email support. Yep, Sean and Cindy will actually be there to help you with your specific questions and needs, talking you through this as fellow parents. What encouragement!
Here’s How To Win:
1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question – What is the quality you enjoy most in your child?
2. To get a second entry – and a second entry on all the giveaways this week – subscribe to the Simple Mom feed and email me the movie quote at the bottom of any post in your feed reader or email inbox (there is only one quote for all the giveaways). Send it to simplemomblog (at) gmail (dot) com, and put the quote directly in the subject line. The body of the email won’t be read. And you only need to email me the quote once in order to get a second entry for all the week’s giveaways.
3. Finally, to get a third entry, post or tweet about this giveaway – if you use the URL of this post, I’ll receive it – no need to email me.
This giveaway will end this Saturday, January 31 at noon EST. I hope you win!
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The quality I am most enjoying in my child right now is her curiosity about words. She asks when she does not know the meaning of a word. The other day she interrupted her grandfather, who was giving her a blessing, to ask what “peace” means.
This giveaway is…fabulous. We have tried everything we can think of in the realm of potty-training. We are at our wit’s end. Help!
Holly´s last blog post…Let Kids Be Kids
I love the engineering mind my son has. He loves to build things and figure out how they work. He analyzes each wheel, each piece to the puzzle…and I wonder where he gets this talent from-definitely not his mom!
Julie´s last blog post…Smoothie Addict
The quality I love most about my daughter right now is her determination. While it can be frustrating at times (“Me do! Me do!”) I love to see her growing and becoming more independent and self confident. Oh, if only the potty were an are where she would gladly say, “Me do me-self!”
The quality I love best about my daughter is her imagination. She sees only possibility – whether it’s turning a box into a fort in the rain forest or taking one of her toys meant for one thing and turning it into something different. The quality I love best about my son is his ability to joke already at only 14 months.
My most favourite quality in my daughter is her creativity. Her imaginary worlds are so incredibly detailed – I love to hear her talk about them.
My son lights up my life with his eternally sunny outlook on life. I never knew a child could smile so much until he came along.
Melissa W´s last blog post…Felix’s Quilt
My little girls passion for everything. She either loves it or hates it. It can be frustrating at times, but I hope she always knows what she does and does not want and doesn’t give into to following and doing what everyone else does.
Shalae´s last blog post…Let it Rain
He has a mind like a steel trap!
The quality I like most in my little girl (nearly 2) is her excitement for life. Everything is new and exciting, at least for a little while. In the fall, she was amazed to see leaves fall through the air and just yesterday she was saying, ‘ice, ice, ice.’ Being with her reminds me of the wonder of this life.
I’m blogging about seeing God through this life at http://burningbushes.org/.
My son is two and OH how I love to watch him learn and grow. He seems to love everything new, and with such enthusiasm and excitement that it is just a joy to watch. Simply put…he just has fun.
I think I may need someone to hold my hand for the potty training of my second son!
Super hard question as every day I appreciate something new–long attention span, love of sleep, plays well with others, enthusiasm for life….
Lately he’s taken to saying every day “Did I say ‘I love you’ today, Mama?” Somehow i never get tired of hearing that!
Aimee´s last blog post…Foodie Facebook: Michele
Creativity.
Nicki at Domestic Cents´s last blog post…Sensible Review: Facial Moisturizer
I think my son’s imagination is his best quality. We are in the dinosaur phase right now
catherine´s last blog post…This Post is for Anyone Who Googles this Person and Will see How Cheeky They Are and Will Know the Truth!
I love that my little girl is so sweet to everyone. She loves to give kisses. She is so social.
Emily´s last blog post…Our First Muffin Tin Monday Submission
I love the way she sees the world. It’s incredible to step back and view things from her perspective, there is no experience to judge or preconceived ideas of how things should be. It’s liberating and refreshing.
The potty training help would be great. I’m on my 3rd child in the potty training years and I still don’t really know what to do.
I love my child’s humor (the one being trained currently). She is just now getting humor as a concept and loves to make people laugh. And she really is funny!
Humor! My 5 year old and my 2 year old are trying to tell Knock-Knock jokes. It’s HILARIOUS!!!
My one and a half year old is so friendly and affectionate! But I just so enjoy everything about him!
amy salinger´s last blog post…Handprint Art
In Our Girl, I love her sweetness. She has such a kind heart.
