Thank you for all your wonderful and insightful comments. I love hearing what other Moms have gone through…it’s a great learning experience for me, and I hope, for all of you as well. As part of my Follow-Up Friday, I’d like to recap what we’ve learned so far about potty training.
- Girls ARE easier to potty train than boys
- Girls are NOT easier to potty train than boys
- This dichotomy is best exemplified by Leanne, author of From Chaos Comes Happiness who has her own Hot Mess to deal with. She has been on both sides of the coin with her two girls.
- The Empress has found that Boys are the easy ones. So, as you can see…gender alone does not dictate how potty training will go in your household.
- Waiting until your child is ready is a good way to avoid all this potty training hoopla. Thank you, my dear readers for emphasizing this one because it is SO TRUE.
- As MotivationMamaDrama so keenly observed: “have you ever seen a teenager in diapers?” Yeah that puts it all in perspective. I always like to remind myself to look at the big picture, seriously what’s the rush if they’re not ready…wait.
- I like The Writer’s Hat approach to “peaceful parenting” and waiting until the child is both emotionally and physically ready. Yes! Instead of going by the age of your child, let your child be the guide.
- As Funsucker Extraordinaire found out with her three children, it had nothing to do with gender but was a matter of luck and personality.
- I really like Generation X Mom’s advice: “don’t do what the books say, go with your gut”. I agree, like so many other parenting issues, following your intuition and your child’s lead will always steer you in the right direction.
- In summary…yes, potty training can be a big hassle so follow my lazy lead…you might just get lucky!
Here are the five classic signs that your child may be ready for potty training, taken from one of my favorite books, The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. These are paraphrased by me.
- She is saying yes a lot more than no
- She can sit still for a longer period of time
- She has words for poop and pee
- She likes to imitate you
- She’s interested in neatness, organizing things in groups and cleaning up
Of course, these are only a few signs that your child may be ready. Consider these as well:
- has regular bowel movements at relatively predictable times
- has dry periods of at least 3-4 hours
- can pull his pants up and down
- dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper
- can tell you when he has pee or poop
Remember, the more we try to rush it, the more likely it is to backfire. Keep it low key…your babe won’t be in diapers forever!
Have a wonderful Friday!
What great insites from others who have been there with one or more kiddos! The mom was right when she said you never see teenages in diapers! Thanks for the recap! Great advice!
Come by when you can….
http://www.frugaltractormom.blogspot.com
What great insites from others who have been there with one or more kiddos! The mom was right when she said you never see teenages in diapers! Thanks for the recap! Great advice!
Come by when you can….
http://www.frugaltractormom.blogspot.com
I so agree with the don't try to rush it. Especially with girls. They have their own mind about these things. Once it was little CEO's idea to do it, she had it down in like, one day.
when it was mommy's idea? 3 months of sheer hell.
I so agree with the don't try to rush it. Especially with girls. They have their own mind about these things. Once it was little CEO's idea to do it, she had it down in like, one day.
when it was mommy's idea? 3 months of sheer hell.
I think my daughter is ready, but then I second guess myself. She will want to sit on the potty chair one week and have nothing to do with it the next. She has seen her sister go to the bathroom one too many times in public restrooms because when Chloe decides she will go potty herself, she opens her drawer where keep her disposable bibs for eating out. She takes out a bib and places it around her potty chair like a toilet seat liner. It is hilarious!
One other great thing to remember – don't expect daytime and nighttime potty training to happen at the same time…and that is ok too. My youngest potty trained himself – I am not kidding, do not hate me – during the day. At night? Not so much. He FINALLY got out of pull-ups in Kindergarten. It's just a matter of when they are ready. Of course tonight he'll wet the bed because I talked about it but that is ok too, we roll with it!
One other great thing to remember – don't expect daytime and nighttime potty training to happen at the same time…and that is ok too. My youngest potty trained himself – I am not kidding, do not hate me – during the day. At night? Not so much. He FINALLY got out of pull-ups in Kindergarten. It's just a matter of when they are ready. Of course tonight he'll wet the bed because I talked about it but that is ok too, we roll with it!
