Why oh, why was it so hard to toilet train my son? This question nagged at me for YEARS. Yes, you read that right, YEARS! I never thought I was going to get that kid toilet trained in my life time. Back when MONK (he was later dx with Asperger Syndrome) was little, diapers only got so big and when he was 4, large diapers that fit him were scarce. I was tired of buying diapers and I was so embarrassed that he wasn’t toilet trained yet. Day Cares would not take him because he was not toilet trained and Kindergarten was fast approaching. Relatives thought I was a terrible mother and all I could say in response was “If you think it’s so easy to toilet train him, you do it!” That fell on deaf ears and they continued to chastise me endlessly about the matter never taking into account that we were trying, but nothing worked. Meanwhile, I felt like a failure and a complete idiot because I used to teach the blind and multihandicapped and I toilet trained them with no problem. My son however was another story.
Out of sheer desperation and lacking in total self control, I put MONK in a pair of shorts and underwear one summer day when he was 4 and told him if he wets his pants he will have to clean it up all by himself. I then showed him step-by-step what that meant- he will have to clean himself up, change his shorts and underwear, and put his dirty clothes in the washer. For some reason this strategy worked and in 2 days MONK was toilet trained. LOL!
For those moms who are still pulling their hair out because they cannot toilet train their child, don’t worry. You will find what works for your son/daughter soon so don't fret.
Good luck! These kids are tricky so just take one day at a time and pray for guidance and understanding. :)
4 comments:
I can't even begin to tell you how annoyed I have been with family members who constantly harass me about potty training my kids. Bug is in pullups because when I put him in underwear he has accidents galore - I think it intimidates him. Now there is the issue of him learning to wipe his own butt - as if! He is not coordinated enough for it yet. I am thrilled just to have him using the toilet! People just don't understand.
And Bean doesn't get it and will scream like a banshee if I even get her near the toilet.
Just this morning my Hubs asked me about teaching Bug to stand while he pees - I said "you can try, but I wouldn't recommend it" Aiming and peeing at the same time - not exactly the strong suit for our kid.
Honestly, I feel when my family (read: my mom) gets started with this that I am such a loser. Like, why can't I do this? But even Bug's doctor was amazed that I got him potty trained as much as he is by this age so I know that we are "normal" in this area (whatever normal is).
Bitsy-
I know exactly how you feel! UGH!
My sister is currently toiling away with this. LOL Just today, she told me her daughter came up to her and grunted like she was pooing. She's never done that before. Sure enough, she went. I think they're close! Loved your story.
Debbie-
Oh, I thought I was NEVER going to get MONK toilet trained! UGH! I was getting desperate!
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