I was shocked, shocked! yesterday to discover Farrah Abraham, author of pacifier addiction recovery narrative Passy's Perfume, had allowed her daughter Sophia to hit the binky again. Oh Farrah! But I wasn't the only one. Fellow Teen Momer Jenelle Evans noticed Sophia's relapse, too, and offered some advice for weaning the girl from the pacifier once and for all.
Yeah, I know, Jenelle Evans. But before you snort at the very idea, let's hear what she says. It's actually some pretty helpful advice.
Jenelle admits that Jace was using a bottle until he was 3 years old -- also too long. But I think that means Jenelle really gets how difficult it is to wean preschool-aged kids from their comfort objects. Her first idea for Farrah sounds like a winner: "What was a very good idea we did for Jace was throw a mini ‘Goodbye Bottle’ party at my mom's house. Ever since then he hasn't wanted to use it."
I love that -- throw a party. Not only does it make quitting the binky a big deal, it also turns it into a positive. It's a celebration, something to look forward to. Farrah should be prepared for Sophia to wake up the following day saying, "Okay, party's over, now give me my pacifier again." I've heard kids do that. But then you just cheerfully remind your child that she gave that up with a lot of fanfare, and there were witnesses, remember? (Haha, kidding, your kid is not going to care about the witnesses.)
Jenelle's other suggestion may sting a little for Farrah. "Maybe Farrah should get Sophia around kids her age more often so then maybe her daughter will want to be more independent and grow up a little." Kind of implies Farrah isn't setting up enough playdates for Sophia -- and how would Jenelle know? But if Sophia isn't hanging around other kids her age, she should be.
Now will Farrah heed Jenelle's advice? After all, these two have been feuding. I hope Farrah can overcome her disdain for Jenelle and appreciate what she's being offered here. You don't have to love the messenger to appreciate the message.
What do you think of Jenelle's advice for Farrah?
Image via Philipp Antar/Flickr