Ok, I also want peace, love, and happiness for all of the world for Christmas, but is it really that bad to also want a good night of sleep every once in a while?
Oh, and don’t get me started on potty training. We’ve been in potty-training mode for about a year now. Yes, I read the books about the 3-day potty training method, potty parties, naked time, etc… Those don’t work for me. Not because they can’t, but because I believe differently about potty training. I think that Levi will do it when he’s interested AND physically/mentally ready for it.
Levi’s potty training journey began with an interest in sitting on his potty seat.
Imagine our amazement when he actually went pee on it! He was only about 14 months old, which seemed crazy early to begin potty training. And it was – he was just learning about everything and after a few months, lost interest. Fine with me.
Around 20 months, he became interested again, this time with the toilet. I bought one of those seat inserts so he wouldn’t fall in and we had fun flushing and waving “bye bye pee” each time he successfully went. Again, I was really laid-back about it all – if he wanted to go, great, if he didn’t, no big deal.
I still remember his first successful poop on the toilet. He ran out to the living room to tell Jason he went, and I ran all over the internet posting about how I’d never been so happy about sh*t. I was ecstatic – maybe it meant the beginning of serious potty training – woohoo!!
We were really on a roll in September (around 25 months), with Levi often staying dry for most of the day and even wearing big boy underwear some days. Then some big changes happened (new daycare, Jason moving out), and he regressed. I can’t blame him. There was way too much to focus on besides the urge to pee.
Now we’ve switched daycares again, and I was surprised when I asked if I needed to bring more pull-ups, and she said no, she still had plenty from the first time I brought some over. Turns out he’s been going potty on the toilet pretty regularly at daycare, and now he’s even started asking to go at home. YES!
I recently became a Pull-Ups Ambassador, which is perfect timing, because now I think Levi’s ready for us to start working harder on the potty training thing. Before you act too surprised, let me just say there’s a reason I haven’t talked about cloth trainers on here since we really got into potty training – they don’t work for us. I’ve tried several kinds, and with all of them, Levi wasn’t successful. I’m ok with that. I know the research and have decided Pull-Ups are what will best set my son up for success with potty training.
After the holidays, I’ll be hosting a “Why Wait – Let’s Celebrate! First Flush Party” for Levi and some of his friends. I think one of the biggest drivers for him being interested in potty training is being around other kids that are also learning. Both at his old daycare and his new one, when the other toddlers asked to go on the potty, so did Levi.
If your child is potty-training age, you should totally join us in celebrating our kids First Flush! Pull-Ups is sponsoring a whole bunch of these parties to help parents with everything they need to share in the excitement of their child’s “First Flush”. You can apply on their Facebook Page to host your own party and receive a Party Pack full of tot-friendly fun including:
- Engaging activities to get tots excited about starting potty training
- Celebration party hats and noisemakers to cheer on potty training success
- Exclusive Pull-Ups® Potty Training Fun Celebration App sticker
- Pull-Ups® Training Pants for every Big Kid® at the party
- Pull-Ups® coupon books
- And more!
Be sure to sign up soon, because applications close on December 31st.
What’s Been Your Biggest Potty Training Struggle?
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Pull-Ups. I received product samples to facilitate my review and to host a party. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Oh, potty training. Do I ever remember those days. Can’t say they were fond memories!
Glad Levi is progressing nicely and I hope you have a great Christmas!
I don’t have kids but I DO have a new puppy….and all I want is for her to be housetrained!
I’m just beginning my journey through potty training my third child. I have a feeling its going to be a long one.
Potty trained sons come soon enough . . . Its all a process, enjoy the journey not the destination for it comes too soon!
Hehe! I’m still single, but I’ve seen my cousins potty training their kids and I must say, it’s quite a hell of a job! I hope you succeeded.
I don’t have any children, but have a dog I’m trying to get potty trained. Every time she goes pee (or even more rarely poop) outside, I praise her and tell her what a good girl she is. Our problem is that we rent and don’t have a fenced yard so we have to take her out when we think she might have to go. Then when she has an accident inside, our 6 year old pug thinks it’s okay for him to go in the house. It’s a never ending battle, whether it’s children or dogs.
we have 9 kids- 4 potty trained- 1 just about there, well she is just has opps now and then. and they have all been different and waiting for them to come on their own in their own way is the best way. so whatever that means for them- some it was stickers some it was a new potty just for them with the bells and whistle or their favorite character on their new underwear… it will come and be easier on both when he is ready.
Dr. John Roseman is an excellent resource for parents. He says that starting early is key. Sounds like you are on the right road! Good luck!
I havent started potty training yet but i know its going to be a longgg road ahead
He will train when he is ready …..
When my little sister was potty trained, it was horrifying to me whenever I had to clean up her double doo and double p after she did her business. One time it even spilled on my arm. For some reason I kind of miss those days though. =]
Oh, pottty training! How I look back on those days with equal parts fondness an equal parts of relief that it is over!
Just reading about your trials with potty training reminds me how lucky I am that my kids are now young adults!!
My daughter is only a year old so we aren’t at potty training age yet… Boy will that be an adventure!
Every child is different and when it is right it will happen smoothly. relax and enjoy them. they grow up way too fast