Mama Mantra: Potty Training Sucks

Posted April 5, 2017 by Prairie Wife - 4 comments

Yeah I said it…

Potty Training Sucks.

I should know as I am currently potty training Cowkid #5 aka LittleMissH aka Raccoon #2. On top of that I have babysat/nannied numerous children. Basically what I’m saying is…I’m kind of a potty training expert.

And this expert says Potty Training Sucks.

One of our readers recently pointed out that I have two posts about potty training, Potty Training: Stage One and Potty Training: Stage Two but I don’t have the final post up…

Really, the first two posts offer everything you need to know, and you’re done with potty training after you repeat the steps 8,000 times and both you and your child decided you’re over it. They give in and start using the potty, and you give in and allow their body movements to delegate every aspect of your life.

My first Cowkid (Cowboy J) was a bit over two years old when he was finally potty trained, his issue was pooping. He’s stay dry all day, go pee in the potty or on the grass on demand but go hide to poop. We finally broke him by keeping him with us every minute of the day so he couldn’t hide and poop, when he got that certain look we put him on the potty and everything was infinitely better.

The next two Cowkids trained themselves…seriously. Before the age of two when I began to follow the steps in Potty Training: Stage One they just got it. Maybe we had a month of random accidents but, it was a piece of cake and they were solidly done before the age of two. We patted ourselves on the back and decided we were potty training pros.

NOTE: Beware of over confidence in your amazing parenting skills…

Then it was time for Cowboy C,  and he was worse than Cowboy J. He really could care less about working for M&M’s and didn’t mind a bit being scolded over accidents. I remember moaning to TallGirlJ that he was never going to be potty trained, ever…

But we persevered and The Cowboy finally got on board (because between you and me most of the accidents were happening on his shift) and he was finally trained by the time he was 2 1/2.

Now we are working with LittleMissH and she is proving to be…difficult…

She was doing amazing and looking to be on track along with her sister and then I had my last surgery, followed by Christmas, and then a vacation…and I’m beginning to fear I missed my window.

She’s back to having one or two accidents a day and I can’t remember the last time she pooped in the potty. I know that she will get the hang of it eventually. As of today The Cowboy has pledged to renew his commitment to staying on top of things.

But right now the only thing I can say is, Potty Training Sucks.

Stay strong moms (and dads) and try and be consistent and hopeful…

And what that doesn’t work take a handful of those bribery M&M’s and enjoy them yourself…and maybe a shot of tequila too.

Categories: Life As It Happens, Parenting

Tags: , momlife, motherhood, parenting, parenting advice, potty training, support