In Our Boy, his sense of fun. He loves doing whatever his little ten-month-old self can do!
Joanna´s last blog post…Coloring
i love her independence
Allegra´s last blog post…This is why I stay home
The thing I am enjoying the most about my son right now is his wacky sense of humor – not just his imagination and language, his use of his body, too. He has my husband and me rolling in the aisles.
My son is 8 months. I love watching his little personality develop. So far I guess my favorite is watching him interact with other children. He gets so excited he “screams” at them the whole time. So cute!
Well, I don’t have a child yet but will hopefully soon, does that count?
Tabitha (From Single to Married)´s last blog post…Honeymoon – Day Four
My three year old twins and they way they greet everything with enthusiasm. Their general cuddliness is a lot of fun too.
I love my son’s joy. Although his beginning into the toddler years hint and quite a few tantrums, overall he has to be one of the happiest babies I have ever seen!
The quality I enjoy most about my daughter (5) is her truthfulness. She seems to have an inherent honesty about her (even if lying might get her out of trouble).
The quality I enjoy most about my son (2) is how cuddly he still is and always has been.
Great giveaway – I’ve been having lots of problems with my #2 going #2!
Oh, how I need this right now… I am loving my 3 yo’s growing sense of humor – he makes up his own knock-knock jokes that make me laugh every time!
Leigh´s last blog post…My New Thing: Letting Go of Guilt
The quality I’m enjoying most right now in my two-year old is his curiousness. I love it when he says, “Momma, who dat?” “Momma, is?” “Momma, whut way?” So much fun!
I love my son’s zest for life.
the quality I enjoy most about my 2yr old son is his love of cars and blankets….he never goes anywhere in the house or out with out his grungy blanket and a fistful of matchbox cars. I also love how he has finally found his voice, for the longest time he let others speak for him….now he insists that you get his message straight from him. I could ramble on and on because there isn’t one quality I like most about my son, I LOVE all his qualities (even when he is throwing a fit at the grocery store).
I love that my son is polite! Even though he has the crazy moments, he loves to help and share too! And the please and thank you’s are so cute
i love how patient my first child is with my second.
oh, so many…..I have a 3 year old and a 20 month old…probably for my 3 year old, his zest for life and how much joy he brings to others when he talks, sings, dances, plays football, etc. He also has an incredible imagination when it comes to building things. I love what he comes up with! In our 20 month old, I love how much he loves to snuggle with people. he is very affectionate and loves to smile and laugh. They are both such delightful little boys! We are blessed!
I love the funny things my kid says. He has always been a little ahead on the verbal skills and the things he comes up with at 2.5yo are hilarious.
Mama K´s last blog post…Menu Plan
I would LOVE to win this book. My 2 yo is showing signs of being ready, and I’d love some help. My favorite quality in my 2 yo is his sense of humor. He is hilarious!
Her concentration. I love to watch her focus on putting things into a box and then taking them out, sorting them and putting them back.
The quality I admire most in my 4 year old son is his fierce desire and determination to be here, alive on this planet, and completely in the moment.
The quality I enjoy the most about my youngest is his cuddliness. He loves to curl up on my lap and rest his head on my chest. He is full of “momma I luv you”s.
Heather G´s last blog post…Do you remember
I love my son’s endless curiosity!
The thing I love most about my son is his willingness to to try new things. He is almost 3 and I know this will change soon. Last night at dinner we had pork chops for dinner and he wanted to try the barbecue sauce. We gave him a little on his plate and he said, ” See I love it guys” . I will cherish this time, because I know soon he will not be so agreeable.
I love most about my 2, almost 3 year old, is his quirkiness. He’s just so funny. The way he does stuff, says things, and looks at us just makes us laugh. He’s a true joy.
Amy Robinson´s last blog post…Old Man Winter
I love CC’s addiction to the outdoors. She loves putting on her coat to breath the fresh air!
My daughter is 8 months old, and I love her curiosity! She always has to figure out where every noise comes from and where we ‘hide’ her toys.
Jennifer´s last blog post…Valentine Pins – the purl bee
I love her exuberant child-like wonder, which stalls her potty training. ;0)
Erna´s last blog post…Armor of God Lapbook
It’s my grandson and his most adorable thing to do is to blow kisses, except he doesn’t blow them. He just tilts his head back and makes the biggest smooshy, kissy face, and adds “mmmmmmmmm” sounds to it. You can’t help but laugh. And he gives these to everyone he sees. The book will help, as he has the potty training coming in his near future.
