Gabriel has been in underwear for over 2 weeks. Yeah!
Okay, I know he is closer to 4 than 3, and it is about time, but I have to say that this was cake.
All I had to do was keep myself from caring what all the other parents think (you know, the ones whose children were all potty-trained by 2 max.), and just decide that diaper changes are so much better and convenient than cleaning out poopy underwear and footprints of the same from the carpet (okay, you may not agree, but really diapers are easy!).
I had faith that if left alone about it, he would eventually want to stop the diaper changes. I must admit to a few moments of doubt as to whether this would happen before age 6.
I provided as much motivation as I could without pushing, but nothing seemed to entice him.
Well, when David went to the US last month, I had him buy some spiderman underwear, and I ordered some lizard and frog underwear (likes super heroes and animals). I washed all these and showed him the stack of underwear waiting for him "when he was ready" (FYI: I had tried the cool underwear tactic before to no avail). This time, he liked the idea and asked to put some on.
I reminded him that if he had underwear on he would have to use the toilet. He had one pee accident that day. I just reminded him that if he went in his underwear he would always get wet like that. We cleaned it up (one big hurrah for all-tile floors), and then I asked if he wanted more underwear or a diaper (I may have made one sound a bit more thrilling than the other, but not enough to be obvious--hee, hee). He chose underwear and has been wearing them ever since.
I tried to gear myself up for the many bathroom runs and reminders, but later that day I just found him in the bathroom on the toilet pooping "I'm doing snake poops, mom." "Okay!!"
*Just one more perk for the late trainer--tall enough not to need my help or even a stool, just climbs on up there and, wa-la!
So, you may be one whose 1 year old is begging to use the potty just like her big sister, but if you're not and you don't have the pressure of potty-training in preparation for preschool (I never sent mine before 4, so this wasn't an issue--though close enough, I suppose), this approach isn't so bad. All it takes is CONFIDENCE (of course, you can totally fake the whole confidence thing, like me. Just start practicing when they are born and by the time you really need it, you may be able to fake even yourself out!).
Go Gabriel!!
Okay, I know he is closer to 4 than 3, and it is about time, but I have to say that this was cake.
All I had to do was keep myself from caring what all the other parents think (you know, the ones whose children were all potty-trained by 2 max.), and just decide that diaper changes are so much better and convenient than cleaning out poopy underwear and footprints of the same from the carpet (okay, you may not agree, but really diapers are easy!).
I had faith that if left alone about it, he would eventually want to stop the diaper changes. I must admit to a few moments of doubt as to whether this would happen before age 6.
I provided as much motivation as I could without pushing, but nothing seemed to entice him.
Well, when David went to the US last month, I had him buy some spiderman underwear, and I ordered some lizard and frog underwear (likes super heroes and animals). I washed all these and showed him the stack of underwear waiting for him "when he was ready" (FYI: I had tried the cool underwear tactic before to no avail). This time, he liked the idea and asked to put some on.
I reminded him that if he had underwear on he would have to use the toilet. He had one pee accident that day. I just reminded him that if he went in his underwear he would always get wet like that. We cleaned it up (one big hurrah for all-tile floors), and then I asked if he wanted more underwear or a diaper (I may have made one sound a bit more thrilling than the other, but not enough to be obvious--hee, hee). He chose underwear and has been wearing them ever since.
I tried to gear myself up for the many bathroom runs and reminders, but later that day I just found him in the bathroom on the toilet pooping "I'm doing snake poops, mom." "Okay!!"
*Just one more perk for the late trainer--tall enough not to need my help or even a stool, just climbs on up there and, wa-la!
So, you may be one whose 1 year old is begging to use the potty just like her big sister, but if you're not and you don't have the pressure of potty-training in preparation for preschool (I never sent mine before 4, so this wasn't an issue--though close enough, I suppose), this approach isn't so bad. All it takes is CONFIDENCE (of course, you can totally fake the whole confidence thing, like me. Just start practicing when they are born and by the time you really need it, you may be able to fake even yourself out!).
Go Gabriel!!
6 comments:
go Gabbi!!! who could turn down spider man undies and lizard ones!! good job beck.. i need to find me some of those.. (for myself ofcourse) :) :)
deb
I knew he would be in underwear when he came to visit us in Aug. we are very glad for the big step in growing up!!! He is no longer a toddler, but is a little boy now. We love you Gab!!! Grandma
I was so relieved to read this story. I have been getting hassled for not having Jack potty trained and he isn't even three yet!! We have tried the cool underwear trick too, but I think he is just not ready yet! Thanks for making me feel better about my motherhood intuition!
P.S. Loved your e-mail about life in Italy. Thanks for your "chapter" I expect chapter two in a few weeks! Ha! Ha!
Yay Gabe :) Thats great. All kids take their own time. I tried everything with my twin boys and they knew what they needed to do but just didnt want to do it (playing was much more fun.)i tried stickers, takeing them every 2 hours,cherioes to pee on, charts, money , points towards a toy they want, just asking nicely, underwear, finally at 4 years and 2 months they started preschool and boom all the other kids were using the toilet and they wanted to also yaya. (i agree with you about the diapers being easier Rebekah i hate cleaning out #2 undies)
I can no longer call Gabe, Gabee Babee. Although I'm sad to see the name go, I'm excited for you Becky. He is such a big kid! Love you
wow- gabe looks just like eli in this picture...
great job with the potty!!
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