Seeking Advice on Transistions!

I had the tupperware kids cups with the cover that is like a sippy cup that I started using when I was getting them off the sippy cup it doesn't make such a mess when they tip it up but it is like useing a regular cup cause it doesn't have the stoper on it or you can try not putting the stopper thing on the sippy so he knows how it will be comeing out when he isn't useing a cup with out a cover. So you are not likeing Germany to much the only thing that I don't like about it is it rains to much that is when I went and bought rain coats and boots so that when it isn't cold and windy we could still go out side and play in the puddles. If you are in houseing are are in one of the 4 story buildings and had a loud nieghber I've been thier, we got lucky and they passed a law that we could move into a 3 bedroom and out of the 2 bedroom and got away from that guy, and got lucky and we was around people that also had kids so they wasn't blairing thier radio at midnight. Don't feel bad if you don't know German not many of us due I'm trying to learn so I can talk to my nieghbors that isn't americans. I live off base and loveing it.

One thing that we did was transition our child to sippy cups with the straw. I threw away all of the other ones and started letting him drink with a straw cup or I would buy straws for him to use with a regular cup. Another thing to remember is that children do not really need to walk and drink. Have him sit in a high chair and drink from small regular cup to practice.

I second the tupperware lids (or just taking the spill-proof seal out of normal sippies). If you asked around, I bet other mothers would have a couple you could borrow.

I also second giving him cups in the tub with a trickle of water from the tap, giving him little cups with a sip or two of water at a time, and helping him hold the cup and put it down when he's done. My son only has water to drink (less mess, healthier), and until he learned to drink without spilling, only had drinks either sitting down or in the kitchen with a towel at his disposal. Even now that he's basically mastered regular cups, I try to keep it to the kitchen, where he's got one or two cups always full and within reach.

ETA: looks like my advice is repetitive. sorry!

Sounds like there's already lots of good advice. I think the two key things is to start with very small amounts - only 1 or two sips - and have him sit at the table.

My daughter is 3 and is transitioning to regular cups as well. I marked a spot on her placemat at the table to show her where the cup should be when she's not drinking. It has helped her to keep it away from the edge of the table and clear of her hands when eating, and has minimized spilling.

Hello H.,

There really isnt a way to "make him" drink from a real cup. You just have to practice with him. Give him the small paper cups with a little bit of water to drink. He will get used to it when he is ready, there is no need to feel like you have to push him, let him learn his way. It will be more fun for him if you you sit with him and have a drink, too. Role play is a great way to teach children of his age. He is enjoying "dumping" the water and watching to see what happens. Hang in there.
Take Care and good luck!
K.

Relax! They are only little for a short time. He won't be going to college and spilling his from his cups. It's just too bad that you feel pressured because of the Toddler Room requirement.

Here is an idea, though: my kids have all loved playing in the tub and they love to practice their pouring and drinking skills there, which is a win-win situation for me (no mess) and them.

R. Ackerman

Hi! I have been pretty frustrated with the transition myself. I've gotten a lot of pressure from WIC to switch.
What has worked best for me is to put very little in the cup at a time and we've gradually given him more as he's begun to pay better attention to what's in the cup. Just let him use his sippy when you can't sit around and supervise until he gets the hang of it.
Good luck.