Potty Training- The Day I Lost it!

STOP MOVING!  I was hot and getting hotter with every squirm.

If you recall from this potty post, I briefly stated that we returned to pull-ups after trying cloth training pants…the story I’m about to share was the major factor in that decision.

The boy had been very successful, at the time, keeping his pants clean.  Dry was a whole other ball park.  But if I had to choose between the two I much prefer clean.

On this particular day, after sitting on the potty the boy was enjoying his usual 30 minute room time.

As his room time was coming to an end, I may my way back to his room.  I quietly open his door, in hopes to not disturb his play.

He was deep in thought, as he squatted in front of his Mega Bloks trying to determine which piece he would place on top of his new created tower.

As I pushed open his door further to witness his fun, I was stopped dead in my tracks.  The aroma overcame me. 

No longer did I look at the scene before me with joy in my eyes.  My mood quickly change like the fumes had put me under some spell.

In a stern voice, I startled Lil'man asking to know if he dirtied his pants. (Like I didn’t already know.)

He respond nonchalantly with a yes. Though unintentional that comment irked me.

Why didn’t he care! Frustration set in.

I began scooting him towards the bathroom when in dawned on me…he was in training pants.

No tear away sides.  This was going to be interesting.

I quickly removed his jeans and pulled back his training pants so I could peak at what I would be dealing with.

I slowly began to inch his pants down in hopes as not to make a mess.  However, the boy wasn’t helping.

With every pull, he shifted.  Don’t move. With every inch, he wiggled. Stop. I don’t want a mess.  With every drag, he turned. STOP. Moving. With every tug, he twisted. STOP MOVING!  I was hot and getting hotter with every squirm.

THUD!

It was too late.  My fear came true. His poop had hit the floor.

And still he wouldn’t stop moving.  Evidently, this he had to see.

STOP MOVING! I cried out in desperation.

SQUISH!

STOP! STOP! and then a sigh.  Long and low.

There it was…his pretty poop covered foot on my bathroom rug.

And that was how my relationship with training pants came to an erupt end. 

I applaud all of you, who have more patience than I do.

Potty Training- The Light Went Out

It was the beginning of the end.  My potty problem was solved.  All that I had to do was put my potty plan into action.  If only, it had been that simple.

When we first started cloth training pants, I just knew it would turn my diaper wearing tot into a potty using boy.  He hated to be wet. 

So, of course the cloth training pants were going to SPARK a potty revolution.  As soon as they got wet, my boy wouldn’t be able to stand it.  He would much prefer to use the potty.

I could see it.  The light at the end of the tunnel.

You can imagine how stunned I was when the light went out.  There my boy was having a good ol’ time in soaked pants. 

Soaked pants didn’t break me, but I was definitely left dazed and confused.  I just didn’t get it. My sure fire spark just fizzled out like it never had a chance.

I wasn’t going to let damp clothes deter me from the task at hand. I quickly remedy the situation by bringing in the old reliable- plastic pant covers.

My hero! I was saved from extra loads of laundry.

Unfortunately, even my hero couldn’t save me from The Day I Lost it!

[stay tuned]

Potty Training Chronicles Continued

I know it has been quite some time since I last updated you on the whole potty training endeavors in our house, not that you missed them.  My last post and first post ended with the doctor proclaiming I may have to wait a few months and try again.  I was really hoping this wasn’t the case, but after trying for a few weeks we determined that the boy just wasn’t ready.  He just wasn’t able to “hold it” very long. I was so disappointed.  I was so ready for him to be potty trained, but he just physically wasn’t ready.

So, we waited.  We jumped back on the bandwagon sometime in November.  We decided to gradually get into it, meaning we didn’t go straight to underwear…we did the pull-up thing to start, with the goal no matter what to be in big boy pants on his 3rd birthday. 

He was doing well.  A matter of fact the boy had no issues with using the potty for #2!  No more dirty diapers for me!  Woo Hoo! 

On his 3rd birthday we moved to training pants.  I just knew that he would hate having that wet feeling and would eventually start letting us know before hand, but I was wrong.  He has no problems running around in wet pants evidently.  After doing loads of laundry, I went back to pull-ups. 

He hasn’t been successful at telling us when he needs to go and we still have to sit him on it every hour to hour and a half, but things seem to be moving right along…

until recently.

We’ve taken several steps back…the boy no longer poos in the potty.  He has reverted to his old ways.  I don’t get it.  He was in pull-ups when he started using the potty. 

I’m really at a lost with this whole potty training thing.  I just don’t know what to expect from him, which means I don’t know how to respond to him either. 

