It occurred to me that there are difficulty gages assigned to some of nature's wonders. A mountain climber would know precisely what a level 4 rock face meant. I also know that there are numbers assigned to river rapids as well. When I was in high school, I went on a rafting trip that took us down some level 4 rapids. That meant the water was really rough and there were some drops.
By my estimation, potty training a child should be assigned these difficulty levels and mothers should wear them as badges of honor. A child completely trained would be at a level 5. He/she could go to the bathroom completely unassisted, sleep through the night and have no accidents. A child who you still have to follow around with a clean pair of clothes, a rag and Kids and Pets Cleaner, would be at level 1. In my system, a mother would also get credit for the number of children she had trained. For instance, a mother who had 3 children all completely trained would be referred to as certified to 3.5.
I am in the midst of the potty training adventure and I guess I just want a little credit for how hard it is, how much patience, thought, skill, and diligence it takes to convince a child to leave behind the trappings of a wet/dirty diaper and be self-sufficient. Emma is doing great (I'm sure she will be thrilled to someday read this entry in her baby book) and tells me 90% of the time that she needs to go. Last night she even made it through without an accident and we have breezed through two social events without the diaper. I would now consider myself certified to 1.4. It is an accomplishment and I am proud of all the mothers out there who have made it through the adventures of potty training.
This is a blog about gratitude... for life on the farm, homeschooled munchkins, inter-cultural adventures, and God’s grace in every breath, completely undeserved. ~ By Alysun Peters
3 comments:
Oh boy, do I remember just how HARD it is to potty-train...and now, before long, we will be helping in the process of doing the same for Rile', our grand-daughter...NOT looking forward to it. You are not alone...but you too, will someday (soon?) be certified!
I remember potty training 4 children as one of the hardest jobs I've ever had to endure! I have to say Jessi was a breeze...one day she wasn't and the next day she was! However we all know she is unusual in every way! The other 3...well considering 2 of them were "special needs" children...Carissa with her ADD would forget until it was too late. Jeremiah was 4 before he was finally potty trained! And the peer pressure from other mothers!!!By the time #4 comes along though, you don't give a rip what they think! So Josiah was probably the easiest. Jeremiah actually learned from him! I'm glad I've got that "behind" me! Hang in there!
I'm so glad to hear that things are going better in that department. Good for you for having the patience to see this all through, with creativity! I know where I am coming when I need some advice. The potty is now out and sitting in the bathroom. He has sat on it a couple times. I think it's early but I thought getting used to seeing the potty in there couldn't hurt.
Post a Comment