Oh, I'll need some pointers on this one soon. I'm planning to start PT in 3 months when my twins turn 2. Thanks for the post.
Oh, I'll need some pointers on this one soon. I'm planning to start PT in 3 months when my twins turn 2. Thanks for the post.
I have 2 girls and 1 boy. My son was so much easier to potty train. I think he was trained by 1 while my eldest girl was 2 and my youngest at 3.
I have 2 girls and 1 boy. My son was so much easier to potty train. I think he was trained by 1 while my eldest girl was 2 and my youngest at 3.
Hi there! This is all great information…yet I am still dreading starting potty training with my second. The first was easy, so I think we were spoiled!
P.S. I am your newest follower!
Hi there! This is all great information…yet I am still dreading starting potty training with my second. The first was easy, so I think we were spoiled!
P.S. I am your newest follower!
I finished potty training my third son three months ago, and over the last week he has started wetting the bed and having pee accidents. He'd been staying dry at night, even in diapers, for the last year at least. So we've been baffled. We even had him tested for diabetes. Anyhow, I'm sure we'll figure it out, I just thought I'd pop in with my lovely experience. We're having a blast with regression!!
All I can say is that I will definitely be referring to your blog when Hubs and I have kiddos of our own. Wonderful advice!!
Linds
All I can say is that I will definitely be referring to your blog when Hubs and I have kiddos of our own. Wonderful advice!!
Linds
My son was stubborn but he'd at least sit on the potty without complaint.
My daughter screams if I put her on the potty. She's 3 and has no interest in using the toilet. I'm at my wit's end.
My son was stubborn but he'd at least sit on the potty without complaint.
My daughter screams if I put her on the potty. She's 3 and has no interest in using the toilet. I'm at my wit's end.
I agree! Keeping it low-key is a good thing!
I agree! Keeping it low-key is a good thing!
Oh, great list of tips and further resources! Even though we're nowhere near potty-training, I'm so curious about it and do think of it often. I know the time will be here before I know it… Also, I just wanted to give you a heads up that I'm going to mention this post in my Shout Outs! this week.
Thank you for the awesome advice and laughs. Yes, you defintiely put in in perspective. 1) Potty training isn't an exact science and 2) Wait until the child is ready. I couldn't agree more. My little boy isn't anywhere near ready–he has no idea whether he's pooed or peed, so I'm taking your advice. As much as I'd like to see those diapers go away, I'll be patient with my little sprout. Thanks!
i do think it's helpful that boys can pee anywhere. i know so many parents who took advantage of the summer and their backyards to let boys run bottomless and pee in the bushes.
i do think it's helpful that boys can pee anywhere. i know so many parents who took advantage of the summer and their backyards to let boys run bottomless and pee in the bushes.
Thank you for the shout out. You are so right, timing… we waited to celebrate on the morning of their third b day with new underwear, and a new potty seat. They were ready, even if the evil crows in the park told me he was going to need therapy b/c we waited so long.
Well, yeah, we had no anguish about it, though. easy peasy.
Thank you for the shout out. You are so right, timing… we waited to celebrate on the morning of their third b day with new underwear, and a new potty seat. They were ready, even if the evil crows in the park told me he was going to need therapy b/c we waited so long.
Well, yeah, we had no anguish about it, though. easy peasy.
Nice blog! So glad I'm past this stage lol!
Stopping by from SITS!
Nice blog! So glad I'm past this stage lol!
Stopping by from SITS!
Thank you for the mention! Your insight is great too! I think part of the trick is consistency which we have not had in this house lately. Maybe that's why my 3 year old is potty trained with me but not with my husband. LOL! Great post!
Thank you for the mention! Your insight is great too! I think part of the trick is consistency which we have not had in this house lately. Maybe that's why my 3 year old is potty trained with me but not with my husband. LOL! Great post!
hi, am stoping by from LBTS, enjoyed reading your post on potty-training, I have 3 daughters, to be honest I never read any parenting books, I just went with what felt natural and some advice from my mum.
