My New Philosophy on Potty Training

One of my friends was kind enough to allow me to share this story of her daughter's potty experience. First, we exchanged these text messages at the beginning of this week:

Plus, she just informed me via Facebook messenger that the "last 3 poops have been on the potty w/o being told to. She tells me when she needs to go or sometimes goes by herself. At the ultrasound (they are expecting their second) she told (her daddy) she needed to go, but they didn't make it in time. I'm quite impressed with her. A month ago I thought she would never get it. It's been 4 days and she's doing great."

I don't know how many stories like this I have heard from parents. They all tell me of their several failed attempts at "potty training". Then suddenly their kid gets it like it was not even their parents choice of when or sometimes how... it just clicks.

I would also like to say in my quest for potty training advice. I have rarely heard of any parents with real success with the structured timed potty training. I have always wondered if the few success stories with this technique is one of those times where they just happened to line up their potty training attempt with their child's ability, need, and want to use the potty perfectly.

Okay, so my new philosophy on potty training is I am not going to do it!!!! No more timers, stress, pressure, or high expectations! When my girls need or want to go potty they can tell me or just go by themselves. Yes, I wish my girls (either one at this point is fine with me) would just have it click in, but I can't force them to use the potty or to understand when they need to go potty.

Good bye timer!

Hello lots of pairs of undies and skirts!

This new approach has been especially hard for me to decide to take with Liberty who turns 3 this next month and starts preschool. I always told myself she would be potty trained before 3 and especially before school. However, as a parent I am realizing more and more that expectations of what you think your child will or will not do does not always match up with what your child will or will not do and when they will or will not do it. Plus, it has also been very difficult for me to try this new approach with Liberty, since her verbal capabilities are far enough behind that getting her to tell me when she needs to go to the potty is an ordeal in itself. We had a glimmer of success this last day of undies. She actually said "pot" for potty and is beginning to understand that is where pee and poo goes! Plus, she had a frantic moment where she said "pot pot pot" over and over again and we rushed to the potty. She didn't go potty then, but it helped me realize that she may be starting to recognize the cues her body gives her that she needs to go.

Starting tomorrow I am going to be more consistent with Libby being in undies most mornings and if she runs out of clean ones she will go right back into diapers. It may be a mess for me, but I think this approach will have a greater impact and be more effective with her.

I would like to end this rant with a quote about getting children to use the potty from my wise friend mentioned at the beginning of this post, "It's our job to teach it and introduce it. But shouldn't be pushed to stress them."

32 Nieces and Nephews + 13 Aunts and Uncles + 3 Grandparents = 1 HUGE Family Reunion

The girls and I were lucky enough to be able to go celebrate some of the 4^th of July week with almost all of our family, with the exception of one brother-in-law who couldn’t make it, and Jason only made it for one day. We had so much fun doing so much while together. We played paintball, went on a hike, had family photos taken, had a talent show, set off fireworks, and so much more.

Everyone camped out..

...it is a good thing the Smith family has a lot of land.

DAY 1

The Paintball Arena My Brother-In-Law Made

This was my first time playing paintball!
(I am in the grey sweatshirt.)

The girls LOVED playing with their cousins on the trampoline!

Libby loved playing with her younger cousin.

I got to snuggle this cute dude, and hang out with this sweet girlie.

We got to watch this cool kid play baseball!

I was thankful for the girls coloring/gift bags I packed!

I got to share a bed with this cute little lady.

Madison was sacked after such a busy day.

DAY 2

I love that these boys decided to bring light sabers.

I think he is getting pumped for the hike.

My brother was kind enough to help with Madison.

Liberty staying hydrated!

Madison and I hiking up to the hidden falls. 

Both of my brothers helping with my girls.

So many beautiful cacti! Sadly for Buba who fell in some. :-(

What does that rock in the distance look like to you? :-)

Madison surprised me with her interest in the water.

She was so uncharacteristically brave in the water with her Aunt!

The girls loved their sack lunch.

After the hike we relaxed for a while.

Then everyone went to the pool!

This is one of the best kiddie pools I have ever been to. 

The adults realized it was heated. :-D

Day 3- Independence Day

Daddy arrived!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Awe before photo shoot selfie with my sister and mom.

The rest of the day was pretty relaxing.

Libby and Grandma Smith playing with the little kid toys.

My dad is a pretty fun Grandpa!!!!

Apparently this is how Madison takes naps while traveling.

Liberty was only laying down for 2 second and fast asleep.

We were getting ready for the talent show!

We have a very talented family!!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!!

So much fun with sparklers!

Day 4- Going Home

The girls played with their cousins then we headed home in time for nap.

It is amazing how being with siblings can remind me of my life growing up, and it shocked me to see nieces and nephews who are growing up too fast! It was hard to take care of two little ones away from home. However, I can’t complain too much, since I could have driven home every night. It was still kind of fun to sleep somewhere else for a change. I hope everyone was able to celebrate our Independence Day in a way that reminded us of what it means to have freedom.