Potty Training

We have begun the dreaded potty training. I freely admit that I have been procrastinating, not because Tessa wasn't ready but because I wasn't ready. Some of my sweet friends have told me encouraging stories of how their child trained practically overnight and it was no big deal. Others have quietly suffered and I had no idea of their trauma. I laughed hysterically when a phone call was cut short because of a streak of poop down the backyard slide. Not so funny now that I have cow patties on my very own floor. My parents made an emergency panty run and I still have to do laundry every night. So here we are, five days in to potty training and having a tiny bit of success.

I believe in positive reinforcement and bribery. Excited praise, hugs, high fives, M&Ms, and ice cream have all been offered as rewards. Little Miss Sweet Tooth is unimpressed so perhaps I will give up on small bribes and go for one big one. Maybe this is the perfect time for us to learn the art of delayed gratification. I see a sticker chart in my future.

I can't honestly say that this week has been all bad. There is something to be said for the bonding time that results from being housebound with my child. We have spent hours in the bathroom together reading books and singing songs. We have played together constantly and I know Tessa loves my undivided attention. I vow to remember that, even when she doesn't need me to take her potty every thirty minutes.