Whitney was ready to potty train about 5 months ago. But, there was a new baby. And a new calling. And the holidays were approaching. And I hated potty training the first time around. And... I'm sure I could come up with 35 other reasons not to pursue potty training at that point.
January rolled around. The baby was a bit older. The new calling was not so new anymore. The holidays were behind us. Potty training wasn't THAT bad the first time around, right? So I decided to give it another try.
The result was accident after accident all day every day. I tried not to be frustrated. I tried to show Whitney how FUN it is to use the potty. I tried using a reward system. I tried TWO reward systems. Nothing worked.
Ryan said, "Just give it time. We have to let Whitney do it when she's ready." So, I did. I hushed all of those voices in my head that said, "She's three. Some kids have been potty trained for a year by now. At the rate we're going, we may hit four. Or five. (Please no.)"
And, then, two weeks ago, she ran into the bathroom all by herself and she pooped in the potty. And then, on Sunday, someone in Primary noticed she was doing the potty dance and took her to the bathroom. And then during that week, I found her running to the potty. And then she wore the same diaper for an entire day because she stayed dry. And she refused to wear a pull-up to bed. Or at all. And she was potty trained.
Oh, the rewards systems are still in place. I want her to know that I do what I say I'm going to do. But, most of the time, she forgets. Potty training has not been about rewards for her. But, about being a big girl. She has been dry for 5 days straight. And she is triumphant.
Even when she went to the baby sitter's house. Even when she's playing outside with her sister. Even when she's dressed up like a princess. She makes it to the potty on time. Because she's a big girl.
And everyone at our house is thrilled because she did it herself.
Isaac’s first football game of the year.
1 year ago
12 comments:
This might be the best story I have ever heard! I'm hoping Gavin spins a similar tale. He's ready; I'm not. I'm hoping that one day he just works it out!
Phew...is this pretty indicative of her personality? I bet she is going to love recounting this story when she is older.
Yay, Whitney! That's awesome! We are currently working on potty training. So far, things are looking pretty good. We'll see how it goes.
Wow. That has to be about the best potty training story of all time. Weston did it similarly. When he was ready to be a big boy. And once he decided, then it was done. I have no plans to force Davin to use the potty. When he's ready he'll do it. Congrats to you and Whitney!
That's so great! I love it when kids do things themselves. :)
what a wonderful thing! I am not looking forward to potty training at all, but it will be so nice once the idea kicks in. I am so glad that she just figured that idea out all by herself!
Amanda, that is so great. It makes me happy to read of your success.
I bet that is a huge relief for you!! Training Whitney should be much easier!! I'm glad it all worked itself out before Kindergarten!!
I totally believe in the letting the child train him/herself method. It works the best and everyone is happiest that way. Yay for your big girl and for you too!!!
Hooray! So happy for you both.
My first girl was a nightmare to train, so I decided to let girl number two do it on her own time, and she did it herself. I've decided it is the best way to go, by far. I don't know if it will ever catch on as a method, because you can't really write a book to encourage it - it would only be one sentence long.
that's fantastic! i'm thinking of hitting that potty train sometime next month as well. we'll see if we have as much luck! :)
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