A Warning with a (Hopefully) Happy Ending

This is not a blog about how my way of parenting is better than yours, or your neighbor's, or Kate Gosselin's. While generally I am satisfied with the parenting choices we have made, I very rarely feel the need to brag about them. I don't give parenting and lifestyle tips on a regular basis. Or ever.

So, do not consider this a tip. Consider it a warning.

We are now on day 5 of potty training Hugmonkey. He has made it to the potty on several occasions and no longer screams when placed on the potty. I, however, need a bottle of chardonnay. The constant, "Do you want to go to the potty? Can you try going on the potty? You'll get a treat if you go on the potty! Yay, you went on the potty!" conversation, not to mention the cleaning and the fear of leaving the house for too long and his stress level resulting in more tantrums than usual has me worn OUT.

It was not like this with Ironflower or Lovebug. Because we trained them organically, without a deadline or pressure, it was easy.
Each step took time, but there was very little stress. They were motivated without candy bribes and I never had to hover over them, asking if they had to pee or poop all the time. They were physically able to manipulate their clothes as we took each step and by the end it was easy for them to climb up and use the real toilet. This is the total opposite of what's happening with Hugmonkey.

So, you know, if you don't want to drive yourself crazy, don't potty train on a deadline. Just follow your kid's lead.

Unless, of course, you're trying to get him into a preschool. A preschool, I happened to find out today, that has hired THE AWESOME TEACHER. And Hugmonkey's going to be in her class! I can't believe everything has worked out so perfectly. Except for the potty training.