When my first daughter, Ella, was just three months old, I became intrigued by the idea of elimination communication (EC)—a method sometimes referred to as infant potty training. Having chosen cloth diapers and lacking easy access to a laundromat, I was determined that this would be a successful venture for my child.
As Ella turned six months, I started to pick up on her signals, making a conscious effort to keep her diaper clean and dry. Friends and family were both amused and impressed by my efforts.
By nine months, we had introduced baby sign language, and Ella was signing when she needed to go. I was convinced my brilliant daughter would be potty trained by her first birthday! How special it was to share her accomplishments with everyone around us!
However, by the time she hit one year, reality set in. Ella had developed her own ideas about the process and was far from the obedient little one I had imagined. The struggle became real. Any attempts I made to rush her to the toilet were met with resistance that felt like a toddler’s version of “no thanks.”
Despite my initial enthusiasm for EC, I soon found myself grappling with sticker charts and frantic scrubbing of the floor. While I wanted to avoid bribing her with treats, I eventually relented and began visiting the candy aisle during grocery trips, desperately seeking her cooperation.
By the age of two, I had almost given up on the idea of EC. Friends with younger children were already celebrating their potty-training success, and here I was, feeling defeated. I decided to stop the pressure—no more begging, no more stickers, and no more asking her to choose between diapers and underwear.
The turning point came during a special shopping trip. Ella picked out a new dress that was meant for potty-trained girls, and suddenly, within two weeks, the power struggle dissolved. She still cherishes that dress and occasionally reminds me, “Remember, Mom? This is my potty-training dress.” Oh yes, how could I forget?
While I never flaunted photos of my diaper-free baby online, I’ve seen plenty of friends sharing their experiences with EC on social media. It certainly works for some families, and that’s fantastic! However, I hope others find their breaking point sooner than I did.
Now that I have a second daughter, Lily, people often inquire if I plan to pursue EC with her as well. I resist the urge to exclaim, “Are you serious?!” Instead, I simply say it’s too demanding with two children. After all, Lily was born during the time when I was contemplating whether to make a stand on potty training with Ella—a strategic decision that clearly wasn’t beneficial. I’ve learned my lesson. Lily will figure out toilet use when she’s ready.
In the grand scheme of parenting, I’ve realized that every child’s journey is unique. If you’re interested in more about home insemination kits, check out this article. And for more insights on pregnancy and its procedures, you can visit this authoritative resource.
Summary:
Elimination communication is a method of infant potty training that can be both challenging and rewarding, but every child’s readiness varies. The author, Clara, shares her experience with her daughters, highlighting the struggles and eventual triumphs. After realizing the need to step back and allow her children to learn at their own pace, she emphasizes the importance of patience in parenting.