I’ve procrastinated long enough. It was my new year’s resolution to start potty training Max. So, as with other things in my life, I’m only about 10 months behind schedule.  

Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m not a potty-training newbie. I’ve been through potty training with Elle before (a 10-month saga that can be described only as “the Dark Ages” —  a period of parenting marked by lack of knowledge and progress). It wasn’t pretty. I found it one of the more frustrating periods of early parenting, which is probably why I’m procrastinating with Max. 

But this is it, folks.  I’m publicly announcing that Max’s Potty-Training Adventure has begun. I’m going to start in earnest. So I’m gathering those 5 essential potty-training tools that every potty “trainer” needs. 

1) The Potty: This is where all the magic happens. We have a plastic potty that stays in Max’s room and a Little Looster in our bathroom. The Little Looster is a really cool plastic step system that wraps perfectly around our toilet so Max can get a boost to the toilet, but it doesn’t need to get moved out of the way when adults need to go too. 

2) Bribery Tools: Who said this adventure had to be honorable or noble? I’m stocking up on stickers, M&Ms, tattoos and any other trappings that will incentivize urination from my little man.  

3) Disinfecting Wipes: I know pee and poop will rarely end up in the potty when the adventure starts. So, for those near-misses or even successful “deposits” into the potty, I want to have a canister of disinfecting wipes to make sure those germy messes don’t travel. 

4) Support: With potty training, I’ve found everyone in the home suddenly becomes an unwitting accomplice. With Elle, any and all poops in the household were “high-fived” or otherwise congratulated. Any sense of privacy and dignity was lost as “live demonstrations” by adults were given. Yes, the household troops must rally for the poops. Equally important is that close friend who says, “YOU can do it!” (referring to me, not Max), “Stop crying, it’s just potty training!” (again referring to me, not Max) or “Here’s another bottle of wine” (me again!).

5) Patience: You know that old potty-training adage: You can lead a kid to the potty … but you can’t make him pee. Well, I know Max’s Potty Training adventure will be filled with moments when I want to pull my hair out … or times when I will ask myself, “Is it really that bad if he goes to college wearing diapers?” I’m bracing myself and mustering up all the patience I can. Deep breaths … deep breaths … deep breaths ...

So there you have it; the 5 tools I’m assembling to start the journey. They may not guarantee results, but they do guarantee that you’ll at least feel a little bit more prepared. 

Now, let the adventure begin …

What essential tools or ideas did you use during potty training?