I've felt really frustrated about it for a couple days, and several times let Antalya know how frustrated I was. That obviously hasn't helped the situation much. But, like an answer to prayers, a friend posted this link on facebook for a seminar from the Boston Children's Hospital on Down syndrome and toilet training. I feel like a new woman after listening a bit of reality. The main points I got from the seminar were that it is alright to take a step back when needed, lots of accidents will happen and it's best to just not make a point of it, toilet training can be done wearing pull-ups, and toilet training is a big deal - especially for our Ds kiddo's.
So, I've adjusted. We're taking a step (or two, or three) back. My plan is to put Antalya back in diapers or pull-ups, but continue to have regular potty breaks every 45 minutes. Once she's staying dry most of the day, I'll up it to 1 hour, and so on, until we get to two hour stretches. Then we'll switch back over to panties and see how she does.
This whole potty training thing has made me realize some of my own faults. One of my big ones is that sometimes I forget Antalya has Down syndrome. I get so caught up in wanting her to be just like her peers that I forget to leave room for that extra chromosome of hers. I forget how much harder she has to work at things that just come naturally to other children, I forget that she learns differently, I forget that she needs to do things in her own way and in her own time. And in forgetting about the Down syndrome, I get frustrated and sometimes even angry when I think she should be able to do certain things and she's not. It's good that I feel the need to push her, but today I realized that more than someone always pushing her to do more and go faster, what Antalya really needs is someone to walk by her side. Someone who will be patient when she stumbles, help her up each time she falls, and cheer her on through each success. And so folks, that's exactly what I'm going to be! Because this cute little one is relying on me.
2 comments:
I feel like I could have written your last paragraph as I feel much the same way in sometimes "forgetting" about the Ds and that in turn causing me more frustration than is fair to Kayla. Oh those potty training days. We had so many ups and downs and so many times I wish I could take back - times when I was so upset at Kayla having an accident and let it show. Frustration by saying "Kayla you KNOW you're supposed to go pee in the toilet, you KNOW you're not supposed to pee in your pants!" On my goodness, I'm ashamed at how I acted. But it was frustrated because it was like she would get it for several weeks or months and then all of a sudden just pee in her pants. Anyway, sorry to ramble... but you're not the only one ... and I'm glad I'm not the only one either :)
You are a wonderful mother! I want to be like you someday. Reading this made me think how grateful I am for your friendship and example. We just learn and grow so much from our experience as mothers, right? Antalya and Treetree are so lucky to have you. :)
Lots of love to you and your family!
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