Potty Training Log, Day 1

Yesterday we started potty training Charlie. I think it’s time. He’s almost three and I’ve been changing diapers for one child or another for over 9 years now. I’m ready for a break.

So, at the end of Day 1—and 12 underwear changes later—all I can say that was positive about the day is:

a) he woke up dry in the morning and from his nap, and
b) by the end of the day he could stop and shout, "I'm peeing, Mommy."

Here are my major obstacles thus far:

Obstacle No. 1: After three girls and 9 years of calling underwear panties, I can't stop. And I've been informed that boys do not wear panties. I’ve tried several attempts at replacing the offending word with acceptable options (briefs, britches, underwear, etc.) to no avail. Eventually, I decided that “undies” would make a good alternative. It ends in "ies,” has the same number of syllables as panties, and is apparently gender neutral. So I think maybe I can trick myself into making the change.

Obstacle No. 2: We have done nothing to prepare for this other than to buy underwear and a new potty seat (which we did way back in December). We are starting from scratch. He has no former experience of peeing in the potty, not before a bath, not when he wakes up in the morning. None. So he has no incentive to sit long enough on the toilet to wait and see what happens because he doesn’t know what is supposed to happen when he does and the joy and celebration that will ensue when he does this mysterious thing. He also apparently has no ability to "turn on the pipes" while he's sitting—even after 3 cups of lemonade and a long dry spell.

Obstacle No. 3: He is not at all motivated by M & Ms.

And so begins Day No. 2