I love my son’s love for life. He’s so full of joy and wonder about everything.
I love that my daughter (15 months) is such a people person. She’s a little ham, and it cracks me up!
Photoqueen´s last blog post…Very. Sweet. Bows.
I love my child’s goofiness! And the fact that it starts the moment he jumps out of bed! Great giveaway by the way something us first time potty trainers could really use!
Kristin´s last blog post…How to keep a child busy!
What quality do I enjoy most in my children? Their enthusiasm. I tend to be calm and take things as they come, rolling with the punches. My kids are much more enthusiastic about life, and it really reminds me how fun it can be to be excited, especially about little things like tacos for dinner.
Their enthusiasm brings me joy, and I hope they never lose it.
Taylor at Household Management 101´s last blog post…Jan 29, Household Inventory – How to Create One Quickly And Easily
I most enjoy epsilon’s stick to it until conquered attitude. That said, when she wants something she is not allowed to have (and knows it) and won’t give up, it rapidly becomes my least favorite quality of hers.
Oh well.
I love that she’s really starting to think about others and what would make them happy. Such as sending distant relatives Valentine’s Day cards. She is a very smart little girl, but needs help with using the potty. This book would be a great help!!
Thanks!!
In my son Ethan I think his strong will power is awesome after all it’s what I believe helped him survive when he was born 7 weeks early at 2.6 lbs. However it can also be his enemy because at 4+ years I’m still trying to potty train him even though his triplet siblings have been pottied trained for more than a year! I need this book!!!!!!
Mindy´s last blog post…So Behind and I’m in
I love my son’s decisiveness. Since he was an infant he had is mind made up what he wanted. I guess you could call it strong willed. This is also what is giving us fits with potty training. If he doesn’t want to set on the potty, he won’t. I need all the tips I can get!
Missy´s last blog post…One More
Brilliance! (of course.)
Holly´s last blog post…Off to the Market!
I love how my son E is so tenderhearted and determined!
My daughter is only 21 months, but so far I love how cautious she is. It sounds funny, but I like watching her try to figure things out without just jumping in.
His thirst for knowledge.
Jessica´s last blog post…Still catching up
well I have three kiddos, so:
my oldest i love his tenderness
my middle (un-potty trained 3 year old) i love her friendliness
my baby is the most easy going baby
thanks!
rhonda
That the last one is potty trained.
No, seriously– I love so many different things about each of them it’s an entire e-book itself.
Very curious to see what these folks have to say about potty training. I potty trained a dozen kids when I was teaching in a preschool, and I potty trained various kids whose parents dropped them off at my house for the sole purpose of potty training, and I trained my 7. But the last 4 of my kids I used Diaper-Free (Elimination Communication) techniques. So I was spoiled these last 4 kids… (the last 10 years) with kids who pooped in the potty starting at age 3-5 months, which makes potty training so easy I barely noticed it.
Amy Jones´s last blog post…Waste Free Wednesday
My favorite thing about my son right now is how excited he is to welcome his baby sister into the world. I never thought he would be this “into” all of the baby preparations, but he’s really taken us by surprise and it’s so much fun!
Amy Lemaniak´s last blog post…Sleepy Head
I love my son’s gentle kindness! Nothing beats sweet hugs after playing “pillow monster” on the sofa
The quality that I love the most in my son is his happy disposition. He is always smiling and trying to get others to smile. He has been like this since he was born. It is hard to have a bad day when you have someone smiling and laughing. It makes life seem a little less serious and more playful. I love that!
The quality that I love most about my son is his chi. He has so much energy that he turns into focus, determination, curiosity, etc. Basically anything he does is done with so much energy and wonder, it keeps me on my toes and makes me appreciate the simple things.
What a fabulous book!
I most enjoy about my 4 yr old… his loving personality. He is always on the lookout for others, absolutely LOVES his baby brother, and is full of hugs and (sometimes) kisses
I most enjoy about my 6 m old… he just started giving kisses! His big brother is a bit anti-kisses lately, so I will take all the slobbery, open-mouthed kisses I can!
Angie @ The Creative Mama´s last blog post…make your own green bags
My son is two years old, and I love that he seems to be in tune with the emotions of everyone around him–especially his mom and dad. He can tell if you are happy, excited, upset or sad and loves to give a comforting hug and an “aawwww” as he lays his head on your shoulder if you are a bit down.
