I have a friend who just gave birth to her 4th child. Her other children include a toddler, a preschooler and a school-age child. A potty training child is always on this woman's mind. She confessed to me that she was trying to get the toddler potty trained before the new baby arrived - something I have also tried to do with no success.
Well, maybe I should amend that. When my oldest was waiting (!) for the birth of his little brother, I was sure talk of being a 'big boy' would finally inspire him to completely toilet train.
No, it inspired him to show me that he knew exactly what I was talking about and he wasn't going to do it. And I couldn't make him.
I was so frustrated by the time my second son arrived. And then a miracle happened. Or rather, Grandma happened. My wonderful mom, caring for my older son while I was busy in the hospital with my newest son, told my oldest he wanted to be potty trained. He was a big brother now.
And so he did. By the time I came home from the hospital (2 days), my oldest was happily trained. I felt foolish and grateful at the same time.
Was it the Grandma touch? Being away from me? Just deciding? I don't know. But after potty training 3 other kids, all equally creative, I learned that while I could guide and influence the process only a child can potty train himself.
Lesson learned. By mom.
Well, maybe I should amend that. When my oldest was waiting (!) for the birth of his little brother, I was sure talk of being a 'big boy' would finally inspire him to completely toilet train.
No, it inspired him to show me that he knew exactly what I was talking about and he wasn't going to do it. And I couldn't make him.
I was so frustrated by the time my second son arrived. And then a miracle happened. Or rather, Grandma happened. My wonderful mom, caring for my older son while I was busy in the hospital with my newest son, told my oldest he wanted to be potty trained. He was a big brother now.
And so he did. By the time I came home from the hospital (2 days), my oldest was happily trained. I felt foolish and grateful at the same time.
Was it the Grandma touch? Being away from me? Just deciding? I don't know. But after potty training 3 other kids, all equally creative, I learned that while I could guide and influence the process only a child can potty train himself.
Lesson learned. By mom.
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