Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Yes, I understand

Friends, Fans, Stalkers,

I'm going to interrupt our usual programming to talk a little bit about a parenting challenge. Move along if you're not interested--it's okay.  I feel I need to provide some support for those who've had the same issue we have around here.

It's about potty training.  I won't get into the down and dirty because it's not really about the nitty gritty.  Instead, I want to commiserate with parents of kids who potty train later than many of their peers.

I want to say it's okay.  I'm right there with you.

I've read about some moms getting grief from their mothers-in-law about their 3 year old kids still using diapers (as well as other family members and perfect strangers--what's that about?  Why should Mrs. Grundy care about whether my kid poops her pants?  I don't get that at all) .  Although some people have felt the need to make fun of us, I haven't really been cursed like that; in fact, my mom-in-law, Nancy, has been pretty damn awesome, offering a bit of useful advice and otherwise making no comment.  I'm sure some of it stems from the fact that she knows my eldest pretty well.  This gal doesn't do anything except in her own time.  My mom has been very understanding, too.  Makes sense because I didn't potty train until I was about 4.5 years old.  And look at me now! I am someone worthy of envy!

We've tried a few times over the past year to get KB off the diaper train.  And it has failed miserably. Tears, begging, fussing...and I'm not even talking about Katie's behavior.

In the past couple of days, however, we've had success. It's almost been *too* easy.  I'm not cocky enough to say we're there, but the mood around here is hopeful, and Katie's having a great time.  All of this shows me that waiting was the right choice.  Patience paid off.  For the record, KB is one day shy of her 4th birthday.

So there you have it.  If it's taking awhile to get your kiddo to peepee in the potty, relax.  You are not alone. Brush off the veiled (and not-so-veiled) criticism.  Be sure to ask your critics about their own bathroom habits since it's obviously an interesting topic for them.  Or just let it go, while keeping in mind that you can remind your kiddo about this when s/he goes on her/his first date.

And now back to our regularly scheduled ranting and raving.

5 comments:

  1. People suck, and are nosy.

    A friend of mine just had a baby, and her and her husband had picked out a name that they loved. It wasn't traditional, but it wasn't something horrific, either.

    The nurses were horrible, criticizing their choice from the get go, so much so that they changed their mind and registered her as something else! But as soon as they submitted the paper work they knew it was wrong, and went back to their original choice.

    A client of my friend's even gave her a baby book, with her suggestions circled after hearing the name. Good grief people, mind your own business!

    Wow. Got on a tangent there. Rant over.

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  2. "Be sure to ask your critics about their own bathroom habits since it's obviously an interesting topic for them." <--- Love it.

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  3. Seriously, I wish I had waited until later because I am convinced that mine wasn't ready and now we have *more* issues with the potty training! )c: I really wish that I hadn't caved to the peer pressure and criticism (ahem, MOM!) and just left it until later!!! Great post girl, it's always good to hear from other moms on this stuff!

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  4. I love your blog! I feel like every kid is different & you know best what will work for your kid & your family situation. To hell with everyone else & their opinions :)

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