When I was chosen to be one of Pull-Ups Madrinas del Baño, the irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me. I’ve been potty training for ten years. Si, diez años! Yes, ten years! Potty training doesn’t stop after that first tinkle. Actually, it’s just starting!
I believe there are three levels of potty training:
1. Interest – the stage where toddlers begin to learn about the bathroom, want to go in and may even give it a try once or twice
2. Actually Potty Training – toddlers realize when they need to use the bathroom and begin doing so but still have frequent accidents
3. Maintenance – from toddler through the tween years (and I suspect even until they leave the house!), the kids are fully potty trained but you still have to remind them of bathroom etiquette
My two eldest children are on the “Maintenance” stage. The tweens need brief reminders and re-trainings on flushing, washing hands and putting down the seat. My seventeen-month old is in the “Interest” stage. She wants to use the potty but hasn’t fully committed. And so, I am starting the cycle all over again!
It may take my toddler days, months or even a year to move on to stage 2 of actual potty training. And that’s ok. My job is to encourage her along the way, reward successes and provide the materials she needs to make going to the bathroom a fun and easy experience. Included in my Madrina del Baño potty training arsenal are:
– Different types of potties. My daughter liked one that attached to the regular toilet and my son preferred to have his own throne.
– Pull-Ups
– Rewards
I’ve used Pull-Ups training pants for all of my children. They’re made to replicate the experience of wearing underwear AND they’re way easier to put on a wiggly toddler than a diaper. For rewards, I’ve used stickers, small treats and bigger gifts for larger milestones. I’m really excited about Pull-Ups Every Flush campaign and their rewards.
Moms often see potty training as a pain in the neck. Pull-Ups is bringing together moms’ favorite potty training tools along with a new 3D celebration. They’ve created a mobile app that helps moms with potty training, getting kids motivated – and making it fun for both. My toddler already steals the iPad so I’m excited to test out the FREE Big Kid app for her. Every try deserves a little celebration!
Stay tuned for more posts including tips, tricks and how the tweens can help the toddlers as the potty training cycle re-starts in my house. Fore more information on Pull-Ups Every, visit Facebook.com/pullups and to learn more check out the video:
Saludos,
This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
