Will My Child Ever Master Potty Training?

home insemination Kit

As a parent who’s deep in the trenches of potty training, I recently found myself purchasing a book titled “Percy the Poop.” Yes, it features a talking poop character. The idea is that if my daughter can relate to Percy’s adventures, she might better understand where her poop is supposed to go: the potty!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since my little one embarked on her potty training journey. A whole year! And let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster ride that shows no signs of slowing down.

The whole potty training saga began unexpectedly. One weekend, my then 2-year-old declared she wanted to use the potty. Simple as that! I can count on one hand how many pee accidents we’ve had since. “This is a breeze!” my partner and I thought. “What are all these parents complaining about?”

Then came the poop.

I understand that every child’s potty training experience is unique, and some kids face more challenges than others. For us, the struggle entirely revolves around poop. Who knew that this natural bodily function could drive me to my wits’ end?

Before you suggest your own tips, let me assure you: I’ve tried it all. Here’s a glimpse of the various tactics I’ve employed to encourage my daughter to poop in the potty:

• Rewarding her with small treats.
• Offering bigger rewards.
• Introducing a toddler potty chair.
• Moving the potty chair to various rooms (living room, bedroom, you name it).
• Using a Disney-themed potty seat for the adult toilet.
• Creating a potty money jar where she could earn coins for each successful poop, which, by the way, currently holds just one lonely penny.
• Implementing a sticker chart filled with fancy Disney princess stickers.
• Allowing her to watch videos on my phone.
• Letting her binge-watch a full-length movie.
• Offering special snacks or candy.
• Reading poop-themed books (hello, Percy).
• Showing her how to dump poop from her underwear into the potty.
• Making her help clean her dirty underwear.
• Letting her sit in soiled underwear to show it’s uncomfortable (she didn’t seem to mind).
• Allowing her to ask for a pull-up or diaper for pooping.
• Sitting with her in the bathroom or giving her privacy.
• Keeping her on the toilet for what felt like hours.
• Letting her choose fun new underwear at the store.
• Going bare-bottomed at home for days on end (sorry to any guests!).
• Even letting her decorate her poop with glitter in the potty.

I cheer her on every day, breaking into spontaneous songs about poop—some original tunes, others adapted from familiar hits (who knew “Let It Go” would take on new meanings?). I’ve tried bribery, shed tears of frustration, and alternated between adult conversations with her and toddler-friendly explanations. I’ve even joined a Facebook group for potty training support, for crying out loud.

Despite all my efforts, nothing has worked.

My daughter is fiercely independent and oh-so-smart. She knows she should go on the potty, yet chooses not to. Unlike many kids who might be scared, that’s not her issue. She has no predictable pattern, which means I’ve become hyper-aware of her signs. I find myself closely monitoring her every move, scanning for facial expressions or movements that hint at an impending accident. It’s exhausting and anxiety-inducing!

People often say, “Just relax! She’ll get it eventually. Have you ever seen a high schooler still pooping their pants?” Clearly, they’ve never dealt with a challenging potty trainer. While I understand she will eventually figure it out, that doesn’t ease the frustration, mess, or smell of the process.

As I scrub out dirty underwear for what feels like the millionth time, I remind myself that one day, she will use the potty. And then I realize I’ll likely have another child to potty train, leading to even more tiny undies in the wash. Shiiiiiiiiit.

In case you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post on terms and conditions, or visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Furthermore, if you need support during this journey, Drugs.com is an excellent resource for fertility and home insemination information.

In summary, potty training can be a tumultuous journey filled with ups and downs. Every child is different, and while some may get the hang of it quickly, others may take their sweet time. Patience, creativity, and a sense of humor can go a long way in navigating this often messy adventure.