The most daunting two words in Parenting ...
I took Lily to her 18 month Doctor appointment ... Dr. S says, "18 months? You can start potty training!"; like he knew what he was talking about!!! I gave him my "Are you stupid?" look.
My first experience of potty training was so exhausting, frustrating, and scarring, that we both still have nightmares. Being a first-time mom, I wanted to do everything right. I listened to other mothers, grandmothers and even some fathers ... and well, ... I really must stop this train of thought because I feel myself starting to hyperventilate ...
When Liam came along, I vowed that I would not even THINK about those two words until he turned 3. But about 2 months before he turned 3, he gave me "all the signs". I said to myself, okay, I'll bite ... 1 week later he was trained! Or, at least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So along comes Sara, beautiful, sweet, determined and energetic Sara. Everyone told me how much easier girls were to potty train. And ............................................... I have absolutely no recollection of the potty training process with her. Poor girl ... There are a lot of things I don't remember about Sara, I even forgot to remember to take her with me when I left the grocery store once! But that's another blog ...
So here I am, child #4, and feeling total ambivilence toward the whole process. I used to fret and fuss when other mothers would talk about ages and stages with their children. I lost sleep about whether or not I was just a bad parent, or maybe the child was just BAD!
I guess I've finally learned something after over 4 decades and 4 children ... It's not a race, or a competition of any kind. Kids that are allowed to set their own pace are far more relaxed and able to just be kids! And mothers who don't put a lot of stock into what other people think drink far less alcohol!
Post Script ...
And I learned that wanting to do things perfect with the first child is completely normal ... and there are plenty of therapists out there willing to help first-borns come to terms with their parents!
