Potty training

Having a child will completely change life as you know it. No longer will your time be your own. No longer with you simply be waiting on yourself. No longer will you put yourself first. And finally, no longer will you rest as easy as you did before. These are common issues that go hand-in-hand with having a child. Suddenly we take the focus off ourselves and devote it to someone greater. At least they are greater in our eyes. Their safety and happiness is our first priority. But, don't become discouraged. This is all part of the wonderful parenting process. There is always more good than there is bad, and the good is incomparable. Now, what about the chores? These don't have to be bad. I often thought they were a breeze. From changing diapers, to bathing, to feeding, to burping; it's a routine process you get used to. Then comes the potty training. Are you ready for this one?

I once thought I was ready for my daughter to be out of diapers. I changed her dirty diapers day-in and day-out. Of course I didn't mind doing this, simply because she was mine. Everything is different when the baby is yours. Anyway, once she hit that age, she was ready for the pull-ups. It was time for a little potty training, and literally a little potty. My wife and I purchased her a small potty of her own. Since they're so short at first, you'll obviously need a smaller commode of some sort. These can be found at any Wal-Mart or Target store. I can still recall teaching her to pull down her pull-ups to sit on the potty. I was astonished that it only took her two days. She darted for the bathroom and I went for the camera. I certainly wasn't going to miss the potty training event in full succession. As I peered in the bathroom, I saw the biggest grin on my little girls face. She did it all by herself and I have the picture to prove it. But, this success didn't come without a standard price. It's always wonderful to see our little ones succeed, but sad at the same time. A stage of their lives is over and it's on to the next milestone.

In my experience, the best way to potty training your child is to talk them through it. Even walk them through it. My wife and I read a potty training book to our daughter, which seemed to help a great deal. She learned from the illustrations. Good luck with your little one.