Please tell me you’ve been in the same boat. 

Potty Chronicles- The Adventure Begins

“I’ve had it.  This boy needs to get potty trained!  I am so tired of changing diapers!”  I proclaimed late one Tuesday afternoon.

No more diapers for my boy.  The next day, I put him in underwear.  And not just any underwear…Elmo underwear.  One of his favorite people.   I then, explain to him, “Elmo wants to stay clean and dry, so if you think you have to go potty you need to tell Mommy.  You don’t want to get Elmo wet or dirty.” 

And then are potty training adventure began.

He successfully stayed dry from 7:15 am to 9:30 am with potty breaks ar0und 8:00, 8:25 and 9:00.  It was at this point that I did a quick internet search to determine how often I should take him to the potty.  According to FamilyDoctor.org, I should “place [my] child on the potty at regular intervals. This may be as often as every 1 and a half to 2 hours.”  

Okie dokie.  Check.  Next potty break 10:30.

Then around 9:30 as he was singing and dancing…I hear “Mommy, I’m wet. I have to go potty.” 

I jump to my feet and say “WHAT?!!”  I look towards him and see liquid dripping down his leg.  I think to myself…no you already went potty.  

On his potty chair he went and I clean up the mess. Fortunately, he was standing on his stool as the incident occurred. So, grateful for an easy clean up!

Lil’man then got clean Elmo pants and a reminder that Elmo wants to stay clean and dry.

Not even 30 minutes later he comes to tell me he is wet yet again.  At this point, I called the doctor.  Yep, I am one of them.  He is 32 months and not able to hold “it” for 30 minutes…there must be something wrong!  Now mind you, he hasn’t had anything to drink since breakfast, so I don’t know where all these urine leaks are coming from.  Seriously, there must be some issue.

When the doctor called me back, the conversation when something like this,

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

“So this is normal.  What I read about kids being able to hold it longer, is not really the case?” Although, this is what I was really thinking: Really!  My son doesn’t have some issue because I just know there has to be something wrong. 

“Just keep doing what you are doing.” 

Of course the worst part of our conversation was when she told me,

“If he continues to have a lot of wet diapers in a 2 hour period, you might want to wait 2 to 3 more months.” 

WHAT! WAIT!  Are you kiddin’ me?

So, there you go.  Keeping my finger’s cross that we won’t have to wait.  I’ll keep you posted.

The Potty Training Chronicles

I have been preparing for months. Researching techniques & tools, getting advice from other moms and observing my son’s behavior.  First I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who shared their advice with me by commenting on my blog post or participating in my polls and discussion on Facebook.  It is so great to have learned from other moms that have already been in the drenches. I don’t know if any of you are interested in knowing what conclusions that I came to, but just in case there is someone out there that is curious I will be doing various post about it.   I mean this blog is called A Mommy Talks and potty training is one of the many things a mommy has to do. (Side note: These conclusions/choices may change once we dive into the whole potty training process, especially if they aren’t working!)

The Tools

Potty Chair- When choosing the potty chair I wanted something that was going to be durable, easy to clean and not take up a lot of space.  It wouldn’t hurt if it was fun for my son, but not over the top.  You know, something that he would want to sit on.   Plus, it needed to keep everything inside!  I went back and forth on whether to get one that sat on the floor or just a seat that attached to the toilet.  So, since I couldn’t make up my mind I bought one of each.

Precious Planet™ Froggy Friend Potty

Why I picked it:

high splash guard

easy clean up, even a toddler could do it

fun for the boy

Sea Turtle Trainer Ring 

 

Why I picked it:

again high splash guard (Can you tell I am worried about pee getting all over the floor?)

long lasting, won’t rip like some cushioned seats

portable and fun

Both of these products received at least 4 stars on Amazon Reviews and even better they are both priced lower than many of their competitors. 

Stay tuned for more Potty Chronicles where I will share more about the tools I picked, as well as the whole potty training process.

Looking for Advice.

This summer I am planning on starting potty training and being the newbie that I am in this area, I can use all the advice and recommendations I can get.   Here are a few of my questions, any direction would be greatly appreciated.

• How did you prepare yourself for potty training? Books, websites, etc?
• What products/tools did you purchase for the potty training process that you would recommend? (Potty chairs, books for tots, training pants or diapers, etc.)
• How did you encourage your child to use the potty? (Just praise, incentive charts, treats or other rewards, etc.)
• Did you follow a method, such as potty training in 3 days or less?
• Is there anything that I left out that I must know?

Please share your wisdom.  Pretty please!