Claire(madefor3) x
hi, am stoping by from LBTS, enjoyed reading your post on potty-training, I have 3 daughters, to be honest I never read any parenting books, I just went with what felt natural and some advice from my mum.
Claire(madefor3) x
Thanks for pointing out my teenager reference! I think we all get caught up in quickly trying to do the “right” thing, when most of the time, doing the “right” thing is having patience.
I think you have summarized it beaUTIfully!!! And you nailed it – they won't be in diapers forever. I continue to remind myself of this when nonsensical milestones clog my brain, like ride a 2 wheeler, jumping rope, teeth falling out. I tell myself, “Well, she won't be a big CEO of a fortune 500 company with her baby teeth – so don't worry about it!” (nothing like a little pressure, huh?) 😉 But it does help me to not sweat the small stuff – gees, where have I heard that before? (Thanks for mentioning my Hot Mess! I just spent the past hour trying to find where she hid the $30 battery operated thermometer. Turns out it was in her SHOE!!! Perfect spot!!) Have a great weekend!
I think you have summarized it beaUTIfully!!! And you nailed it – they won't be in diapers forever. I continue to remind myself of this when nonsensical milestones clog my brain, like ride a 2 wheeler, jumping rope, teeth falling out. I tell myself, “Well, she won't be a big CEO of a fortune 500 company with her baby teeth – so don't worry about it!” (nothing like a little pressure, huh?) 😉 But it does help me to not sweat the small stuff – gees, where have I heard that before? (Thanks for mentioning my Hot Mess! I just spent the past hour trying to find where she hid the $30 battery operated thermometer. Turns out it was in her SHOE!!! Perfect spot!!) Have a great weekend!
Potty training is tough! My girls are older now but I remenber it well…. funny how some memories are more vivid than others.
Potty training is tough! My girls are older now but I remenber it well…. funny how some memories are more vivid than others.
My 3 year old son has the opposite problem, he holds his bladder too much! I was complaining to my hubby the other day about this and he gently pointed out that I'm not one for frequenting the bathroom too often either!
My 3 year old son has the opposite problem, he holds his bladder too much! I was complaining to my hubby the other day about this and he gently pointed out that I'm not one for frequenting the bathroom too often either!
I am 100% in agreement with following the child's lead. My daughter just kind of trained herself. My son? Not so much. He's currently back in diapers because he has decided that he didn't want to go on the potty. You know what though? He gets the concept. He's not even 3 yet, so I'm not worried. Diapers are cheaper then pull-ups anyway and last a lot longer. 😉
I love the varying views on potty training and it just proves that the whole experience is as unique as the child doing it.
I am 100% in agreement with following the child's lead. My daughter just kind of trained herself. My son? Not so much. He's currently back in diapers because he has decided that he didn't want to go on the potty. You know what though? He gets the concept. He's not even 3 yet, so I'm not worried. Diapers are cheaper then pull-ups anyway and last a lot longer. 😉
I love the varying views on potty training and it just proves that the whole experience is as unique as the child doing it.
Yes, this is as varied as the child. We tried for a week and she just wasn't ready. Rather than push it, we put her back in diapers and she's not said word one about using the potty. Oh well, we'll suggest it again in a month or so and see if she responds. I'm clinging to that hope that she'll be out of diapers before I have to switch her to Depends.
In the meantime, the 14-month-old boy uses the potty every time you put him on it. Go figure.
Yes, this is as varied as the child. We tried for a week and she just wasn't ready. Rather than push it, we put her back in diapers and she's not said word one about using the potty. Oh well, we'll suggest it again in a month or so and see if she responds. I'm clinging to that hope that she'll be out of diapers before I have to switch her to Depends.
In the meantime, the 14-month-old boy uses the potty every time you put him on it. Go figure.
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Check out my blog! I have something for you!
