So, I actually forgot today was my birthday. Numerous times leading up to the day as well. Though, that's not really ALL that shocking since who is really so super eager to turn 32? I didn't mind 30 or even 31. But, 32 is actually "in" your thirties...
I digress.
Despite today being my birthday, Will and I decided today would be day 1 of the "naked weekend" for Evie. AKA potty training boot camp. It is the method devised specifically for children under 26 months of age (those older are more resistant to training and need a softer approach), and was developed by a mother who had a desire to eliminate at least a years worth of diaper trash from every single American child. That adds up to a lot of diapers! She had done her research and found that "back in the day" children were potty trained at much younger ages. Back before disposable diapers and hectic schedules made it more difficult to train a younger child to use the potty. But her research showed that actually children are developmentally ready to learn to use the potty starting from the time they are mobile. As in roughly 9-12 months old, depending on the child. Disposable diapers had made potty training a more distant milestone because children were unable to feel when they had become dirty. But this method works for children in cloth and disposable diapers, and supposedly works even earlier for those in cloth - like Evie.
For a few weeks now Evie has been indicating she's ready to use the potty. It was me who wasn't ready for that commitment. When Evie was around 6 months we'd made an attempt at "elimination communication", yet another potty philosophy, whereby you teach a baby to use sign language and basic sounds to indicate when they need to use the potty. We'd actually been successful at it, and Evie was using the toilet around 70% of the time. But, then we had a hectic travel schedule and I threw in the towel. It was too hard to be consistent when on a plane, train, or trapped in an automobile. In retrospect, I wish I'd kept with it. We'd be done by now. Anyway, after that first failed attempt, I was resistant to begin this process again. Evie persisted in giving me signs she was ready (telling me when her diaper was wet/dirty, following me constantly to the bathroom, indicating she wanted to do what I was doing, etc). Despite all we have going on with the new house and upcoming holidays, the montessori teacher suggested we give the "naked weekend" a try. After all, she said, if we missed this opportunity it might be another year before Evie displayed signs she was ready again. And if we're lucky, that would be the time we'd hope to have another little one, which is never a good time for potty training. So, we decided to give it a shot.
To explain the philosophy, the idea is to put all your chips in. No turning back. Never a diaper on during waking hours (night and nap time come later). Roll up the carpets and prepare for multiple accidents on day 1, fewer accidents on day 2, and fully potty trained child after day 3. If it doesn't work, you're supposed to wait another 2 months before trying again. We decided to give it a try, and if nothing else, it's simply 3 days spent inside as a family... not really missing out on too much as the weather is getting colder anyway.
Today was day 1. Evie's schedule (yes, you read that right) prevented us from starting first thing this morning. We had her weekly Friday playdate, and since we're moving so soon, we didn't want to miss the chance to see our friends. And to make hand print turkeys. So, we chose to start the naked weekend after her nap. Had I really thought about it, I should've waited to start until tomorrow. That's because it being my birthday meant phone calls and texts and divided attention. So, I missed our only three post-nap
opportunities to help Evie learn about the potty. She had three accidents, each time when I answered a phone call. The philosophy would say they're not mistakes so long as followed up by an opportunity to learn, but I'm not sure we were able to achieve that today. Day 2 starts as soon as she wakes up tomorrow... no letting her lay in her crib for 30 minutes babbling while I continue to rest my eyes until a more decent hour. It's a "you're up, we're all up, let's go to the potty asap" sort of a deal.
Deep breaths. We can do this!
I digress.
Despite today being my birthday, Will and I decided today would be day 1 of the "naked weekend" for Evie. AKA potty training boot camp. It is the method devised specifically for children under 26 months of age (those older are more resistant to training and need a softer approach), and was developed by a mother who had a desire to eliminate at least a years worth of diaper trash from every single American child. That adds up to a lot of diapers! She had done her research and found that "back in the day" children were potty trained at much younger ages. Back before disposable diapers and hectic schedules made it more difficult to train a younger child to use the potty. But her research showed that actually children are developmentally ready to learn to use the potty starting from the time they are mobile. As in roughly 9-12 months old, depending on the child. Disposable diapers had made potty training a more distant milestone because children were unable to feel when they had become dirty. But this method works for children in cloth and disposable diapers, and supposedly works even earlier for those in cloth - like Evie.
 |
| Around 6 months old, successful potty attempt |
To explain the philosophy, the idea is to put all your chips in. No turning back. Never a diaper on during waking hours (night and nap time come later). Roll up the carpets and prepare for multiple accidents on day 1, fewer accidents on day 2, and fully potty trained child after day 3. If it doesn't work, you're supposed to wait another 2 months before trying again. We decided to give it a try, and if nothing else, it's simply 3 days spent inside as a family... not really missing out on too much as the weather is getting colder anyway.
 |
| Naked weekend attire |
opportunities to help Evie learn about the potty. She had three accidents, each time when I answered a phone call. The philosophy would say they're not mistakes so long as followed up by an opportunity to learn, but I'm not sure we were able to achieve that today. Day 2 starts as soon as she wakes up tomorrow... no letting her lay in her crib for 30 minutes babbling while I continue to rest my eyes until a more decent hour. It's a "you're up, we're all up, let's go to the potty asap" sort of a deal.
Deep breaths. We can do this!
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