Bye-Bye BiBi

Luke was the first Binky or BiBi kid in our little family. So when we went to the dentist when he turned 3, the man said we should start thinking about getting rid of it soon, because it was effecting the way his teeth were forming. He had used these little green ones since he was born. He was completely attached to them - even at one point he needed TWO to go to sleep - one for his mouth and one to poke himself in the face with. Well... I switched the kind of binkies. Got rid of the newborns and went for the 18+ month kind.

At his last dentist appointment, the dentist looks at me and says, "Really need to get rid of that Binky soon." Problem is, if Luke can't find his, he'll just take Ryan's. What were we going to do? Break them both at the same time?

 

Knowing that we would eventually have to deal with the BiBi, I've been talking with friends along the way and got quiet a few ideas (see far, far below). Many children had "paid" for their new stuffed animal, given it to Santa Claus or the Binky Fairy. Luke could care less about another animal and if it came down to it, he wouldn't care if Santa didn't bring him anything, as long as he got to keep his BiBi.

One great (and brave) friend said that the only thing that worked for her children was to go cold turkey. After 3 children with binkies, I figured she might know what she was talking about. Maybe. So I set a goal: the night of January 1st, 2012, we would take the binkies of BOTH boys. No more binkies for either one, then Luke wouldn't be tempted to steal Ryan's. Ryan is 18 months now; he can adjust. The night came and I was still unsure about how to handle this. I had mentioned it to Luke a few times but that only brought on histarics. My friend suggested "breaking" the binkie (snipping a small hole in the top). So I tired it. The first time the whole was way to big - no way it was an accident. Lucky for me, we had an identical one. This time I did better.

Well, I'd only be reporting all of this, if there was some success! And of course there was. I met part of our goal: Ryan still has his BiBi - but ONLY for naps & night time. Luke tried out his broken BiBi, cried for 2 minutes and was out. The week hasn't been easy and naps haven't been very long but he's been BiBi-free for a whole week! Thanks to all my fabulous friends & family (for reading this for starters!)

I decided to write this because my mom sent me a fabulous idea for getting rid of the Binky in your world. Thanks Mom!!

Getting Rid of Binky Ideas:
1. Visit Build-A-Bear Workshop (http://lifelossandotherthings.blogspot.com/2011/03/buh-bye-binky.html)
2. "Break" it - snip a small hole so the suction is gone
3. Lose it - no more
4. Give it to Santa Claus or the Binky Fairy
5. "Pay" for a new toy/animal with the Binkies.
6. Cold turkey baby. Bring on the tears!