The ever allusive "when they are ready"

I keep being told to wait until they are ready and it will be easy. I'm sick of it! Everyone says it, but no on can tell me what they mean! They show every "readiness" sign there is except a desire to go. That they don't have. They ask for diapers and say "no" when asked if they want to sit on the potty. But, they have done this for over a year! I thought for sure we would be done by now (they turn 3 next month ) but we are nowhere close. I've pretty much decided that I'll just have to focus on my DD for now, but I really want to get this over with! I'm sick of diapers!

So, can anyone give me a definition of the ever allusive phrase, "when they are ready?"

 

Can they stay dry for long periods....that shows they have control over that bladder muscle. Long periods can be for nap time, or just for an hour or more during the day. Can they Pee when asked to do so on the potty....that also shows they have the ability to release that bladder muscle. Do they have the control?

Next do they have the desire.

3rd do you have the time
4th do you have the patience for the job.

Then you know you are ready!

Cindy

 

QUOTE(Cindy H @ Aug 2 2008, 10:22 PM) [snapback]910570[/snapback]
Next do they have the desire.


This is that part that gets me. All the other stuff is there. But, what will they do to show a desire? Do they just one day start asking to go to the potty without any coaxing? Will they just decided they no longer want diapers? Do you really wait until then?

 

I think that sometimes you won't know if they have the desire until you do it. When they don't know what the freedom and great feeling of no more diapers means, they probably don't have the "desire".

Maybe you need to just get up one day...say we are going to learn to use the potty today, and then do it. Don't ask them if they want to go, just tell them it's time to sit on the potty. Make it a fun day...lots of extra juice (so they have to go alot) and your attention for the entire day. I do think it has a lot more to do with the parent being ready, so when you are ready to tackle it, go for it. However, if they truly seem to have no concept or control of that muscle (which I don't think you'll know until you try it), then back off and wait a bit.

Good luck!!