Potty training, one of the many joys of parenthood. Every mother I know over the age of 50 tells me the same thing, “My children were potty trained by the time they were 2”. Well I am not sure what happened between the 1970’s and 2011, but both my children were (are) difficult to potty train. I know very few moms with little ones today that had then trained before 2 ½ or 3.
John turned 3 almost 2 weeks ago. I tried training him when he was a little over 2 but he resisted with shrills and fists of fury. So I waited, encouraged him but did not push him. After his 3rd birthday I told him NO MORE DIAPERS. So began the journey. He would hold it in so long that he would scream in pain while sitting on the potty. I felt very sad but did not give in. Finally, the light bulb came on and he said “Mommy I did it”!! His reward each time he used the potty was a toy dinosaur and MM’s. After finally going consistently, he has quite a little collection of prehistoric creatures.
While playing dinosaurs with his sister this morning, I hear “Meet PooPoo and PeePee my scary dinosaurs. ROAR”. Elizabeth started laughing and then it was all over. 2 of his dinosaurs are named after the very thing that got them out of the plastic bag and into the hands of a 3 year old. He is always looking for the laugh.
He still has some sort of fear of the toilet and will only use a small kids potty chair. Today we had a play date at a local park. I keep a plastic potty in the back of the van for emergencies. He insisted I take the potty out of the car and bring it into the park. I tried to convince him that if he needed to go, I would run and get it. He disagreed. I thought “Oh, what the hell.” Whatever it takes right? Sure enough, he decides he needs to go and down go the pants in front of 5 other moms and a herd of kids. He didn’t seem to mind the audience. I only got strange looks from one of the moms. She must not remember what it was like potty training a child.
Between 2 kids, I have tried every trick or suggestion given on the subject. For boys, sit them on the toilet facing backwards and tell them to make bubbles; drain the tank, draw a target in the bowl and then turn water back on and have them aim; throw some cheerios in the toilet, and so many more. For girls, paint their nails while sitting on the potty, let them use a potty chair for their dolls. I would love to see some other creative ideas so if you have one please post a comment. I will tell PeePee and PooPoo you said hello.
