Ivan had been doing soooooo well with his potty training I just took it for granted that it was almost over and that he had pretty much got it. Whoa!!! Was I wrong. It seems so funny to me how everyone’s experience is so different in this area. Some kids (usually girls from what I understand) just decide they are ready to wear big kid underwear and go in the potty. They seldom have accidents and in a matter of days are considered trained. Some are perfectly trained to go number one, but have trouble with number two. Some are trained by 18 months, some at two, some two and a half and some wait until they are nearly four before they really catch on or choose to catch on. Some have trouble at night, some have trouble in certain places or with certain people. Some, like Ivan, seem to get it and then regress a little…or a lot.
When we went to North Carolina he was doing so well. He stayed dry through the entire trip, the first three days went well. Not one accident until the afternoon of the third day. Then it just seemed to go down hill. He has had accidents every day since. I don’t believe we’ve had one completely dry day. Today, he wet in the van right after I had asked him if he had to go and he said no.
Yesterday, I talked to Kris about it and we decided that we’ve just been too active. I need to keep him home more and slow down again. He wasn’t completely trained and we have been going strong to the point of confusion. It’s hard to stay home all the time because there are dentist appointments and church and groceries and other needs. But we can do less if we try and we can schedule our trips out a little differently. It is not called “training” because it’s automatic. It takes time and teaching and more patience than I have on my own. Thank goodness there’s a vine easily accessible with the fruit of the Spirit ripe for the picking at all times.
Ugh. I remember how frustrating those times were. My boy took longer to actually train, but my girl regressed in every time of stress until halfway through kindergarten!
Each child (regardless of sex) is different and you are doing a good job as Mommy to sense his needs and meet them with the patience that God gives you, and the love that Jesus has, likewise, guided you in. And as you clean up the messes, know that you will see this day pass and you’ll actually be pretty surprised at how fast it flew by. (you know that… but isn’t encouraging someone about simply affirming what they already know?)
I feel you girl. I’m glad to be past those moments. Madison was pretty easy, but I still remember stressing about when she was sound asleep in the car on a road trip, or when she fell down for a nap without a pullup. My frustration was with overnights. Believe it or not, it’s only been in the last year that we have overnights down. Prior to that, we cut off liquids at least an hour before bed, and still I’d often wake up midway through the night to take her to the potty. Over the last year she’s been able to recognize the sensation in her sleep and get up herself. THANK GOD!! I was beginning to think she’d be a bed wetter into the teen years 🙂 You’re right . . . every kid and every situation presents a different scenario. Hang in there. The good news is, he will potty train! Whether it’s in a week, a month, or a year . . . he will sooner or later grasp it completely! 🙂
You’re doing a great job and I agree with you that it was the stress of the situation that brought this on. I know it’s hard to sit back and take a breather but it will probably be worth it for more reasons than just potty training.
Thanks for the encouragement girls. I am always so thankful for your input. I am blessed to have so many people who have been there before me and not only know what I am feeling but also know what needs to be said.