It's Time to Potty Everyone

This is the story and log on how we got on track to potty train our little one. I am not saying this is the right way. This is just what worked and is working for us.

The time has come to potty train our daughter, who is two and a half. I first, had her come into the bathroom while I was going potty, Let's be honest she was going to walk in the bathroom anyways.  While I was going I asked do you hear that, that is potty. I did that a few times until she was the one to say, "oh, mama, you're going potty!" Once she understood what was kind of going on it was her turn.

We purchased a potty seat, the kind that just goes on the toilet and told her this is her special seat. Where she will be going potty just like mommy.  While she was still in her diapers a couple times a day I would encourage that we try.

 After about a week of just sitting on her special chair, I then made a chart. It had 2 sections one that was, I Tried and the other, I went on the Potty. I made a number of boxes and every five would be a special incentive. Those incentives ranged from going to Barnes and Noble, ice cream after dinner to a new book and a visit from someone special (her Emi or "The Guys")

The first week went well she tried very hard to go on the potty. With every try she would get a sticker that she would put on her chart. The big day came that I felt that she was ready to make the jump, into big girl underwear. The husband on the other hand did not feel the same way. After I explained that this is the best way for her to understand that she is a big girl now, and big girls only go in the potty.

Now with her new Tolls underwear on, she repeated, "Don't poop on Poppy." Within a few days without being asked by mommy or daddy, she was listening to her body and was peeing in the potty. That moment you see that look of I Did It, in your child's eyes, is one of the best feelings in the world. She was always looking forward to get a sticker to put on her chart.

While going potty was flowing great. There was still the hesitation of going number 2. That is when I changed the chart rules and said she only gets a sticker if she goes poo poo in the potty.  I would be lying if I said we didn't have an oops or two. However, she kept trying and finally it happened, she did it. She also, screamed as loud as she could, Poo Poos are coming, POO POOS ARE COMING.  For a whole day I thought I was raising the Paul Revere of the bathroom. Once again, it was a day of accomplishment for both of us. She was able to continue in filling in her chart boxes with a sticker.

She is now getting consistent at going and asking to go to the bathroom when we are not at home, when we are away and even at the mall. This mommy is chalking even stone up as a win.

I know you are wondering how long did this take. In a few days we will be one month into training. While I would be lying to say we are completely accident free. We are getting closer everyday. There are just a few thing to remember and that I have to remind myself too.

1. You have to remember accidents are going to happen. 
2. Don't get frustrated. Take the opportunity to talk about it.  Oh no, you went in your underwear, remember we always need to listen to our bodies. 
3. Sometime you need to over exaggerate the small accomplishments with a yahoo or a little dance. I do like to do, the you went potty dance
4. Rewards, make them your own. You know your child best. (candy and sweets wouldn't work but a book does)
5. Children are not the same. Some children will be ready earlier and some will be later. Don't push.
6. Its a rough time for everyone, there will be poop there will be potty. HAVE FUN and laugh.