How Potty Training Snuck Up On Me

by Justine C. Tajonera

I was getting worried about Badger getting potty trained. We tried different methods:

• Not putting his diapers on
• Getting him used to the toilet (letting him flush the toilet, letting him get familiar with peeing and pooping in the toilet)
• Letting him use lampin diapers so he realizes that he's wet

All to no avail.We had several disastrous accidents involving pee and poop. I threw in the towel and we went back to disposable diapers.

Then one magical day (just a week ago), Badger tells me, "Mommy, wee wee!" And this time, he wasn't referring to pee on the floor. He actually looked uncomfortable holding it in. And he was in diapers! So, we both hurried to the toilet and he peed into the toilet. He did this several times in the day.

All About Patience
I was completely amazed. Just when I stopped trying, he picked it up. When they say, "wait until your child is ready," I didn't completely trust the statement. I mean, how is he supposed to learn how to go to the potty if you don't teach him, right? But what I didn't get was the very gradual process. All your efforts don't go to waste but it takes a while and it takes some getting used to.

I guess what I learned here was to let go of the stress but not to let go of the opportunities to keep teaching him and guiding him. It's all about patience!

(Feb. 11, 2010)
Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/46511298@N00/2169714873