Some Journey

We've taken the plunge

Noah has always had a very well defined attitude regarding potty training which could be summed up best in the phrase, "NO WAY!" which has generally been his response to the question, "Would you like to try to use the potty?" There are basically two camps on how to respond to such an attitude:

a) Take charge and make it a discipline issue. Decide when it's time to potty train and don't give the kid the option.

b) Stick with diapers and keep asking.

I know I have been occasionally frowned upon because I am most definitely in the second camp, and since I frequently get asked about potty training (as a so called "expert" having 'trained' four already). I don't think it's an issue of one is right or the other wrong, I think it's a matter of convenience. My personal opinion is that many of us have come to the conclusion as to what is the "right" age at which to potty train a child based on a tradition our society has sort of created based on putting kids into preschool and other conveniences rather than accepting the fact that every kid is different and therefore the "right" age is different for every kid. My sister, Amie, who I lovingly refer to as "the potty nazi", has managed to potty train all of her children by about 18 months. It is that important to her to not have to buy diapers. But it's loads of work. Lots of accidents and near misses. But it can be done. Just not by me.
From the day I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I began to dread that first potty training accident. The phrase, "Mommy, will you wipe me" haunted my dreams at night. In fact, prior to becoming a mom, if asked why I did not want to have children, two of the first answers I would have given you would have been potty training and boogers. Now, I hate changing diapers. That phrase everyone loves to use, "You get used to it". . .It's a lie. A lie from the pit of hell. I've been changing them every day for 10 years and 4 months. I still hate it. But I prefer to change a diaper, which is designed for easy clean up, than a pair of poopy underwear, which are not. Therefore, I prefer to take a more passive approach to potty training and wait until my kid decides they want to go. And as of yesterday, I can say that out of five kids, that day has eventually come for each of them.
Yesterday I awoke to discover that we were down to two diapers. Pay day two days away. So I looked at Noah and said, "Hey, buddy, we're out of diapers. You think you're ready to try the potty?" He thought about it for a minute and said, "Okay." Two accidents yesterday, but they were pee, so I'm okay with that. Then last night, he went poo in the potty. It was a triumphant moment for us all. I immediately jumped in the jeep and rushed him up to the Golden Gallon and told him to pick out any candy bar he liked. (No, I'm totally not above shameless rewards and bribes for something like this, and yes, I let my kids have sugar and chocolate) Alas, we're not out of the woods yet. It will be a while before we can go diaperless into public with confidence, but it is a glimmer of hope. 10 years and 4 months. The end is near.
Then Joseph made my joy complete. He slept without a diaper and did not wet his bed. For the first time ever!!! There is hope! It is entirely feasible that by Christmas we will be a diaper free household. For the first time in over a decade.
*sigh* It feels like a weight has lifted.