13
Particularly tempting as they are free from the government for children with disabilities.However, I focussed on the end goal and refused them.
We began to buy smaller pads in the hope that by feeling wet she would ask for the toilet. This didn't happen, but we calmly took spare clothes wherever we went and simply changed her several times a day, when damp.
We focussed on the successes and praised her highly. We never once got upset with Natty for her failures (although I have privately screamed in a cupboard when she has wet on a freshly made bed, new carpet or couch.)
Finally we reached a point, during the summer, where we felt as though Natty was being a bit lazy even though she was capable of more.
We bit the bullet and stopped using any kind of protection during the day. No turning back.
Day one - 6 accidents.
Day two - 5 accidents.
That's a lot of washing...but hey, it was summer.
We stepped up our reminders. We realised that Natty preferred sitting on the toilet rather than the potty, so we bought a step stool and a comfy, padded child's toilet seat. Most are even available with arms to help independence.
We bought 'Pee Pads' to protect car seats and chairs.
The accidents continued, but with perhaps the same number of successes each day. We questioned Natty's readiness, but I think I could be quoted as saying I knew that she was ready and that she would start school in regular underwear.
Then after day 10 we noticed only 3 accidents. This was the point of no return.
We bought hilarious fluffy toys with the names Pee and Poo. We encouraged Natty to hold whichever one she needed at the time (and if that failed, they at least made us giggle during the many hours spent in the bathroom.
We made up ridiculous songs "If you do a weeeee weeeee on the tooooilet, you can have a chocolate drop, yum, yum, yummmm" Did I mention the bribery?
We read books and looked at flash cards while Natty sat on her throne to pass the time.
Star charts meant nothing to
Natty, but give them a try. We also
bought a large pink potty that sang
when she would pee, but she got wise
to how it worked and simply pushed the
buttons inside to get the reward.
Potty training Natty lasted about 6 months. By age 4 she wore regular underwear with very minimal accidents.
I think we can count that as a resounding success, don't you think?
The Pee&Poo brand was established in late 2004, in Stockholm, Sweden. Pee&Poo was founded by Emma Megitt, as a result of a her masters degree in graphic design. Pee&Poo became an instant success both in Sweden and abroad, particularly in the UK and USA. The duo have been featured in a wide variety of magazines and TV, for example The Pee&Poo duo marry equal parts of aesthetic and educational elements, and has thus become a success among children an adults alike. Pee&Poo works just as well as potty training inspiration, as a cuddly companion.
Hayley writes articles for magazines and journals and speaks at conferences to teachers and medical professionals, including the British Institute of Learning Disabilities and St George's teaching Hospital in London.
Hayley's mission is to inspire new parents and show the world that Down's syndrome is truly wonderful and that life will carry on, only just a little bit better.
Click HERE to follow Hayley's blog and to connect with her.
About Hayley Goleniowska: