Hindsight is one of those things, I’m finding, that parenthood is good at breeding. Looking back even over a short time, it’s possible to second-guess and do things better in my mind. I know this is a no-win situation, yet still I do it. (I’ve head it only get worse. Lord, help me!)
As I look back over the last few months, I realize I let a golden opportunity pass me by, because I was too lazy. There’s no nicer way to say it. Toddler-tron was ready for the potty. She would sit on it, she would sign to me that she just went, she seemed to be OK with the potty in general.
And now….now, we’re in a different place. We’re facing guerrilla warfare. And I appreciate now that the one who’s being potty-trained is, in fact, ME.
You see, I’m the one who needs the discipline to put her on the potty every 20-30 minutes and especially after she’s had a drink. I’m the one who needs to let go of diapers and just spend a day with her in the cotton trainers (I do think that if she spends a day like that, things will make sense to her). I’m the one who needs to make the sacrifice.
And so, Lord, I’m asking for strength, AGAIN, and patience, and all those virtues motherhood requires to keep me from committing a mortal sin…or should I say, a mortality?
I’ll be praying for you to Hang In There. Potty training is never easy. It’s never done in a day. But yes, the only way to REALLY get it done is to put her in some underwear. Those pull-ups are just expensive diapers, but harder to put on!
Thanks, Barb! Underwear Day is going to be sometime next week. This is fair week and out-of-town family visiting week. She’s right there with it. So close. **I** am the one who needs the discipline… Thanks for your prayers!
Yes, I delayed Jenny (who will be 3 in September) for way too long. Her older sister just did it around age 2, and so I kept thinking she would want to do it too. Nope. I told her on vacation that there would be no more diapers when we got home (except nap and bedtime). Her problem (my problem!) is that she goes on the potty if naked, but not if wearing underwear. So, we’re (she’s) naked around here most of the time.
I tell moms all the time: get them around 18 months. Knuckle down and stay home for a month until they’re confident. I just need to take my own advice!!!
Well, we’re at that 18 month mark, Michelle, so I’m right on track. Have you read anything about the early potty training? With next child (whenever THAT may be), I plan to buckle down and do that. (In theory – everything with motherhood is “in theory” methinks!)
She’s only 18 months? You’ve got PLENTY of time.
Yeah, that’s true Barb. I think first time around it seems so much more IMPORTANT than maybe it is. And along that vein, I’m probably going to do a whole post about molehills becoming mountains and vice versa… 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement!
Yes, I did read a book about early potty training and it sounds like it could work…in another household!
You live on a farm, and that actually makes things a LOT easier for you than for me. Here I have tons of neighbors, kids popping in all day, my kids wanting to go out and do things, neighbors wanting me to come over…and that’s summertime. During the school year, I also have to focus on teaching the kids. It’s much easier to isolate yourself from the outside world on a farm to focus on potty training the little one.
Yesterday, I went to a neighbor’s house for a half hour and had to leave after 15 minutes because Jenny, who had gone potty right before we left, went again on their floor (she just can’t remember when wearing panties). I had her naked in the morning, but then some workers came over to my house and I had to put a dress on her to cover her up a bit (for safety more than modesty).
Often I wish for a farm and the accompanying isolation. I would love to do school outside on a beautiful fall day. I would love for my child to play outside naked as a jaybird until she understood that urine running down her leg is icky. And I would love to tell my boys to just go play and not think that they’d be dragging home every 6 to 9 year old in the area for snacks!
I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble with yuor daughter. She’s at a good age for it, and it’s a good time of the year (nudity is always best when it’s warm!). Good luck!
So I’m looking at my old farmhouse and surrounding property in a whole different way, Michelle. Thanks for the new perspective. However, we spend our days at work, in town at the parish offices, so her little naked self will have to be sort of clothed. But you’re right, she’s at a good age, and I keep reminding myself **I** am the one who needs trained. She just needs to learn how to express it!