So true! We tried starting a month ago and it was just too early – the whole thing has backfired to where my daughter runs from the room yelling “No” when I start to put the potty seat on the toilet. *sigh* I plan to wait another three months before trying again now…
So true! We tried starting a month ago and it was just too early – the whole thing has backfired to where my daughter runs from the room yelling “No” when I start to put the potty seat on the toilet. *sigh* I plan to wait another three months before trying again now…
It sounds like each child has a different experience with potty training. As I mentioned, my first took a looooong time to comply. I sure hope my 1 year old does it more quickly just by following his brother's example. I do plan to wait until he's almost three to start!
It sounds like each child has a different experience with potty training. As I mentioned, my first took a looooong time to comply. I sure hope my 1 year old does it more quickly just by following his brother's example. I do plan to wait until he's almost three to start!
This is not a potty training comment, my 2 are way past that. I just checked out your About page and I think it's wonderful! Just wanted to let you know – visiting from 31dbbb
I waited until my first son was 3. I did everything I was supposed to do–M & Ms, patience, going with my gut, encouragment, rewards, etc. Nothing worked….until I told my son he wasn't allowed to wear the fun Diego Pull-Ups any longer. He MUST wear baby diapers again.
That worked.
I waited until my first son was 3. I did everything I was supposed to do–M & Ms, patience, going with my gut, encouragment, rewards, etc. Nothing worked….until I told my son he wasn't allowed to wear the fun Diego Pull-Ups any longer. He MUST wear baby diapers again.
That worked.
Oh boy, something to look forward to!!
Oh boy, something to look forward to!!
Great tips! I have one more for you. The parent has to be as invested as the child. You can just potty train when it works for you, kind of confusing for the child. You just have to go for it! Even if they pee 5 times in the Verizon store while you are purchasing your new phone and the 22 year old sales clerk has no idea what to do or say. Yup that was my middle (a boy)!
Stopping by from 31DBBB
http://makingitworkmom.blogspot.com/
Great tips! I have one more for you. The parent has to be as invested as the child. You can just potty train when it works for you, kind of confusing for the child. You just have to go for it! Even if they pee 5 times in the Verizon store while you are purchasing your new phone and the 22 year old sales clerk has no idea what to do or say. Yup that was my middle (a boy)!
Stopping by from 31DBBB
http://makingitworkmom.blogspot.com/
Excellent post!! I love that you link to other blogs which indirectly gives A LOT more information on potty training.. great job! My son potty trained at 2 years old and it was not easy but he was ready and I didn't want to miss his sign. I really do not look forward to potty training my daughter (even though it wont be soon)
Excellent post!! I love that you link to other blogs which indirectly gives A LOT more information on potty training.. great job! My son potty trained at 2 years old and it was not easy but he was ready and I didn't want to miss his sign. I really do not look forward to potty training my daughter (even though it wont be soon)
Love all the tips and advice, and I agree with all of them. I have potty trained 4 kids. By the 3rd and 4th, I was like, “There's the toilet. Let me know when you want to use it.” And I agree with the point: have you ever seen a teenager in diapers? I hope your readers who are going to potty train actually take these tips very seriously. Chances are though, most parents don't want to listen, and figure they have it all figured out.
Love all the tips and advice, and I agree with all of them. I have potty trained 4 kids. By the 3rd and 4th, I was like, “There's the toilet. Let me know when you want to use it.” And I agree with the point: have you ever seen a teenager in diapers? I hope your readers who are going to potty train actually take these tips very seriously. Chances are though, most parents don't want to listen, and figure they have it all figured out.
I love how you compiled so many tips from other blog posts! The teenager line is so true! I think we worry so much that they'll never get it, when in truth, it'll come! After all, who doesn't want to wear big boy/girl underwear?
I love how you compiled so many tips from other blog posts! The teenager line is so true! I think we worry so much that they'll never get it, when in truth, it'll come! After all, who doesn't want to wear big boy/girl underwear?