We found that peer pressure worked wonders for for our daughter. She was in a multi-age daycare class–kids from 6 months to 4 YO. When she was 2, a girl a year older was potty training. She told her teacher she wanted to go on the potty too. When I picked her up that day, she told me we needed to go to Target so she could pick out “pretty panties.” After about 2 weeks of accidents here and there, she had a handle on it, and we’ve never looked back. She did wear a pullup at night until she was 3. Then, she decided she wanted to wear her “pretty panties” in her bed. Very rarely, she will have an accident during the night. But that usually only happens when we’re visiting family (2000 miles away) and when we first get back home. I think it’s the chaos of traveling so far and being on the go the whole time.

As for the gross gas station toilets, we keep anti-bacterial wipes in the car and wipe that seat down a couple of times before sitting on it. My daughter also loves the automatic seat protector that comes out before you sit down. We saw one for the first time at the Phoenix airport, and she was completely fascinated.

You go, girl! (How come everything I say about this topic seems like a bad pun?!)

Seriously, you are so right. Let this be THEIR struggle…not yours.

DON’T FORCE IT!

No matter what your parents or inlaws say, it is not their struggle.

If you force the issue with your toddler you will not win.

You need to make your toddler think it is their idea to use the potty.

Our son was nearly 5 years old before he would even think of going #2 on the potty.

He held it in all day long until we put diapers on him for bedtime at which time he downloaded in his diapers. We thought he might get sick if he continued doing this. He would pee in the potty no problem, but #2 was a different story and it ended up becoming a power struggle over his right to poop in a diaper. He wasn’t scared of the potty, oh no. It was his way of having control.
Let it happen without much fanfare and he will not be attendeing kindergarten in a diaper.

Do not let others tell you or shame you. They will do the right thing when THEY are ready.

THANKS HEATHER!!

Perhaps, ask your hubby about his timetable. When does he envision getting this thing going? At what age? How would he like it to be done? Enlisting his help and input might be a way to start the conversation, and the cooperation.

At 3 1/2, you can also ask your son about it. “One day, you are going to go on the potty just like me and Daddy. One day, you’ll be ready to do it on the potty, just like so-and-so (a friend at the park, or daycare, or a cousin, or whatever).” And see what he says.

Let us know what happens!

SHE is not grossed out by the poop, YOU are (gee, I wonder why?)…so you unfortunately have to wait for her to agree that it’s gross. She WILL, I promise…fairly soon, too I bet. It all is wrapped up in the whole controlling the body/controlling the world dynamic at this stage…what goes where? Poop and garbage get thrown away…food and toys get treated nicely….clean clothes get put in the drawer, dirty clothes (and kids) get cleaned up all nice and fresh…..She is trying to sort all this out. Potty training is but one facet of the whole deal.

In terms of going out….forget about it. Put her in a diaper or PullUp. There is no sense in stressing about her having an accident while you are out…don’t try to push a boulder up hill. And just be matter-of-fact about it. “OK, we’re going to the store, let’s get your PullUp. If you ever want to pee while we’re at the store, we can find a potty, if you like.” And while you’re at the store: “Mommy has to go pee. Do you want to try also? No? OK.”

I know it’s hard to back off when you feel this sense of pressure..that somehow she SHOULD be trained by now. But all your aggravation and worry will actually do nothing to get her there faster, and could even trigger her resistance (as she is already starting to sound a bit now) and create a whole struggle you cannot win. Remember, it’s not a race, and she will get there, I promise! And all those parents who SAY their kid is potty trained….no way. Well, maybe a few, but the majority AIN’T.

So buy a huge pack of pullups or whatever you use, and instead just have fun with her. She’ll get there! (and let us know as she progresses, you have lots of parents following you here! and they are in the exact same situation!)

But yeah, taking the whole show on the road is a great idea; I know many parents who keep a potty in the back of their car for just such an occasion. (Just don’t mix it up with your dry cleaning!)