2 part question -- help with my 3 year old and 13 year old

[firsttimerw2]

My son is 3 years old -- he is not potty trained and actually have put it off ourselves until after we get back from our June trip to Disney World -- we figure it will actually be easier on us if he is in a pull up or diaper than if we have to hunt a bathroom every 5 minutes ---- getting some slack from the rest of the family on this -- anyone else ever do this!! Also my daughter will be 13 this time we go -- she is getting in to that teenage age -- mom isnt much fun anymore -- any ideas how to make it special and magical for her.... Thanks for your help

 

[RN4Babies]

I'd follow my son's lead on potty training; you won't scar him for life if you wait, but if he shows he's interested and ready before your June trip, go for getting him out of diapers/pull ups. I know it's less convenient for you, but you really need to go with him and his signals. If you end up waiting, reassure your family that he'll be potty trained before kindergarten.

I was worried about ds17 before our trip too; he didn't seem at all excited, and I'm definitely not "cool". We went to MK our first day there (mid afternoon after the plane ride). We watched the 3pm parade, then went to Monsters Inc. laugh floor and the Buzz Lightyear ride, and he was totally enthusiastic and a blast to be with from then on...for the whole week!!

If your daughter's never been to WDW before, she's probably like my son...thinking it's mainly for little kids (that's the way Disney markets it), with a roller coaster thrown in here and there. I bet she'll love it once you're there!


Have a great time!

 

[RumpleMom]

How about mother/daughter afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian while little brother takes a nap?

 

[mom2travel]

Went through the same dilemma on potty training w/ DD when she was 2. Was mostly trained (at least the pee part) and then reverted - we went with it and used pull-ups for Disney. She was fully trained and happily wearing her princess panties within a couple weeks of our return. If people start to be a real drag/nag about it, just turn to them with a look of worry and say "ohhh.... I really hope he figures out how to use the potty before college"

As to your teen, I was a bit nervous about DS who is almost 14. Not so much because he is "too cool" for Disney, but because of the teen angst - moodiness, etc. Well, so far so good. I told him Monday about our trip (leaving this Friday) and he's excited. Yeah!! He's looking forward to the trip and no negative/blah words thus far.

We figure that it is a short trip and both kids like the same stuff (DD a bit crazier/daring than DS though) so we'll spend most time together. But we're prepared for splitting up for a bit if they each need time for their own thing. If you acknowledge up front that meals and certain shows/rides/etc are family time then she'll be prepared. And let her know that if there are rides, shopping or something else that she'd like to do w/o little brother, then she'll have an opportunity (assuming you're ok w/ that). Sometimes I think it is a perception of control - teens (like preschoolers) want to have some independence but don't know how to go about getting it/what to do with it. Laying out expectations and opportunities ahead of time heads off some of the teen crankiness

 

[DISNEYNV]

I would hold off on the potty training until you get back unless ( like other poster said) he shows rediness to use the potty. You don't want to send mixed signals! We went to Disney right before my DD turned three and she wasn't potty trained yet. It only took her a few weeks after she turned three to "get" it and stay dry. If he isn't ready yet don't push it... He will be fine and nobody will give you looks

As for the teen...I have a DSD who is 14 and I could see her getting bored after a while without her friends. I would do something maybe just the two of you one day. GF tea is an idea, but what about a water park or tour? If she is interested in animals AK has a cool tour. JK also has great behind the scenes tours too. Some have age restrictions though so you would have to check into it. Don't feel bad if she wants to call her friends at least once or twice on the trip. Epcot innovations is fun for teens and I think the resorts have water sports and Wilderness campground has horseback riding! I loved to ride as a teen Also maybe she can check out the Teen boards on the DIS and see what other teens liked to do?

Your family will have a great time. There is something for everyone in Disney

 

[firsttimerw2]

Thank You so much for all our your replies -- I feel much better about both of the kids -- I am going to plan something special for me and my daughter and I am going to put those pull-ups on my son and not feel guilty !!! Thanks so much!!