Potty Training is Fun, Right?

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potty training.There is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you this. There are things about motherhood that people just don’t tell you. Take potty training for example, it is a never ending process that can last days, weeks, months and even years. Yep, years.

Moms who have been through this phase, I bet you can relate. Every toddler manages to take this leap when they are mentally ready. I often ask myself, shouldn’t they want to use a toilet? Some succeed quickly and follow by example, and others remain stubborn for weeks and months and possibly years on end.

The fun part about this experience is the excitement of your toddler choosing their own underwear. My son and I ventured to Target and perused the huge rack of themed underwear packages. This is overwhelming in itself! What was his first selection? Frozen. That wasn’t going to fly, so I swayed him towards Thomas, Mickey and Transformers instead.

We ended up leaving with a few packages of underwear for the anticipated potty-training weekend of fun!  In addition, I purchased many books about potty training to keep around the potty for this adventurous weekend.

>>>Well, who knew I was destined to carry a potty seat in my trunk along with 10 pairs of clean underwear, pants and socks.<<<

In the end, I rather this instead of massive diaper blow outs, stinky messes, and disgusting smells in the so called “Diaper Genie” that really doesn’t mask the smell.

I hear myself asking if it’s time to use the potty about 100 times per day. What drives me to insanity is the fact that he can feel the urge, but is sometimes too busy and chooses to stand in front of me and pee in his pants or even worse… you get the jist.  Then there was that one time where we were at the the Centerville Activity Center one Sunday morning and we eagerly ran to the bathroom. I tried door one, door two and no luck, they were all locked.

So, what did I decide to do? We walked behind the building and it was either an accident in his pants or as I called it “water the grass” buddy. Desperate times sometimes take desperate measures.

My older son cheers on his baby bro throughout the day. He even hands out candy and stickers which is super helpful. I can catch a break here and there while they enjoy a fun experience in the bathroom. I love hearing them giggle and make jokes until I walk in and there is a mess all over the floor – and wall!

In the end, I have learned to be consistent and patient.  Accidents will happen so I continue to clean them up and move on.

Although we have all read tip after tip, what has worked well (and not so well) for you?

2 COMMENTS

  1. I never believed people when I heard or read that kids will do it when they are ready…we tried every trick in the book for our son to poop on the potty…but until Miles was 100% ready to do it on his terms – it wasn’t happening. My best advice is – as hard as it is – let it be – let them get there on their own (but Ring Pops as a treat for going certainly didn’t hurt!)

  2. I totally agree that’s it’s all about when your child is ready. I have 3 kids: my oldest daughter was dry at 18 months ( thanks to her daycare that was on a strict routine day in and day out). My son was dry by the time he was 3, after months of pleading with him and lots of bribery, one day it just clicked and just like that he was dry! Currently my youngest who will turn 3 tomorrow is completely not interested in potty training whatsoever! I could bribe her with everything from her favorite candy, toys, experiences (going to the park) or even 1M dollars at this point and she could care less. I’m hoping and praying it “clicks” with her soon!!

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