Potty Training Refresher
I need some help. I’m potty training my two year old this week and I have some questions. Sure, I’ve been here before when I potty trained my son, but that was seven years ago. And it was just different. My son was three when he finally decided to use the big boy potty. He has the type of personality that can’t be pushed into doing something until he’s good and ready. When he is ready, he does whatever it is without a problem. Since he was a little older than most kids when he was ready to potty train, we just went full force and put him to bed at night and during nap time without a diaper. He rarely had an accident. It was relatively easy.
Now, jump ahead to present day with a two year old who has taken it on herself to start using the potty. I think she has a competitive personality- the reason she started was because of one of her little friends (he’s even younger than her) who is already going on the potty. I don’t think I was ready for it…
Since there is an entire year’s difference from when my two kids started to use the potty, I don’t know if I should continue using diapers at bedtime for a while longer. As I am typing this, she’s asleep in her bed… without a diaper! I may end up doing a lot more laundry now!! I tried to get her to put one on, but she’s liking wearing big girl undies (she’s even requested that we go and buy some Elmo ones after nap time).
How’d it work out for you? What age did you start to use underwear instead of diapers while they slept for your kids? Did you take your chances and hope that they stayed dry while asleep? Did you keep them in diapers until they were older? At what age do they have better control? So many questions!
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
My opinion is if they’re ready, just skip the pullups and diapers all together. Undies is the way to go. If after a few days she still hasn’t improved on the nighttime training, then maybe put her in pullups at night and just let her know they’re another kind of big kid panties.
Good Luck! Nathan is already starting to show some interest so I might be doing this again soon also. Ian wasn’t ready until he was 3 and I told him he was ready.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 am
Thanks, Nancy! We’ve been putting her in pullups at night only- she wakes up soaked, so I don’t think we’re anywhere near ready for the nighttime undies! But, she sleeps in undies during naptime and has only had one accident in a week now. A very proud mama!
It’s true… when they are ready, it’s super easy. When they’re not… not easy! Riley was three when he finally potty trained and I’ve heard it takes longer for boys.
Good luck when you start!