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| VIA I've heard so many mothers proudly brag that they had their kids potty trained before their 1st birthday and how simple it was to do it. Even my mother-in-law doesn't hesitate to tell the story of how she put the Mr and his brothers and sister on the potty at 6months. "Every time they ate, I put them on the potty and make them stay there". Simple right? Ummm, NO! |
Of course, as a scientist first I research everything and many specialists say that children show signs of readiness and that potty-training shouldn't feel like a chore and should they mess up shouldn't feel like a failure. Well the Mr and I decided to try right after Chunks's 1st birthday because he was starting to take off his diaper after a movement, sign that he might be ready. We got the potty with all the bells and whistles and he used it properly ONCE! Other than that one time, which was followed by the suggested praise of the specialists, the potty has become a seat, a toy to take apart, the bowl is something to wear on the head (DISGUSTING), and a big white truck to be pushed around the room. The Mr took his father's way of teaching and basically forced Chunks to sit on the potty almost all morning and of course was met by rebellion, tears, and wailing which I couldn't take. So we decided to take a pause on the training and come back to it when he was ready and could understand a little better.
Well, I haven't seen any new signs but I've been taking him to the bathroom with me and explaining how going to the bathroom works from pulling down the pants, the sitting properly, getting him to listen to the sound and wiping (sorry TMI but hey that's parenting huh?), to the flush. So far the flush is the winner! I've gotten the Mr to take him to show him how a man uses the bathroom and I'm hoping something is clicking. I want to bring the potty back out but I'm not sure exactly how to do it. Added to the pressure (on me, never Chunks) to get into the Montessori school we're considering he must be potty trained by 2 so I would like to get any mishaps out of the way and him comfortable with it by then.
So I'm posing this S.O.S to my fab readers and experienced parents around: How did you potty-train your little one? How old were they? Did you get any signs or did you just say "You're old enough now"?
8 comments:
I started with my son around one. After he ate or drank anything 10 minutes later I would put him on the toilet. We would read books and sing while he was sitting to avoid the meltdown. I wanted him to get used to the feeling of having to go. We had a potty that sang when he did the do. When he went we sang and made a big deal. Consistency is key.
After like a month we moved to the pull ups. He had a few accidents, but I didn't yell or get upset. Once he had it down then we moved him to standing up. It is a process, just be consistent and patient with him..he'll get it!
WOW, Pookah is one now. I am interested in this topic. VERY interested. Diapers are EXPENSIVE.
Diapers are $$$. Our potty doesn't sing (maybe I need to come up with a song) but how long after he got on the potty did it take for him to go because Chunks just wants to play and pick things up that might be near by.
Sometimes he went sometimes he didn't. You will learn to time it. Don't force him so much in the beginning it seems like they feed off of your anxiousness and won't go! It will be a combo of things...use what works best for youball..but one thong is for certain be consistent once he starts to get the hang of it.
We're working on it. I am in the same situation with pre-school - she's supposed to be potty trained by Sept (or at least well on the way). I'm doing many of the same things you are - and for us, so far, the flushing wins!! LOL. Best of luck. We'll need to compare notes some more in the future!
Hi there! I owe you my tips! I am trying to put together a little checklist for you but wanted my second to be trained by December to be sure I gave you correct advice. My top recommendation is to start by no later than 9 months. I know it sounds crazy but it becomes second nature and they know NO different by the age of 1.
You need the potty lid for the toilet first. THat is how you start and all you need to do is sing songs and read books. Make it a game. Will send you my checklist soon!
Just found your blog and I love it!
On to potty training: I started MiniMe late. She was two and a half when we started; I initially wanted her to begin when she was two but because of upcoming surgeries she had, it was impossible for her to get started. But, like other posters, as soon as she ate we were in the bathroom on the pot 10 minutes later. Thankfully she picked it up in a week. We are still working on #2, but I think the purchase of her pretty panties will do the trick.
Great blog...I'll be back!
KMN
Wow - I'm kind of surprised that schools are requiring being trained by 2. Our kids' preschool says many are ready to START at 2 and not before. And they work on it WITH us. My 18 month old likes sitting on it, but is nowhere close to understanding when she has to go - for example, when asked, she tells me there's poop in her diaper when there isn't. My four year old didn't get #1 down pat until 3 months before her 3rd birthday, similar to her friends of the same age. If the earlier timing works for you, great, but it's way early for us! Thanks for the blog, though. A fun procrastination tool...
LI
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