Monday, December 22, 2008

And so it begins

I've written a few versions of this post, the one that talks about how we've started potty training. The first one was full of updates and optimism. The second was a little less informative and full of complaining, but I think the one I'm going with starts out like this:

I HATE POTTY TRAINING!

We officially started yesterday afternoon after he woke up from his nap, and by the end of the day the score was 2-2. Two "pee pee's in the potty" and two "pee pee's all over himself and my floor." Granted, it was our first real attempt, but those four hours were the longest hours of my life, and by the time Jeff got home, I was in dire need of a time-out.

We're going the good, old, bribery route with potty training: M&M's, Jelly Bellys, and even chips. This works well in the sense that it usually convinces him to sit on the potty, but it has an ugly downside. I'm not sure if you knew this about my son, but he's seriously intense, especially about food (hmm, sound like anyone you know?) And, he can NOT handle getting only one of whatever it is I'm using to bribe him with. So, then we have a meltdown on the potty chair because I won't give him another whatever until he goes pee pee.

I really don't want to be all militant about potty training, so it's not like I'm dangling the candy in front of him while yelling at him to go pee. But, I can't give him the candy, right? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose and be inconsistent?

Speaking of inconsistent, we've had to put it all on hold today because Evan is having trouble breathing again. He's got a cold, and this morning he started wheezing. So, we've increased his breathing treatments, and hopefully we'll prevent an ER visit.

As soon as he's feeling a little better, we'll pick up where we left off, only this time Jeff will be home for the fun too! I am planning to mainstream the candy bribery, and just use one kind for potty training. Hopefully, that will help with the meltdowns. Surely with a week and a half home together, we can get at least a decent start on Evan being potty trained. We'll see...

6 comments:

morgan said...

i've seen parents use stickers or something like that instead that the kid can place on a board or something after each time they go. like one sticker for pee, 2 for poop, and the progress that as they progress. like 3 if they do in on their own, etc. and then once they have a week filled or whatever the goal may be, then they get a piece of candy as their reward. i don't know if he would fully understand that or not, but i've seen it work.

Burgh Baby said...

I'm so right there with you with the hatred. Right now I'm loving how my kid is totally potty trained at daycare (100% dry), but so not at all at home. Good times.

Kelly said...

Ugh, I hate it too. I dread going through it again (and again). My experience with my 2 has been that they'll do it when they are ready and not a minute before that. Thomas was super easy and only took a few days, but Griffin on the other hand took FOREVER. Good luck!! I hope Evan catches on quickly!

Anonymous said...

I'm taking notes from you! :) I'm so not ready to start this process. I hope Evan feels better and that you guys have a wonderful Christmas!

Lauren Stahl said...

We do one M & M for sitting, to for pee and three for a #2...which we haven't achieved. Hope Evan gets better soon! Merry Christmas!

Holly said...

stickers over here...
my son was trained before he was 2.5.. my daughter is 2.5 and has NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER! ah... we shall try again in spring. Just no point if it's "pressure"... go with the flow (no pun intended) and it will work. Bribe or no bribe. Reward or no reward.