How I Used the Bell in Potty Training my Daughter?

Potty training a girl after 3 boys is something new. This is the story of my little girl’s potty training journey. It is also about the struggles I faced because I moved to a new country.

I am blessed with 4 children, with all the challenges that come with it. I accepted this phase of my life with a big heart, open arms, and a great will to excel. 4 years ago, when we made the move and decided to settle in Canada. I was terrified being in a new country with my children, especially since my husband decided to stay in Amman for a year to settle his work and then join us.

Being away from home, from friends, family members, support, was a huge burden. My youngest daughter was 10 months old by that time. Her siblings were 10, 9, and 7. My children were always my greatest help and support; even with a nanny, they always did their chores. But my 10-month-old munchkin was a different story; she just started crawling and was about to start walking.

And guess what? Soon she’s going to need potty training!

Potty training is not really my passion, nor was sitting for hours in front of a baby who doesn't understand what all the fuss is about! Waiting for nature to take its course! With my older kids, I always left this ugly job to the nanny. Sitting on my knees for hours waiting for a surprise with my knee injury wasn't a picnic ride for me. Now that I am on my own, I had to figure out a way to make things easier.I thought to myself, at least being away from family members and the pressure that comes from their endless questions and comments when they keep asking me:

“Is she clean yet?”
“Is she diaper free?”
“Isn't she big enough to stop using diapers?”

Those are the questions that drive moms crazy and put them under huge pressure to push their child into potty training before they are even ready.

The Bell Idea

Then something happened! I was potty training my daughter, and she learned really fast (girls are faster than boys in potty training, by the way). But she was too tiny and short; I couldn't hear her or know that she was in the bathroom. I would find her sitting there by herself, done with her business, waiting for me to help her out, all while I was busy in the kitchen or doing something else.

So I thought, what if she could ring a bell? We got a hotel bell (the ones on the front desk), and I taught her to ring it every time she needs to go to the bathroom. It took her one day to learn and she loved it. Every time she rang the bell, I would come to help her. She felt so accomplished and in charge. She would hit that bell with a huge smile! The bell was our potty training best friend.