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I have officially been at both extremes when it comes to getting my kids out of nappies and starting potty training.
With my twins (the eldest of my batch of four), I was beyond eager to potty train them. I was a mum that placed my babies on the potty before they were one. I look back and laugh at myself. Hilarious. I’m sure there are some kids out there who can be potty trained before they are one. My twins were not one of those. They could walk (and run and climb) by nine months, but they weren’t even talking yet, when I ambitiously placed them on their respective potties, in my vain attempts to toilet train them by one-ish. Again, I look back at myself and laugh. Hilarious.
Then there’s Miss K, my youngest of four. She showed all the signs of being ready for potty training by the time she was two-ish. Unfortunately, it was I who wasn’t ready to start the whole potty-training process again, having just done it with Mr E (lucky middle child) just the Summer before. I was, and still am, in that frame of mind that just thinks, with all that is happening right now in our lives, having Miss K in nappies is easier.
Miss K is fast approaching three. Having already potty trained three children, I mentally go through my checklist of signs of potty training readiness. I have to admit, she is well and truly ready to begin potty training:
1. She is over 18 months of age.
2. She can tell me when she has done a poo.
3. She is able to sit on a potty or toilet for five to ten minutes.
4. She can take off some of her clothing items by herself, e.g. shoes, socks and pants.
5. She can understand and follow simple instructions.
However, if potty training her three brothers has taught me anything, it’s this – yes, the child has to be ready for potty training, but so must the parents.
I had her three brothers all out of their nappies within week of them starting potty training; (potty training them properly, when they were ready for it). That week is an exhausting week. Day one and day two, in particular, are trying. There are accidents, and accidents, and accidents. Being more or less homebound for those early days to contain the mess, added to my madness. However, choosing days that weren’t busy, days when I was ready and had time to focus on pretty much nothing but potty training, was key to our potty training success.
So, while Miss K loves being in her nappy Training Pants, and shows all the signs of potty training readiness, she has to wait for her Mama to be ready. I am looking forward to our Summer school holidays. To days when I can rest from what has been an utterly exhausting year; having returned to the workforce on a part time basis; juggling mummy duties and that professional life. I will be ready… just a few more weeks. It’ll be the last time I’ll have to potty train my child. Wow. That’s pretty special. I’ll keep you all posted.
What signs of potty training readiness did you use with your children?
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Having trouble during nappy change time with a wriggly baby? Try BabyLove Nappy Pants – with no tabs to contend with, the 360-degree stretchy waist allows you to pull them up quickly and easily, so your active toddler can get back to action in no time! Request a sample.
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