It’s that time again, pals. Potty training time. Because this isn’t my first rodeo, I don’t have grand illusions about it going well. I wish I were more optimistic, but after lengthy training sessions with my son, I am what you call realistic this time around. Those lovely parents who tell me they had their kiddos running to the potty after just one weekend in seclusion–A Child and His Potty–are the bane of my existence. It took MONTHS to get my son on board, and my daughter is, shall we say, fiercely stubborn. So there’s that.
Rest assured: I will win the war, but the victor of what are sure to be heated battles remains unknown.
With my son, experienced potty trainers told us to use Cheerios in the toilet as targets for him.
The kid was upset we were wasting his cereal.
Other helpful advice included a sticker chart or buying him big boy underwear.
Those incentives were exciting for exactly one hour.
A treasure chest, undies adorned with his favorite characters, and several accidents on carpeted areas later, we were spent. You know the only thing that worked for my main man? Preschool. Yep, he went to preschool all diapered incognito-like, and after a few days of watching the other kids use the potty during restroom break, my people-pleasing boy was like “eff this diaper stuff.”
Hasn’t had an accident since.
Now, my daughter is a different kind of kid. She could not care any less what the others are doing. Words like persistent and insane come to mind when I think of her. While these traits can be maddening in a toddler, I am holding out hope for the independent, passionate gal she will grow into.
I should know. She’s me, only shorter.
Anyhoo, while her mind is made up that she is quite happy in diapers thankyouverymuch, this Mama has decided it is time to try and forge a friendship between her and the potty. We’ve had minimal success in the past, but we really haven’t committed ourselves to the endeavor either.
But now it’s on.
To help facilitate the process, the kind folks over at Mom Central crowned me Queen Potty Trainer. Also known as a Pull-Ups® First Flush Ambassador, which deserves a tiara at least.
With the help of some fancy pink Pull-Ups, a celebration for each flush (noise makers, anyone?!), and a printable chart that acknowledges even the smallest successes (i.e. “I told Mommy I had to use the potty” and “I pooped on the potty!” are both praised which is awesome), I am confident my gal will learn to love the potty.
The fact that I’m due with my third poop machine in April is extra incentive. For me.
To get her in the mood, I interviewed my strong-willed gal and asked her thoughts on the potty. As you can see, my pregnant chins and I are in for a long ride. But with the Big Kid Academy resources and tools at my disposal, found via the Pull-Ups website, Facebook page, and Twitter page, I’m ready to roll. Though I can’t say the same for everyone involved…
Way to rock the potty, mama! Our second go-round with potty training was super easy, but I’m pretty sure that was a total fluke. Wishing you tons of luck with Rounds 2 & 3- if only I knew the secret for potty-training success. Sounds like you’re off to a good start! 🙂
I’ll take a fluke–please give me a fluke!!
Stahhhhhp, Ella! You are too darn cute! I am so on board for this journey if it means more Ella vlogs. Just don’t film the tantrums, ‘kay?
Ella is sitting beside me right now and I just told her she’s in high demand. She said, “That’s crazy!” 🙂 Promise: no tantrums and no “deposit” videos.
Pull-ups smull-ups . . . Ella STOLE the show!!! Has she considered starting her own column? I’ll send her all the M&M’s in the world if she promises to keep doing more vlogs. By the way, you look amazing Steph! You have such lovely cheekbones. It’s hard to believe you only have two months left!!
Haha! She’s a natural…or something 🙂 Thank you for looking past my three chins and seeing the cheekbones instead 🙂 Pregnancy is fun 🙂
DREADING potty training the second time around–thanks for sharing your experience–makes me think it might not have to be horrible!
Wish we lived closer so we could drink together…
I am CRYING with laughter! She is ADORABLE! The “on my next birthday” was the cutest thing EVER! Cannot wait to hear how this experience goes for you! ;)-Ashley
She is cute. That’s the only thing that keeps me from giving her to the FedEx man some days…
Thank you! 🙂
Potty training my son was a NIGHTMARE, he really did not care. Completely indifferent. He also would announce that I needed to change him the MINUTE he began going in his pull-up. He was 3.5 by the time was finally done. argh. I hope it all works out for you. The stubborn ones are both the most amusing and the most frustrating!
That’s exactly how my son was, too; I’m hoping the girl is easier but because she is a mini version of ME, I know I’m in for a real treat.
And by treat, I mean please send in the chilled vodka.
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