Wednesday, April 02, 2008

I'm Not Cut Out For This Shit Part 275,892

This hasn't been one of my better days. We are trying to potty train around here, and I'm about to throw in the parenting towel and just say, "Guess what? We're going to wear diapers until age 10."

I am not the most patient person. Not by a long stretch. But, being confined to the house for days, setting timers, and dragging a kid to the bathroom every 30 minutes isn't really doing it for me. Especially when we have had only ONE success. Five accidents. And hour upon hour of the kid refusing to drink much and then holding it until bedtime when she gets a diaper back on. She seems like an unwilling participant in this game. Oh, wait. Maybe I'm the unwilling participant. God, I miss diapers.

So. What's going on with you? Did you get a shower today? Did you get out of your pajamas before 3:30 p.m.? Did you clean up less than five bodily fluids today? Then, my friend, you are about six steps ahead of me. Now I have to go sit on the couch and watch American Idol on my DVR. I've been waiting for this moment all day.

21 comments:

joanna said...

I wish I had some magic for the potty training for you. Things started looking up around here when we (probably accidentally) had a success or 2 and used a prize box with dollar toys in it. I haven't done the timer with Alan - I did with Julia though. I don't think I timed it quite right though. My mother-in-law never had any trouble potty training and she just had her kids go to the bathroom at certain times of the day - when they got up, before they ate... and my mother swears that getting rid of all the diapers in the house was the secret. I almost got desperate enough to buy the ebook '3 Day Potty Training' before things started looking up. I hope tomorrow's better and Idol is entertaining!

Andrea and Ben said...

It is these kind of days that call for something red and tasty I will not name since you and I cannot have it. Boo. Hope Idol cheers you up.

Unknown said...

Will someone please explain to me how the HELL to potty train when I work all day? Sure, the daycare provider can try, but when we get home do you think he wants to spend ANY time on the potty? I'm madly throwing together something for dinner, gobbling it up and spending maybe 45 minutes with him before the bedtime regimen begins. That leaves precious little time for the potty. SIGH....

april said...

i have decided that as long as i can teach lauren to change herself by kindergarten we will be fine. being a germaphobe makes crap in pants extra hard and you can only throw away so many pairs of panties before it really starts to add up...

Unknown said...

I have showered today but only after 2 days of not doing so. We are at what I hope is the tail end of the worst stomach virus we've seen yet. Bodily fluids abound. Shower, sit your a#* on the couch with some snack food you probably shouldn't eat and enjoy the heck out of Idol. It'll do wonders!

The Quinn Report said...

It will get better....IT WILL GET BETTER!!!!!!!!!!

MaryB said...

It does get better! And, not that you asked for opinions, but, if it is that much of a pain for the both of you, give yourselves a break, go back to diapers for a little bit, then try again. My boys seemed to basically potty train themselves with some positive reinforcement (read:bribery) from us. Two of them went for marshmallows, and one was all about skittles. Seriously, though, when they are truly ready, it just happens without all the fuss. Oh, there was a lot of silly dancing and praising for each success...

Okay, let the hate mail start flowing my way...I can take it.

Anonymous said...

Becca,
Your grandfather was potty trained when he was a year old. What is taking you so long? Your uncle was trained by the time he was 3 years old. What's the hurry?

Hook 'Em!

Katie said...

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the comments! MaryB--no hatemail here. That is kind of what I was hoping to hear....that maybe she just isn't ready yet. I'm going to give it another day or two just in case....but DAMN I'm tempted to give up temporarily!

Unknown said...

Two things worked for us. Getting rid of pull-ups/diapers and putting a potty in whatever room we were in. We have a mini baby bjorn potty and it was in the living room/play area for a long time. When she had an accident, she had to help pick it up. But, Olivia did kind of train herself totally around 28-months. Kinda early these days. From what I hear. My parents tell me all four of us sisters were trained at 18-months and think it's pathetic Olivia took so long. What?? No way. Their memory must be skewed.

If she's really resistant, I'd wait a couple of more months and then try again. Worst case is that she'll go to preschool and be trained within the first week like many of the preschoolers my mother-in-law has taught. She says there's just something about preschool that pushes them to wrap it up. That or the threat of not being able to play with friends b/c most preschools don't allow kids in diapers.

renee said...

Katie,sweet pregnant katie! You have enough on your plate JUST being pregnant. I am a firm believer that you cannot make them potty train if they are not ready. It is so....ooooooooooooo.........much easier in the summer when you can throw a little dress on her.She will do this when you are least expecting it anyway because thats how our kids torture us! Give yourself a break and come back to it when she seems more ready. You should take full advantage of every minute of relaxation that you can find NOW, because #2 is coming sooner than you know it..

Anonymous said...

Potty treats! For Sarah it was candy. For Ben it was Hot Wheels. You can't rush it. when they're ready to use the pot,then there ready to use the pot.I would say have a drink or 2 but you can't.

Tracy said...

I say you are doing a great job. You have figured out where and when she is going and you are aware of what she is doing. I think you are reaching the top of the hill. Just a couple more steps and it will be smooth sailing down the other side! You are doing great!

Jen said...

Ugh. I just sent you a big email on how a friend did potty training with her daughter. I hope it helps. I don't have much advice, since Kate is really hit and miss with the whole thing. I tried putting her in underwear one day after she told me she had to pee on the potty and then actually did, but then she peed in her underwear. So we are back in diapers.

And I hate to say it but I think MaryB is probably right. If they are ready, it will happen fast; if they are not it will take forever. This is why we are back in diapers; I don't think kate is ready and I am tired of dragging her to the toilet.

Kayris said...

It's not worth it to force it. And if she holds it, she might end up with a UTI.

I let the boy train himself, mostly. He was trained for pee by age 3 and poop a few months after that.

Joel and Angela said...

I am with maryb on this. Although, I don't want Luke potty trained until he is 5, just so I don't have to take him to the bathroom in a store. No really. When they are ready, they are ready. Katheryn was totally potty trained by 2 years, then TOTALLY regressed when Joel deployed 3 months later. It was awful. Some people say two years is a good time, but I think 3 is the magic number. Luke will go every once in a while, but I don't push it with him. They get it eventually.

Anonymous said...

I don't have any advice for you because Bo is NOt ready yet. I have a potty for him so he can start getting used to the idea but we are at least a few months away (if not more). Good luck but I agree with everyone else, if Becca's not catching on, give her some more time and then try again.

Sioux said...

I can't believe I just read an entire post and 17 comments about toddler excrement. Ew.

Erin said...

I am going to pretend like I never read this post. I fear potty training. NO NO NO! I love diapers! Diapers are our FRIEND! I don't care that they cost an f--ing arm and a leg. (Ok, I do care a little bit, but still.)

Hope it goes better for you soon. Nice job with the first ultrasound. So exciting!

Anonymous said...

Real mothers have their kids housebroken by one year!

Anonymous said...

Dear Lost in Space,

The only child I knew who was potty trained by one year had a little regression problem...

Hook 'Em!