Potty Training

Two weeks ago I decided to discuss potty training with Eli's teacher.  (It had been mentioned during his IEP that they would help me potty train when Eli was ready.) 

I asked her if she thought he was ready to give it a shot.....I didn't really believe he was 100% ready since he showed no interest in it at all, but I, on the other hand, was 200% ready.

His teacher said she believed he was.

She told me just explain to him that he was a big boy now, and it was time for him to wear under wear and use the potty like a big boy.

"Really?"  I asked.  I just couldn't fathom Eli understanding all of that, or ever agreeing to it.

She said that in her experience, which is a lot, this method worked the best.  She mentioned that it may take him some time, but not to get discouraged that he would eventually get it.

Hopefully before first grade, was my initial thought.  I know it's mean, but The Boy has no interest at all in potty training.  He doesn't mind sitting in yucky diapers, and he surely doesn't see the point or have the time to waste going to the bathroom to relieve himself.  He's a boy!  He has things to demolish and closet shelves to climb.  He just doesn't care.

The first day didn't go well.  The weather has been nice so I needed to get outside and get some yard work done.  Without my timer to remind me take him to the bathroom every 30 minutes, I lost track, and he wet himself twice and pooped on himself once.  Finally, we simply went in the house and I left him naked.

And he got it.

When naked The Boy will go to the bathroom all on this own.

Who needs clothes anyway, I thought.  We can move to a nudist colony and then he'll fit right in and I won't have to deal with this potty training torture any loner.

And then he walked up to me and asked for a diaper.  "No," I said, "You're a big boy and big boys use the toilet.  We aren't wearing diapers anymore."

And I went about my business.

A few minutes later, I rounded the corner near Eli's room and peeked in to ensure he wasn't swinging from the fan, and I found him pulling on a pull up......so that he could poop.

I know that I should have stopped and corrected him.

I know that I should have taken him to the bathroom.

But it was so funny to me I just kept walking, and had a good laugh in my bedroom.

Whenever I bring up my woes of potty training The Boy, people always respond with, "Have you ever seen a fifth grader at school in diapers?  He'll get it eventually."

I think Eli may be the child to ruin that statement and make it false.

He is that determined.

Hopefully I'm more determined.