Diaper Changes for Champs

Most people do not like the idea of changing a diaper, but what if your mini-hero cooperates? It would be a GAME CHANGER, right!?  Imagine your child safely involved in the changing process. Envision what this looks like in practice - no toys, no bribery, just participation. (*1) Your child can become an active participant in the process.  When you establish your diaper changing routine and do so consistently, the child begins to recognize the routine and will likely willingly and automatically (without prompts) remember the steps. This process is worth honoring and recognizing, so, HEROES -- Attention, HEROES! Embrace “Sportscasting.” (*2) When sportscasting, you say what you see and this approach helps the child become familiar with the steps involved in her care-taking processes (or other processes around the house or in our world) and further supports her understanding of tasks through repetitive, precise, and familiar language.  As a child grows and becomes more interested in the activities occurring around her, she can begin “mini-hero training” by taking responsibility for simple tasks. (*3) Diaper change? No problem. This HERO is READY and to the RESCUE!

*1 Encourage your child to lift her legs, wiggle her toes, put her arms up, hold the new diaper, or even hold a clean wipe.

*2 Sportscasting examples: “I see that you lifted your legs, now you are ready for a new diaper.” or “I like the way you are holding the clean wipe.  Does it feel cool? I’m going to using another cool wipe to wipe your body or bottom.”

*3 “Mini-Hero Training” responsibilities: These should be supported by the child’s environment and everything should have a place.  Here are some examples - dirty laundry goes in a basket, used diapers go in the diaper pail/bin, we wash our hands after diaper changes, our pacifier belongs in our bed, our toys go in the basket or on the shelf, used tissues go in the garbage, etc.