Four days ago I was ready to report that he was 100% potty trained. I was so confident that he was wearing his undies at nap time and I thought he was ready to save the rest of his pull ups for his younger brother. But after a couple of nights of wet pj's and bedsheets, I think the pull ups need to hang around for bedtime a little longer. We are so proud of him because this was a long road for him (and us). Those of you who were not here to read my despair during these dark days may want to go here, here or here!
So for those of you in this season - I would like to encourage you. Hopefully you will not have to make the same mistakes I did!
1. Do not compare your kiddo to other kids their age. Remember you are not in control, all you can do is bribe.
2. Buy lots of books - read them to your child over and over again. We have several books in our repertoire, but both boys loved Lift the Lid, Use the Potty! .
3. Lean on friends who have been through this for tips, inspiration and encouragement.
4. Take a week and eat, breath and sleep PT!! You and your little one may have to hibernate in your home for this week to see significant progress.
5. During the hibernation week, set a timer for every 30 minutes. Take them every time the timer goes off to sit on the potty. While they are sitting try to stay positive and make it fun (you will get tired of this FAST!).
6. Make a date with your little one - take them to the store and let them pick their favorite undies out all by themselves. Make a big deal out of their purchase and they will not want to defile their new big kid undies!
7. I am not against offering whatever it takes to get the job done. Mini M&M's were the key to get the ball rolling at our house.
8. If you are like us #1 was not the big issue. I was sure I would never see #2 anywhere but in a diaper or a pull up. We made a chart and every time he "produced" in the potty he got to put a sticker on the chart. He was working towards a goal to get a BIG prize - that kept him motivated!
9. Look for the humor in the situation and learn to laugh (to avoid crying)!
10. Soon this trial will be a distant memory - so do not stress yourself (or the little one) out - before you know it you will be worried about dating and driving!
Please remind me of these tips when it is time to potty train child #3! ;o) For more WFMW tips go to Shannon's blog.
1. Do not compare your kiddo to other kids their age. Remember you are not in control, all you can do is bribe.
2. Buy lots of books - read them to your child over and over again. We have several books in our repertoire, but both boys loved Lift the Lid, Use the Potty! .
3. Lean on friends who have been through this for tips, inspiration and encouragement.
4. Take a week and eat, breath and sleep PT!! You and your little one may have to hibernate in your home for this week to see significant progress.
5. During the hibernation week, set a timer for every 30 minutes. Take them every time the timer goes off to sit on the potty. While they are sitting try to stay positive and make it fun (you will get tired of this FAST!).
6. Make a date with your little one - take them to the store and let them pick their favorite undies out all by themselves. Make a big deal out of their purchase and they will not want to defile their new big kid undies!
7. I am not against offering whatever it takes to get the job done. Mini M&M's were the key to get the ball rolling at our house.
8. If you are like us #1 was not the big issue. I was sure I would never see #2 anywhere but in a diaper or a pull up. We made a chart and every time he "produced" in the potty he got to put a sticker on the chart. He was working towards a goal to get a BIG prize - that kept him motivated!
9. Look for the humor in the situation and learn to laugh (to avoid crying)!
10. Soon this trial will be a distant memory - so do not stress yourself (or the little one) out - before you know it you will be worried about dating and driving!
Please remind me of these tips when it is time to potty train child #3! ;o) For more WFMW tips go to Shannon's blog.
6 comments:
I just could not be happier that potty training is nothing but a 'distant memory.' Now I'm looking for the day when dating and driving are past us.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
fun WFMW! All great tips!
Great tips and ideas! My daughter all but trained herself, but my 2 1/2 yr old son is a different story all the way around! I am glad to know I am not in this alone!
We are embarking on this endeavor so I appreciate the tips!
I am potty training for the 4th time and it does not seem to get any easier. Thanks for the tips, every little bit helps.
Congrats! You deserve a spa day. Thankfully all of these trials are for a season. Can't wait to see what is next. I love you!
Kid #1 was a breeze, but I am still dreading doing it again. I have to heartily agree with the bribing thing. I try not to bribe with food, but when it comes to potty training, frankly, it works!
Post a Comment