Potty Training 101

Potty Training...one of those parenting topics that feels very foggy when you try to start implementing your plan. I now know why most parents dread the beginning of potty training.

At first, I was one who didn't have a plan, but thought to myself, at least I am introducing the idea to Kyla. Our family has been sick this last week. I decided to start potty training at the same time. I wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but thought since we were going to be house bound anyway, why not start. After getting lots of advice from those parents that have gone before us, as well as those just wishing us luck, we decided to jump all in and start!

We decided on three tips that we were going to use:

*Only use big girl panties (including nap), and do pull ups at night until Kyla can get the hang of going on the potty. to be honest, I was a little nervous of this one because I knew there would be many accidents.

*Instead of asking if Kyla had to go potty, we used the phrase "let mommy/daddy know when you have to go potty". This way she would be thinking it was her idea to use the potty. Kyla is strong willed and very determined to have things be her idea and her timing.

*We would give "treats" and BIG cheers for when she went %100 in the potty and not on the floor. Then she would get "treats" for telling me she had to go, and going.

* Giver her as much juice or liquids as she wanted. She needed lots of opportunities to learn the sensation, and experience the potty.

We are on day four now, and Kyla is now telling me when she has to go, and has no accidents today (we have a couple of hours before bed time). I would have never thought that she would "get it" so fast! Yes, there are many methods and all kids will be different, but this TOTALLY WORKED! The first day was long and hard with 9 accidents and 10 pairs of panties. However, she learned in that one day the sensation of going potty because day two she only had three accidents and half the day she used the potty with no accidents at all. I must admit though, I wanted to give up after day one. I felt like there was not one room in the house I hadn't cleaned in, and I was really wondering if she was learning anything. The best advice that I was given, came to my mind that night..."stick with it, she will get it".

I am so proud of Kyla, and feel a little proud of myself and Jason for sticking with it. Granted the process is not perfect or over yet, however I feel like we have gotten past the first hurdle. I am sure there are days to come that will feel like set backs, but I will remain excited for accomplishing the first hurdle of potty training.