Yes You've read that right! I just finished potty training my 3 years & 2 month old girl!!! if you like to ask me why this late, or what took you this long? Trust me, I have no Idea myself !!
I was told 2nd child is a fast boomer, they love to imitate and will do so upon watching other kids especially what their eldest are doing! I mean that's how it was with my 1st born...regardless of all my attempts along with his day care teachers he just wouldn't show any encouraging signs! Till that summer when he was almost 2 years and 4 month and he saw his best friend wearing a cool underwear and at that moment he demanded to take off his diapers!!
However, my daughter was a totally different story!!
I was told 2nd child is a fast boomer, they love to imitate and will do so upon watching other kids especially what their eldest are doing! I mean that's how it was with my 1st born...regardless of all my attempts along with his day care teachers he just wouldn't show any encouraging signs! Till that summer when he was almost 2 years and 4 month and he saw his best friend wearing a cool underwear and at that moment he demanded to take off his diapers!!
However, my daughter was a totally different story!!
I'm not sure how old she was (I'm guessing around 8 month) when she started showing signs of irritations from wearing her diaper...unlike my eldest who had no issues of spending time in his own poop!! We even tried to put her on a potty and she cooperated. We thought waw what a relief, what a joy, I mean could it all be this true? this easy? Will we be over with the diapers this soon?!! But then, she suddenly stopped!
NOW I DO AGREE that 8 month is just too YOUNG! I shouldn't have fall under everyone's pressure to push her for going diaper-free!! Don't try to rush the process by starting when your child is too young.
Most children are ready to begin potty training between the age of 2 and slightly after their third birthday, with boys tending to come in later in this time zone. About 50% of boys are trained by age three while 66% of girls are trained by age three. The American Association of Pediatrics reports that kids who begin potty training at 18 months are generally not fully trained until age 4, while kids who begin training at age 2 are generally fully trained by age 3. Many kids will not master bowel movements on the toilet until well into their fourth year.
I do admit back then I was under the spell of all awesome feeling you get once it's over with -- because changing and dealing with diapers is just extremely tiring and stressful!! But then when you actually start with the process of toilet training your child, and start experiencing a NEW level of stress you would want to keep them in diapers for whatever time it will takes..or till they show ready signs!
Especially if you are dealing with a STUBBORN CHILD!!
NOW I DO AGREE that 8 month is just too YOUNG! I shouldn't have fall under everyone's pressure to push her for going diaper-free!! Don't try to rush the process by starting when your child is too young.
Most children are ready to begin potty training between the age of 2 and slightly after their third birthday, with boys tending to come in later in this time zone. About 50% of boys are trained by age three while 66% of girls are trained by age three. The American Association of Pediatrics reports that kids who begin potty training at 18 months are generally not fully trained until age 4, while kids who begin training at age 2 are generally fully trained by age 3. Many kids will not master bowel movements on the toilet until well into their fourth year.
I do admit back then I was under the spell of all awesome feeling you get once it's over with -- because changing and dealing with diapers is just extremely tiring and stressful!! But then when you actually start with the process of toilet training your child, and start experiencing a NEW level of stress you would want to keep them in diapers for whatever time it will takes..or till they show ready signs!
Especially if you are dealing with a STUBBORN CHILD!!
What are the signs?
The worst thing you can do when starting on this journey with a stubborn child is beginning the process too early. (Lesson Learned!) If they aren't ready to start, they will not cooperate. It's just as simple as that.
Generally speaking: Here are some of the major signs to look for:
- Your child will tell you when their diaper is dirty.
- Their diaper stays dry for about two hours at a time during the day.
- Bowel movements come at regular times.
- Your child may show an interest in the toilet and an interest in underpants.
- Your child may take off wet diapers themselves because they're uncomfortable.
- You may notice your child making a face before peeing or pooping.
- You may also notice that your child is more independent, wants to do things for themselves or do them their own way, and probably enjoys some alone time.
- Your child will tell you BEFORE hand that they need to use the bathroom.
 We started again when she was around 2 years old! Her big Brother convincing her of all the benefits of being a big girl while reading a potty story! | Rewarding stickers on the potty! |
However, when it has to do with your stubborn child, they could and will show all the above signs yet still refuse to take off the diapers! As it was in my case :(
Despite the cool small potty we got her, the rewarding stamps and stickers, the potty story, and singing along with her in the bathroom she just wouldn't cooperate!
2 month after she started her daycare and right around her 3rd birthday she decided to TAKE OFF THE DIAPERS! She said she is a BIG GIRL now and wants to be like her classmates!
I was so taken back and felt guilty for not trusting my own child to make the RIGHT CHOICE WHEN SHE WAS READY!
Thus, we went out shopping for all the coolest and colorful underwear (not to mention, she insisted to show them off every morning to her teachers and friends; her way of feeling proud of her own milestone!)
It took us up to 2 weeks to be clean (AND yes, we had occasional ACCIDENTS..)
But ever since, whenever she feels she needed to go, she would undress herself and go sit on her potty :)
During those 2 weeks we stayed home as much as possible and then we got a potty on the go :) which was very practical, easy to use, and easy to carry along!
Nevertheless, we keep a change or 2 with us just in case...
Nevertheless, we keep a change or 2 with us just in case...
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I hope our potty training journey was helpful. In the end, it is all about what works best for you and your child! Make it work for your family!
Remember:
Relax and take it easy. Your child will learn how to use the toilet, even if they are terribly stubborn. It may take a bit longer and you certainly don't want to rush or pressure them, but if they're developmentally ready to potty train, it will happen. Really.
Thanks for reading it out and sharing it with your fellow "moms of toddlers"!
Good luck xx
Remember:
Relax and take it easy. Your child will learn how to use the toilet, even if they are terribly stubborn. It may take a bit longer and you certainly don't want to rush or pressure them, but if they're developmentally ready to potty train, it will happen. Really.
Thanks for reading it out and sharing it with your fellow "moms of toddlers"!
Good luck xx
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