I’m loving that my son is so pleasant and happy to see me in the mornings when I go to his bedroom to get him out of his crib, and that he’s equally happy to see me when I get home from work…melts a daddy’s heart!
My favorite thing about my daughter (at this second) is her constant flurry of creativity. Her mind knows no bounds and I hope her wonders are without walls forever. My favorite thing about my boy is that he is the nicest person I’ve ever met. Not the nicest child, but the flat out nicest person I know.
Thanks Tsh for everything. You are a simple mom, yes, but a wonderful one as well.
Writer Dad´s last blog post…Husband, Dad, Writer
Her easy going and rolling with it personality!
My second child (the one in need of potty training) is a “deep thinker.” He’ll wander off on his own, and scowl at his toys for an hour without making a peep. The silence is good, but it’s the really cute look on his face as he puzzles it all out that just melts me.
Since my daughter is already potty trained, I’ll share my favorite quality about my son. (By the way, I grew up with sisters so I’m terrified of potty training a boy!) My son is happy. Always happy. He has a smile and a wave for everyone. He shows no fear whatsoever with strangers (my husband has some anxiety about that) but he is ready and willing to say hello to everyone he meets. I love that I never have to worry about him with a babysitter and that he’s so easy going.
I love that my two year old son is so loving. He has affection for everyone and everything, giving hugs to the dog, his cars, his baby doll and, of course, Mommy and Daddy!
This book would be a life-saver at our house, I’d love to win!!
megan´s last blog post…I surrender
Her big heart and his joy.
My favorite quality is their creativity and spontaneous displays of affection! Thanks for another great giveaway!
MaryBeth´s last blog post…Things I’ve Heard Lately : Part 6
my favorite quality in my ds is that he laughs so easily!
My little potty trainer is SUCH a comedian. She knows how to make anyone laugh with her impish antics. I’m convinced this ability comes from her tremendous innner joy. She is happy and wants everyone else to be so as well.
Laura´s last blog post…New In The Shop
My son (2-yrs-old) just has this sweetness about him. All of the childcare workers at church have commented on it and we saw it in spades these past few weeks when in the span of about three weeks he got a baby sister, turned two, and broke his leg and was in a cast for a few weeks. Life could have been _so_ bad for all of us, but he had such a sweet disposition about him the entire time and even showed that it _is_ possible for him to sit still occasionally!
My daughter (5 weeks) has this air of possibility. I don’t remember ever just looking at my son and wondering what he was going to do or be, but I find myself doing just that constantly with my daughter. I also love that she’s an excellent sleeper compared to her big brother (who didn’t sleep more than a couple of hours at a time until he was 15 months old!!! No exaggeration!)!
Princess Leia´s last blog post…Thankful for a Happy Heart
My son is 15 months old, and on average sleeps 2 hours at a time, so I completely understand what you mean. What changed your son’s sleeping habits?
I’ve got two — a son (2) whose imagination is so incredibly diverse, and a daughter (1 week) who is just so full of wonder. My son goes from airplanes to elephants to trains to dogs — he is just so full of ideas. I look forward to the new adventures every day. My daughter is so fresh and new that it is hard to know what kind of person she will be, but she is a great snuggler and a super pooper.
i love the “loving” quality in both my boys. They are always blowing kisses or giving us hugs and kisses… it is so sweet and tender and I will take it as long as I can, because they will grow up and that will be sad… and good, but not the same. They won’t want to cuddle in my lap later in life.
Julie´s last blog post…Update on our health
My son is 2 and I can already tell he loves to make me laugh. When I laugh at something he does, he really starts hamming it up. I just love that he wants me to laugh.
I love my son’s curiosity, persistence, and predictability. His predictability is most amusing right now – every morning, first thing, he goes into the kitchen, opens the bottom drawer, and empties out all the kitchen towels. After that, we’re ready to start the day.
The quality of each of my three that I love is their kindness towards each other. I love that they regularly hug, kiss and snuggle each other!
Kelli´s last blog post…Cold Remedies
His toughness. He’s only 6 months old, but he has some medical issues. And he’s tough! He doesn’t even cry when he gets poked with a needle. He just flirts with the nurse instead.
