Potty training.
Ah. Just saying those words brings
anxiety, stress, and terror, right?!?!?! If you are like me, I admit that potty training was my most
feared/dreaded task as a mother. I was so scared that Natalia was going to be 5
years old and still not trained. I was worried about the "right" way
to potty train, and having her potty trained early enough. I was so not looking forward to the huge job,
and time consuming task. I researched and read books, articles, anything I
could get my hands on about potty training. I was determined to have Natalia
potty trained by the time she turned 2. I had many attempts at potty training,
but it wasn't until a few weeks before Natalia turned 2 that she was ready. So
many failed attempts, but through it all, I learned alot. And now my girl has
been completely diaper free, completely potty trained for 4 months, at 26
months old.
The Process:
The Process:


This continued for a few more months, until
a few weeks before her 2nd birthday. That's when I started noticing Natalia going to
the potty and saying "pee", and she would go sometimes. She was
really excited to go on the potty, and was asking to go. That's when I knew she
was ready and I jumped on the opportunity. I then started letting Natalia run
around with no bottoms, and I brought her potty everywhere with her, whatever
room we were in, the potty was close by. And I would watch her face for when
she had to go. As soon as I saw her looking like she had to go pee, or if I saw
her starting to go pee, I would run her to the potty. I never got mad at her,
just exclaimed, "pee goes in the potty!" and I would praise and
praise her if she got pee in the potty, even if it was just a tiny amount.
Natalia loved the praise. Two weeks of this and I couldn't believe how fast she
had caught on! I would let her run around with no bottoms, and only put pullups
on her if we were going out (I would always get her to go before we went
anywhere), and a pullup for when she slept. We were pretty much housebound for
a month, only going out if we had to. After a month straight, I was considering Natalia potty trained. And she had just turned 2!
A few more weeks of
this and then I realized she was waking up dry from her naps and also when we
would go out. I realized she didn't need to wear pullups when we went out
anymore or for her naps. I also just had to accept that she might have
accidents, and that's okay.
By January, Natalia
was completely pullup free. It kind of happened by fluke. Her dad had her over
night and forgot to put a pullup on her for the night. She woke up dry. He told
me this, and I was really surprised. So I thought, "well, I might as well
see if she wakes up dry tonight too." And she hasn't had an accident since
(and it's been 4 months), and she hasn't worn a pull up since.
What an amazing
accomplishment/relief/excitement it is to have Natalia potty trained!! For her,
and for me. Haha.
I wanted to share my
story, to give any mom's out there hope that potty training is possible, and
don't be too hard on your self. Here's a few tips and things I've learned
through the whole process:
- Each kid is different. Age 2 might work for some, while others might be ready later, or earlier. Don't stress about the age. Don't compare your kid to others. I know I did, and that just puts unnecessary stress on both of you. Only start when your kid is ready. Your kid will sense your stress.
- Make it as fun as possible. Read books on the potty. Exclaim with excitement over her achievements! Your kid will love the attention and feel so proud.
- Once you start, stay consistent, and don't quit. Yes, it's a LOT of work, but being consistent will pay off.
- Commit to staying home, and not going out much, for the first month or two. Really let your kid get a hang of going on the potty before trying to always go out. I felt housebound for a good month, but it was so worth it.
- Let your kid run around with no bottoms. It's soooo much easier than having to constantly change wet pants. Plus saves on the laundry. Have cleaning supplies, rags close by so you can wipe up any messes
- Have a few potties. One on each level of the house is what I did. Also have a few potty rings for the big toilets. I had Natalia go on both. I found it easier at first for her to use the little potties, but now she only uses the big potty.
- Once your kiddo gets a hang of running around naked, start putting underwear on them and letting them run around just in their undies. Then quickly pull them down when they have to go pee. Then they willl slowly be able to wear underwear and pants.
- Purchase a travel potty. Keep it in your trunk! It is a life saver, and Natalia still uses it. If we are out and about, or driving somewhere far, if she has to go pee, I just pull over and she can go in the potty.