If You Are Potty Trained, Thank Your Mother

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Seriously, call your Mother now! Everyone who has potty-trained a child deserves some kind of medal, trophy, or at least a Hallmark card congratulating them on their success.

I am currently in the throws of potty training now with my 2.5 year old. And all I can say is “Wow. Wow. WOW.”.

Now this isn’t my first time riding the ‘potty train’. Yes we call it the ‘potty train’; my daughter literally thinks there is some kind of potty train that will be pulling up to our house any day. Now that I think about it, wouldn’t that be fantastic?! Some kind of Polar Express train for two year olds? They would hop on one night in diapers and come back home the next day in underwear!

 But back to reality…. I really do have a success story- my 6 year old is a fully functioning, potty-using kid. So I know I can do it, I have done it before! However, over the past 3 years, the memory of this potty business has faded.

And as it turns out that things that you need to know for potty training are actually pretty important life lessons as well. So if you are at that stage in life where you are up to your elbows in diapers or if you rode that potty train years ago, don’t worry. I will save you the time and trouble and share my insights with you. 

 

1. Be patient.

Just because you are ready for something to happen, doesn’t mean it will. That new job, a raise, selling your home. And using the potty. It will never happen on your schedule.

2. Ask for help.

Things are easier with a second opinion, a shoulder to lean on, someone to hold your hand. And if you are dealing with the potty, trust me, you will need some help.

3. Be prepared to do a lot of laundry.

Life is messy. Enough said.

4. Always have a good book on hand.

You never know when you will have to sit still and wait. And wait. And wait.

5. Reward yourself for a job well done.

Stickers and jelly beans, or maybe clothes, shoes, and a new purse :)

6. Most success is achieved by just showing up on time.

No matter what, be on time. That way you won’t the opportunity to succeed. Half of the challenge of potty training or life is just getting there before it’s too late.

7.  Don’t compare yourself with others.

No one is the same. No one needs the pressure of trying to be someone else either. So what if your cousin was potty-trained at 18 months!

8. Remember Murphy’s Law

If something can wrong, it will probably will. You might show up at the park, give your kid a big juice box, and then find out the bathroom is closed for cleaning. Ugh.

9. Be prepared.

You never know when you are going to need a change of clothes. Oh and pack a spare potty in your trunk—refer to #8.

10. When things get tough, don’t forget to giggle.

In 5 years, will this moment matter? If not, don’t stress. Laughter is better for your face!

Because “All You Really Need to Know in Life, You Learned on the Potty”.

Sharing my thoughts on potty training at: Home Stories A to Z , Tatertots and Jello, The 36th Avenue, Serenity Now,  Be Different, Act Normal,  Positively Splendid 

**This article was originally shared on SouthlakeMoms.com-- a great site for families. Check it out!