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!