Thoughts on Potty Training

When I first tried to potty train Mason back in January, I thought he was ready, but he wasn't there yet and neither was I. It was pertinent for both of us to be ready for it to work. After one day of trying, I gave up. Sure I could have stuck it out, but I think I would have gone crazy.

A couples months later, I noticed that Mason was ready and so was I. However, I knew we would be traveling in the next month, so I decided to wait a little longer. Within that time, I made sure we talked about it all the time. Talking about it definitely helped prepare him mentally, even if he wasn't physically doing it just yet.

I did a little research and compiled what I thought would be best for Mason. There are so many ways to train your child, and some ideas and tips don't work for everyone. Mason is very strong willed, which is a great quality, if directed to use it properly.

The best process for us in approaching potty training would be going cold turkey. In the past, he has done extremely well when we quit things cold turkey (paci's and bottle). For us, diapers were no different. We have no diapers in our house his size and we aren't turning back. He has gone five days without diapers and I'm confident it was the best decision for him.

I have read everywhere that potty training boys is much more difficult than potty training girls. The biggest thing to remember that it's training a child in what to do. It might take time for them to get the concept and you will constantly have to remind them or force them to sit on the potty. It takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. To get to the point where you are consistently not having any accidents will take time.

Knowing Mason's personality, we opted for a potty seat that sits on the ground opposed to sitting him on the actual toilet right away or having him stand. Some people say it can be hard for them to transition to the actual toilet by doing this. I realize that will be a challenge, but for us the biggest challenge was getting him to sit on the toilet to begin with. Now that he doesn't have a problem with it, we will slowly transition him to sitting on the toilet.

This means I won't be going out too much, atleast for long periods of time. It's a sacrifice I will make for him. The end result is worth it. Don't miss understand me, it's not easy. I have cabin fever and with Adam traveling so much for work, little adult conversation. My relationship with my coffee has never been better. Ha!

Once we start venturing out, we will make short trips out and enforce that he needs to go on the potty before we leave. If he doesn't, we will go as soon as we arrive at our destination. This will constantly be the pattern. Atleast if he goes at my house, I know the bathroom is clean.

The best thing about this trying process is Taylor watches Mason and wants to do everything he is doing. She is by no means ready and needs to wait until she is a little older. But atleast she see's him and even now wants to sit on the potty.

I was a very proud mom yesterday and celebrated Mason not having any accidents. That means he also pooped on the potty for the first time. Lucky for you, I won't post a picture, unlucky for Adam, my mom and sister. I typed "Mason pooped in the potty" before the message, but everyone was expecting a boy smiling. Instead, they got something else. Sorry. Way to go Mason!