Thursday, August 4, 2011

Potty Training: The Seemingly Never-Ending Saga

There is something so young and innocent about 2-year-olds that captures your heart.

2-year-oldLittle Sister B is every bit a curious, energetic, comedic bundle of cuteness all wrapped up in a compact little package. She gives good hugs, can melt you with a smile, and makes my heart ache every time she sees me trying on clothes and gasps, saying, "Mommy look BOOTIFUL!"

Man, I love that kid.

So I'm trying very hard to not be frustrated with our latest venture: the dreaded potty training.

potty trainingOnce again I have discovered that we were spoiled with Big Sister E.

While friends were struggling with accidents and carpet cleaning and power struggles, I simply made sure Big Sister E was fully ready, told her that when the diapers ran out that there were no more, and then held a Potty Party.

We had a whole tray of treats that she was able to choose from each time she made an attempt... which was furthered by the fact that I had bought a selection of drinks that she typically isn't allowed to have. We hung out in the living room watching potty DVDs and reading potty books and celebrating successful bathroom trips by unwrapping small gifts that my mom had brought.

When friends told me weeks later that they were still researching the best carpet spot removal tips, I could only cringe (yuck!) and lend a supportive ear. After all, we had minimal accidents in those early days and dealt more with false emergencies when we were out (that had me scrambling to find a bathroom only to have Big Sister E give me a sweet smile and say that it turned out she didn't actually have to go), but basically things were done.

It's not to say that things are going terribly with Little Sister B and, in fact, she seems to have the concept down exceptionally well, all things considered. We even had a mini cupcake celebration that she thoroughly enjoyed.

cooking with kidsHow do you even get batter on your forehead?

It's just... my lack of wanting to be in this stage, I guess. Can't we just skip ahead to when I'm not the one who has to think about it anymore? The days when we can leave the house without me asking, "Do you have to go? Are you sure? Really sure?" and not carrying around multiple sets of clothing while having an extra potty seat stashed in the car just in case seem like they're never going to get here.

I know one day this will all be a distant memory, so I guess I really just need to take a cue from Little Sister B herself and find the humor in it all.

potty training how toWe'll get there someday, right?

Right?

How did the potty training experience go for you and your kid(s)?

10 comments:

Amy and Luke said...

That little step around the potty is soo cool, where did you get that? I was just thinking that you probably did a review and got it! haha....want to give one away to me? I can't imagine the stuff you have collected doing this blog...is all of it as wonderful as you say? I know you do ALOT of work reviewing!

Jenna said...

Those are such great ideas...love the idea of a potty party. We had a very easy time with Kaelyn too...but like you mentioned...I think the biggest reason is because she was ready at 18 months old. I'd love to have Kaden trained before baby #3 arrives, but he is not ready like Kaelyn was at this age. We'll just patiently wait. It will happen. Sounds like Little Sister B is doing great! :)

Anonymous said...

LOL too cute. I hated potty training and so glad I NEVER have to do it again. Gav did well, except going poop. He literally would sit there, say he didn't have to go and go outside and poop in the grass, driveway, wherever. Ye fun stuff. Zoe was pretty easy, she loved M&Ms and wanted them so would go:) Good luck mama

HiHoRosie said...

Ugh, haven't even begun to train! Dreading it I think. ;) We have the potty but that's as far as it's gone. One day...soon...I hope...Good luck to you!

dannyscotland said...

I have only one child (one on the way) but she trained as well as your first did. No issues, except an occasional false alarm. She is golden. I'm scared to death with the next one! I've heard everything is completely different, and I'm expecting the worst. I don't know what I'll do if s/he doesn't train quickly!! One thing I do know is these days are going to pass so quickly that one day you'll look back and wish she was still this little. Just try to enjoy the moments, though they may be potty oriented still!

Unknown said...

Xenia, that day will come, I promise. Then, before you know it, you will have grandchildren. While I dont have the bulk of the pt duty, I do keep my grandkids often, so it is still ever present....

Christina said...

My 3 1/2 year old son doesn't want to use the potty yet. His older brother was the same way. He still needs a night time pullup. My grandma says she had her five boys trained by the age of 1 so I guess I'm doing something wrong.

Quirky Homemaker said...

Good Luck! Every child is different. My daughter started potty training herself when she was 18 months old and still wears a pull-up at night at 4 1/2. She IS a cutie~~yours~~be patient! LOL You're right. There will be a day when we won't have to worry about any of it anymore. We'll be on to bigger problems!

Jenny said...

I wasn't in a hurry to get Abby potty trained. I knew she would eventually be interested to go in the potty. However, she often suffered from constipation and hard stools. We decided we should show her how to go in the potty, hoping it would help her get the poop out! LOL!

She was day trained right after she turned 3 and night trained right after she turned 5. Her constipation and frequent suppositories made her afraid of going to the bathroom.

Amo said...

My son turns 3 this month, so I guess we are going to have to start the dreaded potty training. Our son is not thrilled about it. And I have a really bad attitude about it, which is part of the problem. Everything we have done with our son has been difficult because of his sensory processing disorder, so I am kinda expecting this to be, as well. Maybe if I change my attitude, it won't be so bad. I am just really DREADING IT!!! Good luck to you!