Tired of hearing about my son's potty training woes? Thinking I should just get on with it already? Try living it and then we'll talk. Try knowing that his window of interest in such a thing was probably last year when Scout went through her screaming phase and the window was most likely three hours long. You ever tried finding/guessing when that window is? Kudos to you if you guessed right with your child because I have clearly guessed wrong with mine.
To all of those of you who potty trained your children pre-disposable diapers or pre-two car families and who are horrified that my almost three year old is still in diapers I apologize (I don't sincerely apologize because I'm not feeling especially sincere about it). I apologize that my mothering disappoints you. And to those of you who have yet to embark on this wondrous adventure hold your judgement. I wish I had.
Why did I start this post? Oh, that's right our latest tactic: Bribing. This is a long used way to get children to do what you'd like. Bribing and guilt....LONG used in the parenting world. Unfortunately, H. responds to neither. I love when other parents suggest giving him an M&M when he uses the facilities appropriately or to encourage him to do so. Sadly, the little one couldn't care less. Candy? Yeah, that's nice, but does it compare to the convenience of the ultimate port-o-potty (my diaper)?!? I think not. Okay. Fair enough. Candy doesn't work. How about a Thomas the Tank Engine laptop? Or a puppy? Yes, we've tried both. When we discuss it with him he just pats his butthigh and says, "I like this diaper."
Just two days ago B. brought up the subject again, "Hayden would you like a Thomas computer?"
Hayden hops off his chair and says, "Yes, let's go to the store."
"Nooo. What do you have to do to get a Thomas computer?"
Hayden looks around the room and then changes the subject by picking up a book,"I like this story. Let's see what happens."
Are we at a loss? Yes, we are. Much like we were at a loss when our 18 month old was still scooting around on his rear end showing no interest in walking. Try as we might we could not get him to walk, until it was HIS idea. I'm assuming we're seeing the pattern for the rest of his life. -- he'll do it when he damn well pleases.
6 comments:
Julia, can I just say you make me feel sane again? Well, you do. You are my kind of mom. You inspire me more than you'll ever know. Thanks!
Hil-ar-i-ous.
Well, at least to read. Not to live, I'm sure. I like the part about, "I like this diaper." You know, my boys were both potty-trained after they were three. Gross to be changing a 3-year old's diaper? Perhaps. But did we have a battle? Nope. I may have missed the earlier window -- but ah well. And rewards have never really worked well with Gabey either, so I hear you on that. Anyway....good luck. And don't stress.
It honestly has to be his idea. It was that way with both Alex and Logan. Don't let what anyone else says bug you. Unless you have to send him to kindergarten in a diaper you are good.
Courage, my friend. You are a fantastic mother (and friend). Only weak-willed children fall for the Thomas computer.
Found your blog! I am also scared about that whole potty training thing. I hate people who say, "All of my kids were potty trained by 18 months." Who are these people??? I have a 22 month old and a 3 month old. Elise, the 22 month old is starting to understand the whole bathroom thing, but I am not planning on starting the potty training yet. Probably because I'm too scared. Good luck chica!!!!-McKenna
I thought I saw a window of interest with Dylan just after he turned 2, I pushed too hard, he literally became scared of the toilet. I waited a few months before I tried again and tried EVERYTHING. Several weeks of frustration experienced by both of us were ended when he broke his leg. He was in a cast all the way up to diaper line. He did not like how that felt one bit and was easily potty trained within a couple of days with no candy, no bribing and no rewards. By the way just a few weeks before his 3rd birthday. I tell you this because I agree, it has to be on his time. Dylan didn't see that time until he was uncomfortable. Your challenge is that H talks and reasons so well, especially for his age that he seems old enough to be ready, even though he can clearly tell you he isn't. I have a tons of friends who didn't even try til after their boys were 3. I had 2 kids in diapers for a way long time, I feel your pain. Good news is that in my experience, each child has been easier than the previous so maybe it will be a snap with Scoutie. And last, blame his 1st born behavior on his Daddy. Ha! Hugs from AZ, Melanie
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