PT update

ambmama

Hey ladies - just wanted to post an update. So DS did so well day 1 - he had 2 accidents but actually had a blast running to the potty each time he had to go. He'd tell me he had to pee or poop (which sometimes was gas), would run and go, and then ran to the kitchen for his m&m treat. I was feeling so positive. On Sunday he did ok at first - told H he had to poop and went twice on the potty. When we were both around, however, things went bad. He starting just peeing every few minutes on the floor and crying. H was trying to make him feel bad about and I tried to explain that's not the way I wanted to train. He said he thought he should feel embarrassed for peeing on the floor and I wanted to smack him! I want to promote using the potty, encourage him to keep doing it, and support and teach when he has an accident. Well H was not onboard and we were all upset and stressed. So I stopped. I literally said ok, enough - and put a diaper on DS. The rest of the day was fine outside of my frustration. Now knowing DS has croup makes me think he was starting to feel crappy and just couldn't deal with it all. He asked to go potty a few times today and I took him (and he went), but I'm keeping him in pull ups. If he happens to feel better by wed I will try again on wed-fri, but if not I'm just going to hold off until I can take another 3 days alone with DS. So my biggest advice - make sure if your SO is going to be around that they are completely onboard with your PT style!

OhBaby+2013

Sounds like a good start with a bump in the road. I'm sure you will tackle it your way as soon as you can but it really sounds like you're off to a good start. I'm hoping to try the first week of Feb when DS is off to help as PTing while looking after an infant is tricky! We've been trying to get Benjamin to poop on the potty and he's been doing it on and off but he seems to suddenly have some fear. I'm curious if you are using a book or website as reference. I'd appreciate any direction you can point me. And thanks for the tip, I will speak with DS about style!

Mom2anAngel2

I'm sorry it turned into a frustration, but it really sounds like he is so ready. I agree that there really shouldn't be embarrassment or punishment for accidents. It is all about learning.

I hope he feels better soon!

ambmama

@OhBaby+2013‌ we haven't used books or anything else really - I've just asked other mamas what they do. Up until this week I would ask him periodically if he wanted to use the potty and if I noticed him pooping is say let's poop in the potty! Even if he was almost or completely done, I think it helped him to associate poop to the potty. He actually poops more often in the potty than his diaper. Peeing is a different ball game - he's completely comfortable peeing and not saying anything, but was excited to tell me this week.

@katrine_05‌ I feel ya, mama! I think some men just don't understand, but it's proven that a supportive and encouraging environment will speed up potty training. So I told H he will need to remove himself from any potty discussions next time I try with DS. He seems to understand though he may not agree.

I do think he's ready but I'm not pushing him. He's 2 tomorrow and dc doesn't officially start PT until 3. I had to make special arrangements in case he was PT when he goes back next week. If he is - awesome! If he's not, I'll keep encouraging and probably try every other month or so until it takes. Really it's not a big deal to me except I can tell he is ready - the transition is just super hard! Appreciate all of your support!

ambmama

It is hard but it can definitely be a positive experience, I think. That's why I just paused when I felt everyone was stressed! T seems so much better today so I think we might give it a go again tomorrow. He has asked me to use the potty multiple times now in public and especially would rather poop on the potty. We will all get there!

ReeceFamily

I wanted to say thanks for posting all this.  I'm so clueless about PTing, this all helps.

ambmama

@ClaryPax‌ ha well I think it will always be stressful on the mama, especially when they are pretty 'trained' but you leave the house lol. I at least think the 3 day naked part shouldn't be stressful because you at least just expect them to pee everywhere!

jobiann

Sounds like you had a great start and after he is feeling better you can pick back up again! I'm scared to start PT, but J hasn't shown much interest yet....so I'm not pressuring him!

brachysira

We tried the 3 day method yesterday and quit.  I do not recommend it.  M used to love to sit on the potty and can poop there and occasionally pee there.  Tell her she must sit when you grab her...that is not her style.  Now she hates the potty and this apparently extends to booster seats at restaurants that look like potties.  Diapers will make life easier for all of us so back to optional potty use, which probably won't be preferred until something happens to make potty use seem fun again. Also, giving your child tons to drink and then not having them wear a diaper, as per the 3 day method, is crazy!  She was running and peeing pretty much non stop and just wiping it up wore us to a frazzle.

ambmama

@brachysira‌ so sorry to hear! Yours is the first story I've personally heard that was negative! I have 2 friends who had their babies PTed before 2 (one a boy, one a girl) and both used this method so I figured it was good for the age. That said - every kid is different! I tried to make it a game and did treats when he went, so he wanted to go even for gas because he wanted the m&m lol. Maybe not the best but it was working. These babies are young, though - I hope your little one gets back to liking the potty and you find something that works!

brachysira

Thanks.  We may try the bribe next--I bought some chocolate chips so if I don't eat them, we can try it.  M is ready but she does not want anything to be imposed.  It must be her idea or nothing.  I am pretty sure with the chocolate she will just say, NO, give me chocolate NOW.  And refuse to do what we want...but someday she'll decide she is a big girl and that will be the end of diapers.

court115

It sounds like you're doing a great job! I'm sure you're right - that his accidents were because he was starting to feel sick. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that training goes well from here on out