Potty training is one of the most stressful times I have had as a parent. I was never one for patience but this task has given me a new definition of patience and consistency. Teaching a toddler something new that will last a lifetime is a pretty tense feat and the fact they don’t immediately pick up the task is sometimes annoying. Yet, I knew potty training was the next step in Charlee’s journey. Here is why I decided to start that journey now.
- Charlotte was Hiding
Currently, as is the rest of the United States, I am on quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been working from home. As my workspace is within eyesight of Char’s play area, I noticed that she would get quiet and try to get behind something from time to time. When she came back out to continue playing, the blue strip on her diaper was showing – letting me know she had ‘went.’ But why was she hiding? Was she embarrassed? Did she not want anyone to see her do her business?
I did a little research and found that a child getting out of view was one of the signs to begin potty training.
- Charlotte was Signing “Potty”
Cody and I have continued to teach Charlotte basic American Sign Language as she picks up on signing faster than she does stringing together sentences by spoken word. I mean, she is only 1 and speaks one word at a time. Yet, she began to sign “potty” on her own. This was great news!! However, there was a catch. She was signing only after she had gone #1 or #2. Meh, it’s a start right? At least she was letting us know what was going on.
- Charlotte was Done Getting her Diaper Changed
Char really began to put up a fight when it was time to change her diaper. She was running around the house trying not to get caught or was using all her power not to be on her back once the diaper was off. It was like she was signaling – ‘Hey Mom! I hate this. May I use the potty please?!’ It was so much of a hassle just catching her, potty training didn’t sound like such an awful idea.
So, I spoke with Cody and we purchased her first batch of pull-ups. The pull-ups DID NOT WORK. Charlotte used them as diapers and we went through the first pack in two days. It was a whole mess. We must’ve not gotten the correct size because she peed once and it got all over the floor….Still new to this parenting thing 🙂 Next, we tried training panties at the advice of my mother. It was obvious Charlotte did not like the feeling of wetness in her patnies. She also showed great embarrassment if anything leaked out. With all of this, she wasn’t fully grasping the fact that she should tell us before she went. The closest she got to letting us know was during the time when she ‘went.’
Why I Decided to Quit
One day, she went through 7 pairs of panties by an afternoon. I had lost my patience and asked everyone I knew how long it took to train their children to use the potty. We had only been at this for a little over a week. The answers I received ranged from 2 to 6 months. WHAT? I couldn’t imagine going at this rate. I am 6 months pregnant and running Charlotte to her little potty was becoming quite the task. The bigger I get, the more difficult it is to bend or squat to her level to clean up or it is to hold her up to wash her hands. My energy is shot. I get it. Diapers have been her life so it is going to take time for her to grasp that the toilet is where she needs to ‘go.’ It is so selfish as potty training is the natural next step for Charlotte. My biggest hold off is that she has not told us when she has to go BEFOREHAND.
I am tired of cleaning up accidents. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
You are not alone. We are at the same stage with my granddaughter. Thanks for being transparent.