To Potty Train, or Not to Potty Train?

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toddler potty Providence Moms Blog

So we (and by we I mean I) decided it was time to start potty training. Did my pediatrician tell me it was time? No. Has my mother in law been telling me for the last 6 months that I should be potty training? Yes. Did I listen to either of them? No.

Let me start off by saying don’t let anyone tell you when you need to potty train your kid. With that being said, I also don’t believe that there is such a thing as your child being ready. Some kids potty train at 18 months, some at 2 years and some at 3 or even later. There are also a million books and websites out there to tell you anything you want to hear (and a lot of what you don’t). I would say get your mind right and commit to this new “normal.” If you don’t feel ready to commit to washing a lot of tiny undies, cleaning up pee puddles, carpet stains, car seat covers, letting your toddler run around almost naked and the temporary loss of sanity, then wait.

Take a few days off of work, or a week if you can, to lay some ground rules/ establish some sort of routine. Prepare yourself to be homebound for a while and ride the wave that is potty training.

We’re making our way into week three and this is what I’ve figured out thus far:

1.       Once you start, you have to stick with it. It’s just what you do now, no more diapers (unless its nap time or bedtime).

2.       Pull-ups are confusing… are they a diaper or not? Just pass on those.

3.       Diapers were easier.

4.       Driving anywhere is terrifying.

5.       Being anywhere outside of your home (except the backyard) is terrifying.

6.       Potty training involves a lot of accessories (thank you Amazon Prime).

7.       Patience is still a virtue, maybe even more so now.

8.       Once you think they’ve got it, they might start peeing on the floor out of spite (or maybe that’s just my kid).

9.       Sleep training is a whole other animal.

10.   No timelines. It doesn’t take a few days, or a week or even two. It is a process… or that’s what I keep telling myself.

What keeps me going? My son is extremely proud of himself when he uses the potty (no rewards are given in this house), he looks absolutely adorable in tiny Batman undies, and he knows all the words to the song his potty sings when he does his business.

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, know you’re not alone. Also, documenting it on social media makes it slightly more comical/enjoyable. Cheers!

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Chelsea Boucher
Chelsea was born in Providence and spent her early years in Pawtucket, before moving to South-East MA. She was recently called back to Rhode Island where she purchased her first home. As most moms do, Chelsea wears many hats these days. She’s been married to her husband for 10 years and spent her early 20s supporting him as he served in the United States Marine Corps. She has a one year old son, Cannon, who keeps her on her feet and a smile on her face. She owns a fitness and wellness studio in Rehoboth, called Barre & Moon. Where she spends quite a few evenings and weekends working with an amazing group of empowered, positive women. And when she’s not doing all of that, she is working part-time as a Special Education teacher in Foxboro. Chelsea attended both the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Bridgewater State University, graduating with degrees in English, Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education. Education is greatly important to her, and she continues to stay updated on current teachings in education/child psychology. She loves Starbucks, and all things Target. Exercise is a huge part of her life, anything from yoga, to barre, to weightlifting, to just chasing her son around on the playground! Staying active and having fun with family and friends are what she is all about.