Potty training varies by child. Some will say that girls are easy to train. Some will say that boys are easy. After three children, I will say that potty training depends on the temperament and readiness of the child. If your child is not ready, take a break and try again. Remember, no one goes to college in a diaper.
"Boys are easy." "Your son will be the easiest of your kids to train." "Training will take two days, three days at the most." These were the reassuring words from my friends when I embarked on potty training my son. Uh, my friends obviously didn't know my son. My experience with him could not have been farther from the mom advice I got.
I started potty training around 2 1/2. I introduced the ever-popular "Once upon a Potty for Boys" DVD and book. As with his sisters who had the girl version, he loved both DVD and book. He and I watched it over and over again. I talked about diapers going bye bye when he was 3. He helped choose a couple of sets of big boy underwear...Cars and Thomas. The potty was in position, in fact I had one in each bathroom.
When he turned 3 in April, I started putting him in underwear each morning. I loaded him up with milk, water, and juice cups. Unfortunately he never got the memo as he consistently wet his underpants wherever he was standing even if he was right by the potty.
After a frustrating month, I abandoned all attempts at training. It was back to diapers or pullups all day. I was discouraged. My son was and still is a big kid. At 3 he was a tall as a 4-year-old. Summer was approaching and I found myself explaining to anyone and everyone at the pool why my tall 3-year-old was still in a swim diaper. I don't think the other moms were as concerned as I was about my son having an "accident" that would lead to a pool closing. Yuck!
With the start of preschool looming I needed to do something. With the advice of a friend, I embarked on "potty training at whatever cost." My son loved Diego. I bought a Diego toy with a Diego, several animals, and a rescue jeep and trailer. My son was desperate to get his hands on this toy.
At the beginning of August, I again put my son in underwear. I placed the toy on a shelf in the bathroom that he could see, but not reach. I told my son he could have a part of the set each time he successfully used the potty. By day two he had the entire set and was dry all day. By the end of the week he was dry at night.
Thanks for the info I'll add it.
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