Right now, I am loving my son’s sense of humor – he cracks himself up and me along with him!
I have two. My six-year old son is an inspiration to me every day with his boundless curiosity, logic and creativity. That boy is going to design something amazing one day, I just know it! My un-potty-trained three year old (three and 7 months, not that I’m counting) is a joy with her infinite JOY! She is the happiest creature I have ever had the privilege to be around. She is constant smiles, constant laughter, constant dancing. She blesses every person she comes into contact with. No one can be around her and not be affected by her joy. I feel so humbled to have been blessed with such a personality in our own home.
I so wish I’d won this 1-2 years ago. My over 4 year old daughter spent 2 years potty training off and on and it drove me BONKERS.
But, her best quality? Her happy nature.
Lots and lots of things… but, one of my favorite things right now, is how my 2 year old will randomly (but frequently) say “Mommy, I’m your baby.”
Sarah´s last blog post…8 Months Old
I love that my daughter is complex (a full range of emotions in any given hour!), that’s she’s utterly curious and that she’s imaginitive. She sets up mini art installations all throughout the house. Not a day goes by that we dont find at least 6 toys in our shoes, all facing the same direction with a leg up to do the cha-cha, or something equally quirky and hilarious.
What is the quality you enjoy most in your child? I love his desire to learn. Which seems to apply to everything except what I want him to learn. *grin*
The thing I love best about my son is how creative he is. He has these huge productions in his room during quiet time. Usually I eavesdrop to hear what he’s up to. He’s hosted circuses and built theme parks and taken walks in the snow (since we live in Florida, this is a serious imagination going on here). He usually conks out after an hour or so of his “abentures.”
Beth´s last blog post…Technology/Review Wednesday
The quality I most enjoy in my youngest (needing to be potty trained in a bad way) is his energy. My husband and I laugh because we say that the world listens to Mozart and my youngest listens to Rock ‘n’ Roll. Gotta love it!
I love that my daughter is so curious and observant! She is mesmerized by simple things like cooking or reading a book. She watches everything we say and do.
Charissa´s last blog post…Gotta Love Those Links: January 29th
I love my daughters laugh; it brightens my mood instantly!
Lori´s last blog post…The Stranger
I have 4 children – I have a newborn son who is just a joy. He obviously loves his family – already smiles and responds positively to his family around him. My second youngest(3 yr), who is in need of potty-training, is very conscientious and kind towards me and the baby, but is still wanting a lot of attention. My daughter (5 yr) is loving and kind, and is an excellent momma’s helper. My oldest son (7yr) is intelligent and funny and also a great helper not only to me, but to all his siblings. I am very blessed to have the family that I do. They are all joys and treasures of my life.
The quality in my son that I enjoy most is his loving heart. He will sometimes just come up to me and ask for a hug in midst of playing. I love that!!!
Eryn´s last blog post…Relief
the smile on her face….and how little it takes to get it there
My daughter is about to turn 2 and I could really use this book! The quality that I most love about her is her silliness.
Audrey´s last blog post…My Little Monster
I’ve got 4 kids, and the second one is in dire need of potty training. We’ve done a bit – he’s half-way trained – but that final lunge is just not happening!
The quality I enjoy most about said child is his passion. He loves what he loves with all of his being.
jamie´s last blog post…Ever heard of “Choffy”?
The quality I enjoy most in my child is his sense of humor. Although he is still very young, he knows when things are funny and laughs a lot. Which makes everyone else laugh.
Rachel Fix´s last blog post…NYR #2, Dining Room Chairs Part One
I have 2 children, 2 1/2 and a one year old. The 2 1/2 year old is in the midst of potty training and we just aren’t there yet. HELP!!! But what I do love about her is her ability to persevere. She was born with a cataract in her eye and requires patching her good eye for 1/2 of her waking hours. She is an amazing little girl and such a trooper.
Jill´s last blog post…Casey and Jenni: After-Shoot – Brainerd Lakes Area
I love his curiosity and desire to learn!
heather
heatherlbrandt (at) verizon (dot) net
We could so use this. My daughter isn’t quite there yet but does identify when she’s pooped. I’m pretty clueless on how to go about starting the potty training or if it’s still just to early.
The quality I enjoy most in my child is her kindness. She knows how to make someone smile, offer a hug when you’re crying, and is just an all around kind and loving child.
I tweeted about this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/sarah_shah/status/1159044946
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