GUEST BLOG: Advice from Someone Who Knows

My friend Gina has 3 kids, and has managed to potty train two of them. In response to my posting about how damn hard it is to make Owen realize there really is life after diapers, she posted this comment. It made me laugh so hard I figured I'd post it for all to enjoy. I just can't get enough of this stuff.

I've no real advice . . . but lots of empathy. I hate potty training. LOATHE IT. DESPISE IT. If I could pay someone to do it for me, I would.

In fact, when Jack was a toddler I frequently offered babysitters generous bonuses if they could manage to potty train my stubborn child in my absence. It was such a frustrating experience, and I'll admit one that occasionally resulted in tears. (My tears.)

Like you, I'd tried everything, but nothing seemed to work. Stickers? He didn't care. Bribes of a trip to the toy store. "I've got enough toys already, Mom."

Once I bought this flashy child's watch with a bright blue plastic band and a digital race car in the face. It was cool. And Jack was intrigued. He wanted it. Bad. I kept it on the counter near the potty where he could see it. The deal was keep your pants dry for a day and it's yours.

One night at dinner, about a week into the whole "enticement with the watch ploy", I casually asked Jack if he wouldn't like to wear that watch one day soon. And he oh so casually responded that the watch no longer existed. Baffled I peered over my shoulder at the counter, and sure enough it was gone. Jack informed me that he "just wasn't ready to use the potty", so he'd thrown the watch in the garbage. Days ago.

So that was the end of the watch. Glad I only paid $5 for it at KMart.

Eventually he figured out the whole potty thing. But I'd be lying if I said it was easy. Chloe, on the other hand, potty trained herself at 2.5 years. I'm dreading introducing the potty to Casey. Maybe I can bribe Chloe to teach him.