types of essays in englishWhen Paisley first entered toddlerhood, potty training was one of the things I really looked forward to in regards to “milestones.” After buying diapers for so long, it’s natural to want that little bit of money back in your wallet as well as helping them to become more independent. However, I always had a timeline in my head of when she should be doing things. At 12 months she should be walking, at 18 months potty train, at two, be done with pacifiers. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I think as mothers, especially first timers, we hear stories, read books {blogs} and come up with this master plan of how advanced our kids should be. We expect them to complete these milestones at certain times when more than likely, they just aren’t ready.
Paisley was an early talker, but a late walker at 15 months. She didn’t get her first tooth until 13 months. We started potty training at 23 months and she is still attached to a pacifier at 2 years old. And? That’s ok! Some kids just aren’t ready. I really believe that they have to be interested in potty training or it just will not happen. It was easy for me to become discouraged when friend’s kids would complete exciting milestones before mine but I had to keep reminding myself to stop comparing. That is the worst thing you can do.
Thankfully, Paisley isn’t one to “like” wearing dirty diapers. She will immediately tell us when she is dirty and asked to be changed. When she first started coming to us saying “shooo weeee- CHANGE” and pointing at her bottom I knew we were ready to introduce the potty chair.
I am a first time mom but I have heard that boys and girls potty train very differently. I wanted to use some basic tips that relate to both genders and have helped us along our journey:
1. Interest them: If you are a mom, then going to the restroom alone is a pastime. There is no such thing as privacy anymore. So, while they are in the bathroom, talk with them. Tell them what you are doing. Show them that you wear “big girl panties” and you go to the potty and not in a diaper. Set them on the toilet and show them that is where you go to the potty. The more you interest and educated your toddler, the easier it will be to potty train. Paisley also has a potty chair book that has the flushing noise with it. She seems to enjoy reading it and relates it with going to potty which is the main goal. I keep it in her little shelf on the side of her potty chair.
2. Buy a potty chair: Some friends of ours had Paisley’s made and gave it to her as a gift but there are cute potty chairs everywhere. I think it is so much easier if they have one “especially smaller” that they can sit on. This is one of the best investments you will ever buy. Take them to the store to help pick one out or choose the color. If they feel like they have a say in the process, the more excited they will be.3. Establish a rewards system: We decided to go with the Potty Pops method. Every time Paisley uses the potty she is rewarded with a potty pop-“Popsicle.” A lot of parents reward with toys but that can get extremely expensive. We bought a $3.00 box of popsicles at the grocery store and it is a fun {and cheaper} incentive for her. I have also heard of suckers as potty pops.
4. Praise: When she goes, especially without being reminded or with bribery, we praise praise praise. I believe there isn’t anything much more powerful in parenting than encouragement. Children, whether they show it or not, want to follow the rules and have some sort of routine. They love knowing when they do something good and are being recognized and supported for it. Don’t we all? With progress, praise should follow.
Moms, remember that his doesn’t happen overnight. It may not happen within 6 months but keep trying and continue to encourage. Be patient with them, this is a learning experience for the whole family and a big transition of becoming more independent for your toddler. I don’t think there is any perfect or specific way to potty train. Kids learn differently than others and its more about finding balance in a potty routine and what works to interest them and keep them interested.
We are still working on it and will be for awhile but the important thing is that she is willing to learn. I hope this post helps and provides useful advice. You can also find me at Wifessionals today in the “From Baby to Big Kid” series!
Paisley’s Last Jungle Room Day
Fall Break
What a little cutie pie she is! Ooo she is just so adorable Kenzie! I cannot wait to have a little baby girl hopefully one day! tucking this post away for a later date! :)
Thank you so so much sweet friend! I have no doubt that you both will be awesome parents. :) Thank you for reading!
Patience is key - which I admittedly sucked at - which is probably why my Avery didn’t poop in the potty for 6 months after she would go potty just fine. But she finally did it, and then again and again until now it’s still a matter worth cheering for, but not a huge stressor for anyone!
Liz
http://www.accordingtol.com
That’s great. I try so hard to have patience with her because I know that it has to be the same way for her. :)
I saw this potty chair on Instagram and absolutely love it and wish we would’ve had a cute one for Mel! However, she didn’t really use a small potty very long…she went to the big potty pretty fast. Also, when we were just hanging out around the house I just let her run around naked and she was potty trained in 3 days! It’s like when she’s naked I could tell when it was coming - but you better believe I had to watch her like a hawk! hahaha.
Paisley is scared to death that she is going to fall into the big potty so the small chair it is. ;) I have tried the naked think but she peed the first time on herself and in the floor. I will have to watch her closer next time.
Oh, I can so relate!!! I, too, had a timeline in my head…but quickly learned to go by Mason’s schedule (on most things). One thing Mason’s pedi always preached was…’do not start potty training until he is ready. Otherwise you will be in pull-ups for a long time. They have to be ready. Especially little boys.’ And she was so right!!! Goodness, it sounds like you are describing Mason! Ha. He started talking {saying words} around 6 months, but didn’t start walking until 13 months. And he started teething {confirmed by his pedi} but didn’t break a tooth until 10 months! He never took the pacifier, but we had a heck of a time breaking the bottle! It’s interesting how kids are alike, but so different!
Such cute pictures of Paisley!!
I really don’t want to even try the pull-ups. I have heard its a trap! haha
Thank you so much! She is so fun! :)