Yep its that time! But don't get me wrong....we are in NO RUSH! I truly believe you can't FORCE potty training. It has to be on the child's time! If you force it you are only making it hard on yourself, stressful for the child and a LONGER process. I have read plenty of "baby center" articles and whatnot trying to determine when to start potty training. The highlights were as follows:
Physical signsCan walk and run steadily. CHECK!Urinates a fair amount at one time. SomewhatHas regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times. Most of the timeHas "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that her bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine. This is gradually improving! (and this will be the KEY to actually start potty training)Behavioral signsCan sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes. This one may NEVER happen LOL!Can pull her pants up and down. NopeDislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper. I wouldn't say he dislikes wearing it but he is now able to acknowledge what his diaper is and where it is!Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear). He doesn't really show interest but he will sit on the potty when you sit on the potty.Gives a physical or verbal sign when she's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you. Oh the grunting....CHECK!Demonstrates a desire for independence. Doesn't every toddler?!?!?!Takes pride in her accomplishments. He's a very prideful baby!!! This is where our potty training story begins (To be continued)Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet. This is where we base our progression with potty training....if he resists anything about it we don't push it! He is in charge at the moment!Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one. In the past week or so I've noticed a big difference with this in a positive way. If we ask him to do something he does it if not with the first attempt at least the second or third...so GRATEFUL for this stage!!!Cognitive signsCan follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy." CHECK!Understands the value of putting things where they belong. CHECK!Has words for urine and stool. "wet" and "poo poo" ... I know I know...Original!Understands the physical signals that mean she has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until she has time to get to the potty. Ha!!
So as you can see we have a long way to go! But here is some progress that we have made in the past 3 months.....
The biggest battle (so far) was convincing Logan to actually sit on his (soccer) potty :o) Success came with alot of song and dance and actual demonstration on my part! The things we do for our kids!!! Once he actually sat on it once (for about 1/8 of a second) I made the biggest deal about it! you would think he had actually used the potty. So after that he was SOOO excited and proud of himself I think he went and sat on it 10 more times. FULLY clothed of course!!
Here is a home video clip:
So this process has continued for the past 3 months - Like I said....a slow unforced process!
In my opinion as long as he sees the POTTY as "fun" we still have a chance!
The past month or so we have made it a point to talk about his diaper, or when he is wet, or when he stinks. Us: "Logan you stink, do you need a diaper?" Logan: "I stink!"
Or "Logan are you wet?" with this one Logan proceeds to grab his diaper as if he is checking!
Just this past week Logan has learned the word "YES"! My FAVORITIST word yet!!! And he actually seems to understand what it means.
So now all of a sudden when we say Logan do you need to potty? He says YES!!! and runs to the potty! ---Okay people this is a BIG deal!!!
So although he is not yet accurate in telling us when he is wet or dirty, he will tell us YES to wanting to go to the potty! To me this is a great step!
Like I said I do not feel you can FORCE potty training! A toddler is either ready or he/she isn't. Forcing can only delay the process. So we embrace any interest towards it and if he is hesitant with any aspect of it we back off. HE will let US know when he is ready. His school will also start encouraging the potty training when he moves up to the 2 year old room.
I also just made a purchase for Christmas since he LOOOOVES Elmo.....
Youtube this....they actually have a song that goes with it....logan LOVES it! Thank you ELMO!!
Excuse my appearance (got caught in the rain)
The animal books are the key to getting him to sit still long enough!
The next step is getting him to sit without his pants or diaper.....
I'll keep you updated :o)
11.28.11
