There comes a point in every parent’s life when, while looking at their prodigy, they sit back and say, “I’m proud of that little person over there.” This past week, my friends, I had just such an experience.
For the past three and one-half years I’ve been changing diapers. If you figure that a child goes through 3 diapers a day (a conservative estimate by far) that works out to a little more than 3,800 diapers I or my wife have changed since my son was born. That’s a crapload of diapers (pun most definitely intended).
Some people are pretty adamant about potty training their kids early. Just give these parents a ball whistle and they’re one set of Military fatigues away from being a drill sergeant. I even knew a family who insisted on potty training their boy before he turned ten months old. I think it’s just common sense to let a kid develop at their own rate so that’s why we never forced the issue with our son. We did, however, encourage him to use the potty.
Going pee pee in the potty was second nature to the boy. He was a pro, completely messless, it was phenomenal. But poo poo? No way. Sit the boy down on the potty when he had to go poo poo and you might as well have thrown Diego off a cliff right in front of him. He was mortified to do the deuce on the throne. You could cut the frustration with a spoon.
But this past week, without warning, he has started taking the kids to the pool all on his own, without any prodding from us. At first it was hard to believe. But now we’re in diaper-less bliss. Oh what a wonderful thing it is!
MY SON HAS CONQUERED THE THRONE!
7 Comments
Well I know we are all glad to hear this Ben, purging the cache is always a huge accomplishment for a child. So say goodbye to those diapers and celebrate.
Congrats, this is huge!
Our doctor keeps asking if Mikah (2 1/2) is potty trained, and then rolls her eyes when we say no. But, she is getting there. I do find it mildly amusing that your son would pee, but not poo on the throne, while Mikah is totally opposite. When she has to poo, she asks to go on the potty, but doesn’t even think twice about peeing in her diaper.
Of course, she is also a Diego nut, and goes around making baby humpback whale noises (her favorite episode, which we have to keep recorded on the DVR at all times).
@Nick: I like that, “purging the cache.”
@Chris: Doctors all disagree on this stuff. Some say you shouldn’t force or coerce a child to potty train, insisting that they’ll develop at their own pace. Others seem to have a sort of “deadline” for potty training. I figure, I’m the parent, I’ll do what I want
Exactly. When she is ready she will go. There is no way that we would ever try to get her to go against her will.
Congrats again on your little man’s milestone!
My little one is 3 1/2, and has no interest, unfortunately……….frustrating.
We didn’t have to force anything with Thomas, thankfully. We did use a lot of encrouagement and positive reinforcement but I think most children will do it when they’re ready.
Now, if a kid is going into Kindergarten or First grade and still can’t use the pot then maybe some forcing needs to be done just for practical reasons.
Ben » I am constantly amazed at how you can take almost any subject and write about it making it sound interesting and even promote conversation around the topic! I stand in awe!
Congratulations on this achievement » My youngest is 9 so it is only a faded memory now — enjoy your freedom!