Potty Training - Everett,WA

This is tough. You just have to be nice, and honest with her. It's not doing him any good getting mixed messages. Just tell her what works for you when you have him, maybe she will get the hint. I just talked to my sister about this the other day because she runs in home daycare. She has a fear that she will be the only one doing potty training for her youngest child. It really too bad that it's not always "team work". The child suffers because of this. I know it's not always easy and when Mom gets home at night she just wants to relax...but you have to do it!! Keep up the good work, I applaud you. :) You are a good auntie! Honesty is key... Good luck and keep us updated!!
K.

D., first of all, WTG! on potty training him! Coming from a mother of three that is still working on potty training my own 3 yr old son, I envy you. It was very difficult for me to get my son trained and we are still working on the #2 in the potty! Any advice???? I'll start by saying, I work full-time, go to school, have 3 kids, a husband and am building a home business during my off hours, to include training and supporting my business partners! I get very tired and, unfortunately, very lazy! Not to say that this is an excuse, but I think I delayed the potty training process with my son because of this. You may suggest to her that it would be alot cheaper for her to just let him wear his "big boy pants" all day at home, too. Yes it will be a little messy, but he'll get over that in a few days. Make suggestions that will seem to "ease" her own work and payload. I wish you the best and if you have advice for me I would certainly appreciate it!

You might try with "You know, we might benefit from a united front on this potty training thing, so that he gets the same message at home and here" I'm sure anyone with a child in daycare discusses all sorts of thing that need to be synced up between home and daycare, like discipline, eating, napping, etc. Parents often have to sit down and agree on a tactic for something as well. Just think of her as a daycare client instead of a sister - you'd certainly have these types of 'check-in's with a client.

Honestly, the part about giving advice is the trickiest. Just be open with her about the fact that he seems to do really well when he's in regular underwear/cloth training pants because he knows he'll end up having an accident unless he goes to the potty. Just try to be careful so it doesn't sound like you think she's doing things all wrong. Try to focus on the positive and how well he does when he knows he's not wearing a pull up diaper and that he just needs a little help while he's learning. Just stay positive and hopefully she will follow your lead! Good luck! www.SimpleCloth.com

My son just turned 3 a week ago and seems to have a good grasp on Potty training...still needs help with wiping though. I am scared of the thought of him not telling me he has to "go" while at church. So on Sunday, I always put him in a pull-up. And he often "goes" in it on the way home if I forget to ask. I must say though, if I put him in underpants on Sunday, you better believe I would ask him, and even take him to try if he said no! Maybe you can tell her (excitingly), that he is doing awesome on potty training now, and that all that's left is for US to keep him in underpants all the time….And let her know that it's okay for him to have an accident….that is the only way he can learn. Also maybe she can say to her son "Aunt D. says you’re a big boy now and can go potty by yourself!?" then he may want to begin "showing off" to his Mom what he can do now.
Just some ideas! Awesome job, It's not easy to potty train.

R.