Oh Boy. I was dreading potty training tremendously. In fact, I think I looked forward to labor more. And, now that I have begun the process, I find that labor was a bit more fun. I'm being dramatic (so out of character I know!) It isn't going that horribly, but we are definitely only getting started, and already I have learned a lot about myself. Potty training seems to be one of those things that really reveals your true self. I have seen my impatience, my desire to be in control, and my overall grumpiness when things don't go as I planned them.
This process is pretty difficult for me because it is really out of my control. Even though I read two books on potty training in a day, I have a bright daughter who completely understands the entire process (can explain it to you word for word and has taught her doll) and I had numerous treats, drinks, and salty snacks available, I couldn't make her do it. I couldn't make her drink as much as she needed to, or make her relax when she sat down on the potty, or cause her to pause from playing long enough to recognize the feeling before it is happening. Add to that an apparently large bladder, an aversion to drinking much, some toddler stubborness, and a larger focus on playing and laughing than pottying and you have a tough start. We began at 10 and ended training at 2:30 and she only went to the bathroom 3 times! First on the potty and then two accidents. That doesn't provide much practice and it was so irregular I couldn't get her to sit on the potty long enough to catch them. So I ended the day a bit grumpy and discouraged, and she ended the day with a sore bottom tired of on sitting on a plastic seat. Now, my natural inclination to quit things that I am not good at kicked in...but then, my productive side insists we not waste our time today. So, tonight a pull-up, and tomorrow more big girl underwear. And we will see what the day brings... We did enjoy our time alone together though - we made edible necklaces, read countless books, played with stickers, and she led me in "exercises." I sure do adore that little girl!
April 29th, 2009 Update
Still not going very well...causing anxiety for both of us. After consulting several friends among other literature, this morning, I decided to try again in a few months (or maybe even wait until we are going to try it with T). She is only three months over 2, so I think I will give her a little more time, hoping it will get easier later. However, just as I decided this, she also decided that she only wants to wear pull-ups and then that she should self-initiate going in the potty this morning...successfully. But, then she didn't do that again for the rest of the day. So, am I potty-training or not, you ask? I honestly don't know! What I do know is that the one-day methods put on way too much pressure and for no real immediate reason in our case. It is kind of like a five minute abs infomercial. A little too good to be true. So, I think more than her not being ready, I am really not ready. We'll try again later...and I won't be nearly as worked up. ;)
If you have any potty training stories or advice I would LOVE to hear it!
I'll be watching for that advice. I can't even get Sophia to realize the difference between "needing to go poo poo" and just wanting to watch mommy scramble to the changing table and rip off the diaper and then laugh hysterically at her like it's some kind of game....maybe waiting is the answer!
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to potty train Julia since she turned 2 and she has not once gone in the potty. I haven't read any books. I just think if I keep trying it will click in her head one day. I also don't do it all the time with her. Only when I remember. But when she starts preschool this September, the school is going to help her learn as well. So I'm hoping that by the time the baby is born, Julia will be getting the hang of it...of course I'm just hoping. I'm expecting her to know by then either. We'll see. Just hang in there.
ReplyDeleteHi Erin,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love reading your blog and hearing about your adorable family. I always knew you would be a sweet mom. As far as potty training advice goes, the only thing I can tell you is that your kids will let you know when they are ready- and NO child has gone to kindergarten in pull-ups! LOL! Seriously, trying to control it only leads to power struggles- it is the one thing they, and they alone, are in control of. I offered a reward for when they were ready to use the potty on their own (anything less is really "mommy-trained") and then didn't mention it again- they told me when they were ready to try. For Jenne, it was silky ruffled panties, for Janne is was ALF underwear (which only came in boys... sigh... so I had to explain to a 2 1/2 yr old girl what a fly is for...), for Nick (Jenne's 2nd) it was a trip to Coldstone... you get the idea. In the meantime, I'll be praying for you! And I can't wait to hear how it goes.