12 minute intervals
We’re potty-training. Yesterday morning we spent a little time adjusting to the new procedures, but didn’t begin in earnest because we wanted to enjoy the extra holiday — Matt took the boys out, I got stuff done without them and with some loud music, then went for dinner and croquet with friends.
Now, it is Tuesday, I don’t have to go anywhere, and so I have resolved on potty training. We began by talking about it with anticipation everyday for the past week or so, so yesterday morning he was very excited to wear brand new underwear — not only that, but underwear that have an “H” “A” “N” and “S” on them…with an “E” thrown in to throw things off.
So after this morning I’ve learned Hans needs to go to the toilet every 10-15 minutes. By 15 minutes he’ll be running to the bathroom, but only after beginning in his underwear. He will catch himself and finish in the toilet after only two full accidents, and has caught himself before wetting the underwear twice. On my suggestion he’s used the toilet and had dry underwear three times. Beginning in the underwear, catching himself, and finishing in the toilet is so far his preferred method and it doesn’t bother him one bit — and even at that it is literally with a 15 minute interval at most. The incentive of sweets has caused him to run to the bathroom every 5-7 minutes, at which point he can force a few drops and justify a claim upon candy, cookie, or juice. Number 2 will get the play dough down, but despite claiming attempts it hasn’t happened yet.
We have begun training without the background of self-awareness. I’m not even sure if Hans knew from whence his diapers became wet and all he understands about messy diapers is that if he doesn’t tell Mommy when he stinks his bottom will hurt. He hasn’t evidenced any control or even awareness of his functions before, so we’re really starting from scratch and if he weren’t the first, we’d probably not even be bothering. But, he’s the first, he’ll be three in 3 months, and we want to see if we can get one out of diapers. Every Wednesday I see his friend who is 3 months older than himself just run up to the bathroom herself, with no promptings, relieve herself, clean herself, redress herself, and come back down happily to play….and she’s been doing so for about 8 months now. So every Wednesday I am reminded why I want to do this. :) Good thing tomorrow is Wednesday. :)
Wearied from spending 2 out of every 10-15 minutes in the bathroom, Hans has a diaper on and is in his room for a “nap.” He’s been in there for about 90 minutes and is not only not sleeping himself, he is preventing Jaeger from sleeping by entertaining him, singing to him, and generally making conversation. Sigh
Ahh… now you too can enjoy the joys of potty training. I hope you have success like your friend’s child soon – I’m still waiting for that. I don’t think we’ve had a single day without at least one accident in the last 2 months, and there seems to be a pattern where Judah does really well for a week – then the next week he does a number 2 in his pants 4 times a day for several days!!! Hmm.. this probably was not really encouraging – well, hopefully you’ll be more consistent than I am? :-)
The thought of potty training hurts my head. That is one “milestone” that I’m really not looking forward to. What about those pull up diapers? At least you wouldn’t have to go through all that laundry, right? Or are they horribly expensive like anything else that makes your life a little easier? Maybe I’m just lazy, and haven’t been changing diapers long enough to be ready for that one! Good Luck!
Well, just as I hit the button to reply, I heard Matt from the living room, “Nope, it’s too late, let’s go.” Hans messed his underwear 20 minutes after putting a little in the toilet.
Yes, Elly, we have boys and I expect backtracking and accidents. :) How soon we start with Jaeger will all depend on how this overall experience is, I’m sure.
Amy: We have a package of pull-up diapers, but they still absorb quite a bit. They go up and down easily, but they feel like a diaper and wouldn’t increase Hans’ awareness one jot. He’s in underwear to see what happens when he doesn’t make it and become aware. Once he’s used to using the toilet and tells me himself most of the time, I think I’ll use the pull-ups for going out and about.
Yes.. I’m thinking that perhaps I’ll wait for while longer with Ezra – depending on what sort of child he is, of course. I do the same thing with the underwear and diapers – I dress him in underwear at home, but when we go out or to church and during naps and during the night he’s in pull-ups – it’s easier than trying to clean pews, carseats, and sheets. Hey, did that connection ever happen between Amy Sue and Meghan regarding a church in the Olympia area?
lmbo
Brad: Laugh while you can…. :)