I didn't think I would do it, or need to do it. But after spending time Christmas eve with Jasmine's new friend, Emmy, I decided it was time. Emmy's family came to our house for some holiday cheer and even though little Emmy is one month younger than J, she is totally potty-trained. I admit, I felt envy. J has been using her potty for months and months now, but there seemed to be no progress towards any significant shift in her thinking about it. It was just kind of fun, a novelty, joining Mama in an activity. But when Emmy was here, they went potty together every single time. All night long. Emmy's mom spent more time in the bathroom with the 2 girls than anywhere else.
So I asked a few probing questions and learned about the simple trick--m and m's. I know, all you seasoned parents out there might be laughing at me, but some things don't always come easy. I'm not struggling with discipline, or routine, or even guilt. I accept that we all have busy lives and J can't be with me 24/7. But rewarding her with candy for going to the potty?
Yes. Why? Because it's starting to work. And I don't exactly like spending a fortune on diapers, or contributing to the landfill since you will not find me washing diapers at home. The progress is slow but it's there. This weekend, we spent a few hours in the house wearing big girl panties and for the first time ever, after an initial accident, she felt the urge, the trickle and then looked at me and said peepee. She held it and held it until I could get her to the potty and...SUCCESS. Over and over. Last night, she earned 2 m and m's in one sitting. Enough said.
5 comments:
Candy worked for us and I had 2 to train at the same time! Worked like a charm and when they seem to get it, we just explained that it was time to stop the potty = candy routine since they were such big girls!!!! Sounds like J is doing great and Momma too:)
Good luck. You have to find the right treat. We tried candy with Emilia, but what really worked was a blue stapler! Jimmy is a different story. We have tried everything (candy, sticker charts, Disney underwear, etc.). I know boys take longer, but he's a whole year older than J! If anyone has some suggestions--I'm all ears!
Way to go - didn't even occur to me that you might be having a problem! It's a good 'move' in the right direction (sorry - I'm in a punny mood today!)
hugs - aus and co.
OK - and Marilyn doesn't have an e-mail link in her profile - so Marilyn - with boys - float a cheerio and make it a game trying to sink it!
hugs - aus and co.
If it works, why not use it? Candy is not poison after all.
Speaking about potty training, we have somewhat similar problem with our new cat Nine. She will not use the great outdoors but insists on her litter box. Should we try M&M's? I don't feel like cleaning her box constantly. Her mother didn't train her quite right.
Nagypapa
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