Sunday, December 27, 2015

Toilet training

There is so much pressure these days for parents to push children to toilet train. Mothers and fathers devote entire weekends to it. There are countless books and theories. 

So let me add my story.

We decided not to toilet train our son. Yup. You heard me. We didn't toilet train. Oh don't get me wrong, when he was 2.5 years old I felt pressured and I bought a potty. I bought the books. The toilet seat insert. I even made a half hearted attempt one weekend with pull ups. But it went nowhere. 

A month ago I bought a big beautiful Bruder truck, and I placed it on the back of the toilet, still in the package. I put a bright blue basket on the counter, full of dinky cars, suckers, play dough, and other dollar store trinkets. I explained to my son, as he looked on with wide eyes, that if he went to the bathroom in the toilet he could choose something from the basket. And furthermore, if he chose to wear underwear and have no accidents for a week , he would get the truck.

He looked at me and said "Mama, don't push me."  Kid you not. 

So I left it. Every now and then I would say, "don't you want to use the toilet?" And he would say no. 

Then suddenly, about two weeks ago, he just started to use the toilet on his own. He even washed his hands on his own. He shuts the door and says "I will call you if I need help".  

He turns 3 on January 1. He did this all on his own. When the week passed without a single accident (he even let's me know when we are out!) you have never seen a boy who was so proud to earn a truck. 

It's been several weeks now, and he continues to be toilet trained. Without any hard core intervention on our part. 

So moms and dads - relax. I promise they will get it in their own time.