Just Appetizers

When your child starts to run from their own mess, it’s a loud voice to parents that they are ready for the potty. As parents we are excited, and always have a plan. First part of the plan is to make sure we get the transition underwear, a good potty, or potty seat, music and get our pompom out because we are going to be cheer leaders!! Potty training is about to begin and everyone is ready! Wahoo…

Mommy I have to pee says that sweet voice to us as they sense that something is quickly coming and they can not control it. We look at our child with amazement and joy thinking, “they are really ready” as we rush them to the place of release, only to discover they already potty. We look at them with disappointment for a second but then we are flooded with a warm sense of pride as we celebrate our baby really getting it. We stand ready for the next time, because we will succeed in getting you to the potty on time.

Hours, days, weeks are sometimes spent on potty training, some with success and others with great failure. Determination and perseverance fill our minds as we proceed in the process of potty training. But its taking longer than we anticipated, and now we find our self a bit weary. The sheets are screaming no more accidents, the floors are hollering enough! no more pine sol, bleach or cleaners.!!  We brace our self for one more sarcastic remark, “oh still not potty trained yet? How old now?” The excitement we felt weeks ago has faded and we are left with desperation and great annoyances as we try to figure out what is wrong with our child why they are taking so long!! 

As a mother of seven children, yes that’s right seven let me encourage your heart. Potty training is not easier by sex(it does not matter if it’s a boy or girl). Potty training can become like a second job. It takes consistency, timing and a positive attitude. One thing I recall during that time in my life was the commitment to stay consistent. I would not allow night-time to confuse my child to wet the bed and we would start fresh in the morning. I was like a soldier who was deployed and on the battlefield, comfort and sleep was not a luxury until the mission was completed.  At night every 2 hours we went to the potty until it became a cycle and behavior in my child’s life.

Parents be encouraged, one day in the near future, your will have a potty trained child, clean sheets, clean mattress, and some money in your pocket (Pampers and pull ups cost a lot!). Stay on your assignment, stay true to the mission and be consistent no matter what. Children should not be wearing Pampers or pull ups after a certain age unless they have medical challenges. Be the potty trainer you were called to be!

For some odd reason I really felt I should write this blog on potty training. Perhaps someone out there needs it. My children are grown, but the experience is for ever sketched in my memory. If you have questions I may be able to help, feel free to leave them and your remarks in the box below:)