Celebrating Small Victories: How We Survived the Potty Training Marathon
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime in parenting circles: the emotional rollercoaster of potty training. Specifically, the other part of the process—the one that isn’t about peeing in the potty. You know what I’m talking about. For months (or, let’s be real, years), my 5-year-old treated the toilet like a fascinating museum exhibit: interesting to look at, but absolutely not a place to leave anything behind. Then, suddenly, two weeks ago, something clicked. After what felt like a lifetime of bribes, sticker charts, and deep breathing exercises, we hit a milestone: two weeks of consistent 2 success. Here’s how we got here—and what I wish I’d known sooner.
—
The Great Stall: When Progress Feels Impossible
Every parent has their “thing” that tests their patience. For us, it was the poop standoff. My kid had mastered peeing in the potty by age 3.5, but anything beyond that? Nope. We tried everything:
– Reward systems: Stickers, toys, promises of ice cream.
– Peer pressure: “Your cousin Lily does it!” (Spoiler: This backfired.)
– Books and videos: We read Everyone Poops until the pages frayed.
But every time the “urge” struck, my child would freeze, panic, or straight-up negotiate: “I’ll do it tomorrow, Mommy.” And then? Accidents. So. Many. Accidents. Laundry became my part-time job. Meanwhile, well-meaning friends would say, “Oh, they’ll figure it out when they’re ready!” But when your kindergartener is still in pull-ups, “ready” feels like a myth.
—
The Turning Point: What Finally Worked
The breakthrough didn’t come from a parenting book or a viral TikTok hack. It started with a brutally honest chat. One night, after yet another accident, I sat my kiddo down and asked, “What’s scary about using the potty for poop?” The answer was unexpected: “It’s too loud, and I don’t like saying goodbye to it.”
Ah. The noise of the flush and the emotional attachment to… well, their creations. Who knew?
We adjusted our strategy:
1. Silent flushes: We agreed to let the “big kid” flush only when they felt ready.
2. Goodbye rituals: Saying “Bye-bye, poop!” made the process feel less abrupt.
3. Privacy: Instead of hovering, I’d say, “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
Within days, there was less resistance. Then, one afternoon, a tiny voice yelled, “MOMMY, I DID IT!” Cue the confetti (literally—we had a party-themed sticker chart).
—
The Two-Week Streak: Why Consistency Matters
The first success was euphoric. The real challenge? Keeping the momentum. Here’s what solidified the habit:
– Routine: We stuck to post-meal potty breaks like clockwork.
– Positive reinforcement: Instead of focusing on accidents (“Uh-oh, let’s clean up”), we celebrated effort (“You’re learning—that’s awesome!”).
– Visual tracking: A calendar with gold stars gave my kid ownership of their progress.
But let’s be honest: There were close calls. One time, they raced to the bathroom mid-playdate, shouting, “I NEED TO GO—NOW!” Another time, we had to pull over on the highway. But each success built confidence. By day 14, my child was announcing, “I’m a pro at this!”
—
For Parents Still in the Trenches: Hope Ahead
If you’re reading this while knee-deep in laundry wipes, know this: You’re not failing. Potty training is less about “training” and more about understanding your child’s unique hurdles. Here’s what helped us:
– Drop the timeline: Comparison steals joy. Your kid isn’t “behind.”
– Name the fear: Anxiety often hides behind defiance. Ask questions.
– Small rewards > big bribes: A 5-minute dance party post-potty can work better than a new toy.
And remember: Accidents aren’t setbacks. They’re part of the process. My kid still sometimes forgets to go before leaving the house, but now they say, “Oops, I’ll try harder next time!” Progress, not perfection.
—
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
This isn’t just about poop. It’s about resilience—for both of us. My child learned to face something scary. I learned to let go of control. And together, we’re proof that even the messiest battles can end in victory (and a lot less laundry).
So here’s to the parents in the thick of it: Keep going. Celebrate the tiny wins. And when that first successful streak happens, let yourself ugly-cry. You’ve earned it. 🎉
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Celebrating Small Victories: How We Survived the Potty Training Marathon