We have all heard of the parents who can potty train their kids in 3 days. You might be one of those parents who did it in no time, and I must say, you impress me. I have a major mom confession to make; it has taken me one year to completely potty train my daughter. It has been a slow process, but it is finally complete. It was never my intention for it to take so long, but I definitely took the “laid back approach” to potty training. Since I am sure many people have shared how they trained their kids in lightening speed, I thought I would let you see how to do it the slow way. Here’s a little timeline, for those of you asking how it could possibly have taken that long!
January 2015
We started with a cute little potty and encouraged our daughter to sit on it. This typically ended with her running around the house in the nude and on many occasions having an accident on the carpet.
April 2015
I bought a book about potty training and we read it constantly to our daughter. She finally went potty a few times.
May 2015
Hello, sticker charts! We got serious about our sticker chart and every time she went to the bathroom was a celebration. I was still terrified to take her out in public without a diaper, so we only went on the potty at home.
July 2015
We started journeying out in public without diapers on. Hurray!
August 2015
We went on a long vacation, moved to a house and potty training got put on the back burner. Two steps back.
November 2015
Our daughter began going out in public every time (no exceptions) without a diaper.
January 2016
After about a week of her waking up with dry diapers from nap and bedtime we finally started wearing underwear to bed. She has only had a few accidents in the night since we made the leap. And, the big one, she finally started pooping on the potty. I never thought I would be so excited about a bowel movement. It took a lot of bribery and sitting in the bathroom, but she did it!
So, now we have a potty trained toddler in our house. It’s exciting. I wrote this because I want to give other type B mamas some encouragement. Potty training doesn’t have to be a race, and it certainly isn’t a competition with other moms. It can be a slow process, and life can get in the way. My daughter is so proud now that she gets to wear big girl underwear all the time and I am so happy that we don’t have to buy diapers for her anymore!
