Potty training

Soon after Harry was born, a friend told me that life as a parent was a constant challenge. Just when you think you’re on top of things, she said, everything changes.

I’ve often thought of that statement since and it came to mind immediately we started potty training. Now I was dreading potty training, mainly because I hadn’t got a clue what to do.

Fortunately, Melissa was far more organised and had come up with a plan to kick things off. Essentially, this plan meant not leaving our house for several days to get Harry into the swing of using the potty without any distractions.

As it turned out, the first couple of days were as challenging as expected; eleven pairs of pants the first day, and about eight the second. I’ll admit to being slightly relieved at having to go to work. By the time I arrived home, Melissa – understandably – looked completely drained.

After that, however, things started to improve markedly and the number of accidents has now fallen to just one or two a day.

After four days of training, Melissa had to work and it was my turn to look after Harry – which did cause me some anxious moments. I must have asked him if he needed his potty at least once every five minutes and, by the end of the day, poor old Harry was looking at me in frustration saying: “No, not now daddy.”

Anyway, the warm weather meant we were at least able to play outside and Harry surprised me by taking to using his potty in the open air straight away. It means we’ve been able to spend hours on end in the garden, which is now looking very tidy this year as a result.

Two weeks on, and we’re able to get out and about – with the potty going everywhere with us, of course. There is the odd accident now and again, but it’s not half as bad as I thought it would be. Long car journeys are still a worry, but I’m sure we’ll get there somehow.