The Life and Times

Of this boy. The Boy.

A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time to bite the bullet. Take the plunge. Face the music. Take the bull by the horns. You get the idea. We have such a busy summer ahead of us that these have been the only weeks that I will have where we are staying close to home. And so it is time. Time to take off the pull-up. That's right. The Boy is in the undie zone.

Here is what I've learned so far. At this stage in the game it's not longer considered "potty training." This has been his way of life, his whole life, all 6 years of it. It was after we began this little road, a week or so ago, that I determined that it is more like changing potty habits, rather than training him. He already knows how to go and do. It has just become so convenient keeping him in a pull-up all the time. This has really been a matter of changing both of us. Some days are definitely better than others. All last week I probably was doing laundry every other day, if not every day. Sometimes I feel like we're taking two steps forward and one step back. Or one step forward and two steps back. Either way it wears on a mother. I've come to the realization that the only way that we're going to get through this is if I keep at it. Perseverance. If it is to be then it is up to me. That is not to say, though, that at some point one or both of us haven't had our melt downs.

I feel fortunate, though, that his aide at school (the same he had during the regular school year) is willing to work with him in the mornings, while he is at summer school. I've sent lots of changes of clothes. Everyday she sends a note home letting me know how he has done. And includes a few words of encouragement for me too. I have found that he seems to be doing better at school, most days, than at home. At least he is doing good somewhere. While we're at home he isn't telling me he has to go. I have to be sure to take him, frequently too. When we are out and about he is starting to get the idea. Which is why I'm starting to feel encouraged.

It really hasn't been until the past two days that I feel like we're starting to see the light. That is not to say that we won't get turned around in the dark a few more times. But I'm starting to feel like there will be an end to this. This too shall pass.

Lastly, I have learned that I won't be waiting until Little Miss is 6 years old before I do this again. Once we start, there will be no stopping. None of this dragging it on forever business. Poor girl won't know what hit her...

Be persistant