RE: DS has to stop using a pacifier. How did YOU do it?
Way back when, DD uesd her "po-po" when "lounging", sleeping, and in the car. When she got a bit bigger, it was just car and crib. Then we went down to just crib (I was no longer working and DD and I no longer had our 3-4hr round-trip commute).
I introduced a "lovey" in the form of a soft doll with whom she slept when she was around 14 mos. I also would talk with her from time to time about the progression of her relationship with po-po (e.g., remember when you used to need po-po lots and lots, and then you didn't need po-po in the car anymore? One day you might not even need po-po at night night time.")
It got to a point when bedtime meant Mimi (doll) and po-po. One day at nap time (age 22 mos or so) I just said, "why don't we try no po-po today?" She said ok, much to my shock and just cuddled up with her Mimi. In the days that followed, she would occasionally ask about po-po and I would just remind her that she didn't need po-po any more (then I'd offer her Mimi). It's been 2-3 months now and it just hasn't been an issue any more. Occasionally she'll find one around the house say, "po-po!" and pop it in her mouth for a second, but then she quickly relinquishes it.
Good luck to you!
-Corrie
Mama to my three:
DD 2/2003
DD 5/2006
DS 3/2010