Carlson's Best Life: Potty Training/Help a Mom Out

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Potty Training/Help a Mom Out

As if I don't have enough to do already, Micah has decided to start sitting on the potty. This is exciting, but once he sat on it twice, it occurred to me that when it comes to potty training a BOY, I am clueless. I know many people suggest letting them water the plants, but considering we live dead center in town and have a lot of traffic on our street, I'm thinking that's not the best idea.

All of you moms to boys who have successfully potty trained your little fellows, I'd love to hear from you. How did you do it? What are the tricks? Are there any great resources, books, etc. on Potty training boys? I'd especially love to to hear the "Whatever you do, DO NOT......," as I'm a little afraid to take on this challenge as I will explain a little further down. However, I figure if he is walking to the potty and trying to get on it, he must be ready, right? Note: I do have a potty cover (seat) for our regular toilet, but am open to getting his own potty if necessary.

My concern:
Micah is 22 months. He will be 2 years old on March 16, 2013. It seems too early for me. I'm trying to decide if I'm just not ready or if this is just a phase that Micah is going through. I want to see consistency once we potty train and I don't want him to revert back once we start the process. I think the key to this can sometimes be in the MOMMY not rushing a child into something too quickly. Do any of you have thoughts on his age or the best age to start potty training? I understand that our children have a way of letting us know when they are ready for something, but I have never been one to rush into things either. I was originally planning to potty train once he was two, but I had never thought, "once he is two years of age, he will be potty trained." I'd love some feedback on this. Am I thinking about this too much and making it too big of an issue or am I being wise by thinking twice about getting started?

I think it's easy to comment in the comments section below...if you'd like. Or then again, I guess the potty training conversation (although, it might drive some people crazy on fb) is normal for us moms on fb..lol.

1 comment:

AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 5:36 PM
Here's my experience and opinion after potty training Cooper (just after he turned 2). I think it is imperative to wait until they are ready, and it's GREAT that Micah is showing interest. We had a little potty in the bathroom from the time Cooper was one. I would randomly ask if he wanted to sit on the potty. Sometimes he would say no and sometimes yes, but I wouldn't push it. Then right around two I noticed a pattern to his wet diapers. He would stay dry all morning and then wet his diaper right before or right after lunch. So I decided that every day right after lunch we would go sit on the potty. He basically caught on by the second day. He was also very motivated by the idea of wearing undies. I made a sticker chart for him, and anytime he put anything in the potty (even just a few drops) he got to put a star on the chart. When the chart was filled, he got to wear undies. Worked like a charm. What also helped us a lot was that he HATED the feeling of having an accident...it totally freaked him out. I've heard that a lot of boys couldn't care less if they are soaking wet, which can make it a little harder. Good luck! I say don't push it, watch for a pattern in his diapers, and when you are both ready go for it!
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August in Review

August has been a very busy month and we are not quite done yet. Micah turned 5 months on August 16, and is doing so much: sitting on his own, playing every morning and afternoon in his activity saucer for 15 minutes at a time, pushing up on his forearms and getting on his knees when he is on his belly. He has also already cut his two front bottom teeth and appears to be working on cutting a top tooth. I'm thinking we are going to have a crawler very soon. He is growing so quickly and we are totally captivated by his every move.
Alana is getting ready to begin 2nd grade. I just can't believe that my child is going into 2nd grade. Where has all of the time gone? She is full of energy, love and zeal for life. Her typical days in the month of August have consisted of play dates, swimming, riding her bike, Bible School (she attended 5 this summer), traveling and hanging out with the family. I have promised her that we WILL go to the beach before summer ends, so I have two weeks left to make that promise come true.
Jim hashad a busy month so far and we are praising God for his new position/transfer closer to home. He will begin at his new location on the September 1, and we are so happy that he will be closer to home now. We are going to really enjoy meeting him for lunch and getting to kiss and hug him goodbye in the mornings now that he will not be leavign quite so early. God is AWESOME!!!! He always works things out for the good for those who love him (just a little paraphrasing..lol)
I have also had a busy month so far. One of the memorable things I've done this month besides playing the role of mom and giving vocal and piano lessons was being a part of the Royal Tea hosted by the 1st P.H. Church. It was a great experience and the guests speaker, Connie Hale, really spoke a message that penetrated deeply. Her word somewhat revived my heart and reminded me of the quality of life I have as a "Daughter of the King." I have willfully let go every unkind, critical and negative word ever spoken over me. I have determined that I WILL NOT listen to, entertain or accept any opinion of me given by others that is contrary to the words and thoughts of GOD. I am living a more productive and satisfying life because of it.
Below are a few pictures to document this month. I will obviously be adding more pics as the month comes to an end. In the future I will only update this section on a monthly basis.