Okay, I've read Works for Me Wednesday a lot over the past year or two, and this week, I'm going to post one. This is something that probably sounds too simple and easy, but it took us a while to figure out that there was a problem, and then a couple of weeks to figure out a solution.
The Problem: Ryan (now 3.5 years old) LOVES milk (soy milk, in his case). And we were trying to limit how much milk he had, but there are four people in this house who have the ability to give him more. We tried counting how many glasses he had, and keeping track of that. Until someone (me) had the bright idea to see how much milk his cup holds. 12 ounces. And we were letting him have FOUR glasses of it. That's FORTY EIGHT ounces of milk. That's way too much for a little guy.
The Solution: I bought a Rubbermaid container that has markings on it (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 oz.). Every night, when it's empty, we wash it and let it dry overnight. In the morning, I fill it with soy milk and put it back in the refrigerator. Right now, we're doing 32 oz. a day. I plan to decrease the amount some more, but that was a bit jolting to his system as it was.
It's easy to space out how much he has, and easy to see how much is left. A great side-effect of this is that he is drinking water again, since we are trying not to let the level of milk drop very quickly, and we want there to be at least 8 oz left for the bedtime routine (cup of milk, brush teeth, read book and rock, sleep -please!). I am also hopeful that now he will be hungrier for food since he isn't being filled up with all that milk! All in all, I'm extremely pleased with this solution.
And it works for me!
This is a great idea-- I have the same problem with my 2 year-old girl. She loves her milk, and I think is addicted to it! She needs it first thing in the morning just like I need my coffee. And she fills her little belly up with it so much that she hardly eats. I must try your pitcher idea. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kathy Days | August 22, 2007 at 09:02 PM
I never thought of connecting the amount of milk my kids drink to the itsy bitsy amount of food they actually eat. I might just have to try this one too!
Posted by: Sarah @ Ordinary Days | August 22, 2007 at 10:00 PM
I hope it helps someone else!
Posted by: Tracy | August 23, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Great idea!
Mine are not as little anymore, but who knows when it's good to know this.
Thanks!
Posted by: Laane | August 27, 2007 at 10:49 AM