About a million years ago I mentioned we were in the throes of toilet training. Well, here at the Widdle Stop Cafe, I am pleased to say, the torture, oh I mean learning experience is over. Phew.. It was a long slog. In fact, I think it took almost 8 months to say that we're pretty well done and dusted. Not that I am complaining. To be on the other side is a great thing, we weren't particularly pushy about it, we wanted it to be driven by the little man at his own pace.
Given we had a new baby, I thought we'd put it off til this upcoming summer.. But our little man decided it was time to train, and train he did (hey anything to do with trains and he's there!).
I blogged about Elizabeth Pantley's book (she has an appropriate surname, no?) about toilet training. I bought it. I read a bit. But really, we trusted our own intuition.
We star charted it like there was no tomorrow. Reward. Reward. Reward. Bulk packs of Matchbox cars were a big hit (one at a time of course). Smarties - a hit. Anything 'treat' like - a hit. I have to admit, there was a lot of 'attempting' in order to get some runs on the board, or in this case stars on the chart. And we rewarded it all. It was positive reinforcement to the max turned up to ten.
We did hit a standstill. We stopped for a couple of weeks. I felt frustrated and cranky - he picked up on that. So we went cold turkey. And that was definitely a good thing, because when we returned to it - he went hammer and tongs and nailed it.
We, as parents, made mistakes. And that's ok. It was hard work - some days. But for the most part, it just became part of the routine. Even though we're done, there are still going to be accidents. We're all ok with this. I made a purchase a while back, which I kind of questioned at the time, but I'm glad I did because it's been used - but only a couple of times. It's really just a precautionary thing - the Kiddopotamus Piddle Pad. Pretty silly name - but it makes sense. Pop it in your car seat or pram and it saves it from being peed on.
Now I am just trying to convince my little dude that he can do a wee while we're out and about. For now, he's got stage fright, and holds on 'til we get home.
9 comments:
That's so funny...my nephew Moo Moo is just starting training this week. I went to visit thisafternoon and he was running around the house with wiggles undies on his head!
I am still a failure...I am beyond frustrated. I am patiently waiting for B to do it on his own...we may be waiting a long time. Congrats to you! and your sweet boy!
I wish my son had held on. He preferred to "fire at a tree" than use the toilet.
oh glad your went with your intuition. If there's one piece of advice I'd give to new parents it would be that...it's worked for us so far. Cute photo - watch my blog for an appearance of the same green check shirt at a certain someones 1st b'day party soon!
I've got this to look forward to again soon. Daugher #1 was pretty easy so hoping daughter #2 is too
We're just starting with Miss 2 now, she has been climbing onto the toilet so we guess she wants to start... This is a great post - gives me confidence to do it intuitively, with rewards. Thank you.
Congrats! I've gotta get past the weaning stage first. I thought if I waited till he was two I could talk to him about it. He's now 21 months and he points at my chest and says 'mine'! It's gonna be tougher than I thought...
I shall spare you the details but we still struggle in the training. One half we have to perfection, anytime anywhere (I never thought we could) part 2 of the process, 5 months later still getting NOWHERE. So frustrating!! My comfrot is I never see an 18 year old in a nappy so they must get the hang of it evenetually despite my efforts.
I'm so glad to have this long behind us.
The only thing I can say about toilet training is that they will do it in their own good time.
There's pretty much nothing us poor parents can do but wait for them to take the lead.
I tried too soon with my boys and only caused tears and frustration for all concerned (and a lot of washing).
Your boy will get there.
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