“My two-year-old son, newly potty trained, told me he needed a wee in the park. I stood him by a tree and he promptly pooed all over my shoes. Needless to say, we went straight home.” – Metro
That is pretty much potty training in a nutshell. It is exhausting and disgusting. I have gotten plenty of advice about potty training, most of it unsolicited and unhelpful as well as my own mother insisting all six of the kids in my family were magically potty trained the moment we turned two. For all that advice, the only thing I have come to understand is that every kid is different, and they will go on the potty only when they are good and ready. So after I have had a particularly frustrating day of cleaning up pee and tossing out soiled underwear, I like to read about other struggling parents to help quell my irritation. By far my favorite story is from Brittany at Today’s Parent –
“After moving to Alberta from Ontario, we didn’t know anybody. We were invited over for lunch by a co-worker of my spouse. Our daughter was playing in their toy room while us adults finished our lunch. All of a sudden she wonders out half naked into the kitchen only to place a handful of poop on the dining room table. So much for first impressions!” – Brittany Hartwick, Beaumont, Alberta
After a good laugh, I don’t feel like crying in frustration anymore, and I can be a potty training cheerleader again. While we aren’t potty trained yet, I have discovered a few things along the way.
- Don’t potty train until your child shows signs they are ready…Then, make sure your sense of humor is intact.
- Bribing is always helpful – stickers, chocolate…Whatever gets their little butt on that seat
- If you have carpet, invest in a good carpet cleaner.
- Don’t project your frustration on to them.
- Be ready for embarrassing incidents in public.
- Stash extra pants and underwear everywhere – your purse, car, their backpack…
- Once you start, be consistent or they can become confused.
- Make it fun and get a potty chair they will like.
My son loves Mickey Mouse so when we had the opportunity to try out the Disney 3 in 1 Potty Chair, I was hopeful it would be a positive influence in our potty training experience. The fun colors and Mickey Mouse details were an immediate hit with my toilet challenged toddler. There is also a little Mickey hand on the side to let him “flush” the potty chair, and it sings “Hip Hip Hooray” when you push the handle down. He was sold after that.
While my son was drawn to the bright colors and Mickey design, I was excited to see that the seat is detachable and can be placed on the regular toilet for the next stage of potty training. Then, the potty chair closes up and can be used as a step stool! If there is anything Moms love it is items that can be used for multiple purposes.
Since using this new potty chair, I have noticed my son is a little more eager to run into the bathroom, mostly because he wants to push the handle, but whatever gets him in there is fine with me. We have gotten a few steps closer to being diaper free, and that is all I can ask for. When all else fails just laugh because sometimes that is all you can do!
The Disney 3 in 1 potty chair comes in red with Mickey and pink with Minnie. For more information and helpful tips be sure to follow The First Years on social Media. With over sixty years of experience creating products for children, they know a thing or two about parenting.
This is a partnered post. All opinions remain my own.
The most important thing i think is to be sensitive enough to each child. They learn differently and the same yardstick can not be used for them. Don’t start when they’re not ready, else it would be a total waste of time.
Potty training is not a science with one correct formula — it’s an art. Different tips and tricks work for different kids and families and, sometimes, completely contrary recommendations end up successful.
I did not have any difficulties potty training my two older kids, but it took a while with my youngest son. I agree that every child is different. My grandson is almost 15 months old and although it may seem a bit too early, I am going to start training him.