Ageing Caused By Potty Training

Is it sad that one of the greatest highlights of my "Motherhood" career has been that "C" is now potty trained?
To me it really is not.

Although it took me nearly a year to achieve such a milestone, I made my deadline, his 3rd birthday. (with a whopping 2 days to spare, I'll add). NOBODY tells you the complete EVILS that come along with this process. It was probably one of the hardest things I've had to do in my entire life... I'm totally not exaggerating either. I was also sure that such a feat was not achievable.

So the verdict was that boys can be more difficult to potty train then girls. This seemed like quite the understatement to me. I was sure that "C"s bladder was no bigger than a quarter, and also the fact that he LIKED to "stew" in his own filth. But maybe it was perhaps the attention span of a goldfish, and the desire to be on the go 24/7. I don't know, but either way, I was definitely getting MEGA frustrated.

My biggest battle was finding a "reward system" that worked. One that would attract "C" into wanting to use the potty, and consistently do so. I found 2 methods, that hand in hand, finally did the trick (and every kid is different... so I'm sure this won't work on "R" haha):

Stickers. I made a venture to the dollar store, and bought some small decorative stickers for "pee jobs", and ones a little larger for his "poo jobs". I also got a large piece of poster paper. I made a "calender". There was 3 months worth of boxes, taped onto the door of the washroom, for all to see. But mainly for "C" to see. I know I'm a visual learner, so maybe it was a gene past on?
Every time he did his business, he got a sticker for whichever related job was done. Then "C" at the end of the day be able to SEE his own progress, know that there were gaps on some days, and knew when we was doing well. I'm saving the poster... my own sentimental value. lol

Bribery. It was a complete and last resort, and it WORKED! Also, I was not responsible for it. The boys' wonderful Great Aunt is... and I am GRATEFUL for it (I swore I would never bribe my kids in order for them to accomplish certain tasks, but that was also before I had children that I said that. Things change, and things do need to get DONE). So "Auntie K" gave my little man a talk. She told him, that if he went 7 days, with out wearing a diaper, AND without having an accident, she would take him to the toy store to pick out which ever toy his heart desired. And just like that, "C" was potty trained. Seriously. That's all it took (wish I knew that earlier lol). This is also how this giant stuffed "Buzz" joined our family (mentioned in a previous post).

So a fantastic story in mind, with the box of diapers lasting twice as long. (The boys have been luckily wearing the same size for over a year now... so that worked out perfectly). "C" still wears a diaper to bed... that's ok, I know that really takes time. And we put a Pull-up on when we travel, just in case, but he's been really great about it.

So people without spawn don't understand why parents are so ecstatic when the potty training process becomes a success. Why we must update our "status's" every time Sally or Johnny pee's or poo's. Nor do the need to. But every parent that has ever endured such an "adventure" completely gets it, and APPRECIATES it to boot!

And now my little "R" is already asking about the potty... so maybe here's to an easier experience with him?
One can dream... a dream without diapers.