
1. Pull-ups don't work! They are just like another diaper, only more expensive. And the little pictures that disappear when they get wet...those don't work either. What 2 year old cares whether the stupid pictures on their diaper are there or not?
2. A child is never going to tell you he's ready. If I waited until my child came to me and said, "Mommy, I'm ready to be potty trained", he would probably go to kindergarten with diapers on.
3. I don't think it really matters what age you train them. I've been told numerous times that if I do it too early then my child will have a traumatic experience and be scarred for life. I don't really think the age matters so much as attitude. My attitude.
4. It's not just about the child being ready, it's also about the parent being ready. If I'm not willing to be patient and TEACH my child then the whole training thing isn't going to work. That's why it's called "potty training." Because I am the trainer!
5. Every child is different! What worked for you might not work for me. That doesn't have anything to do with age, just personality.
6. Being naked is okay. At home. In my home. Never on any furniture. And only as a punishment. My child prefers to have his lower regions covered, so being able to wear underwear is a reward and one that he picked up on very quickly.
7. Positive reinforcement! Chocolate works great.
8. I like not buying diapers.
9. I much prefer to have my child's anatomy called by the proper terms. Not winkey, wee wee, pee pee, thingy...
10. Potty training involves more than just teaching my child to use a toilet. I also have to teach him how to pull his pants up and down, undo buttons, wipe, flush, turn on the sink and use adequate amounts of soap.
And last but not least:
11. My little boy is growing up so fast and looks totally adorable in briefs!