Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Potty Training

I have officially begun potty training. Might I add, I feel like I am failing at it. Poor Connor must think I hate him. I find myself "nagging" at him. I try to do it in a nice and happy voice, but then he starts whining in an unhappy voice and I get exhausted and a little short with him.

The nagging:
"Do you want some more juice"
"Do you want to go on the potty"
"Do you need to go pee-pee"

So yesterday he went on the floor three times and in the toilet none. I never scolded him when he went on the floor. He didn't mind having wet underpants...didn't bother him at all. I don't even think he realizes it when he is piddling. A friend of mine suggested the pull-ups that make the child feel cold after doing their business. So I got some, those don't phase him either.

I borrowed some books and a DVD from a friend down the hall (same friend that suggested the pull-ups...it didn't take too long for her little girl to get it and she never had to use a pull-up) in the hopes that today would be a new day. It started out okay, he helped his little teddy bear go potty on the toilet, REALLY washed his hands, dried them and turned off the light. I thought it was a great breakthrough. Connor even sat on the toilet this morning. No fruits came of it, but the nagging continues. He has yet to touch his juice or water.

Please tell me this was just as frustrating for you if you have potty trained a child! Tonya (Todd's mom) told me Todd was a textbook child. She showed him how to do it once and never had a problem after that. I truly thought Connor was like his father, guess not.

Maybe I am trying to do this too soon. He is only 2 1/2. Well, wish me luck! I hope Connor and I make it through this day.

I do have something to look forward to! Tonight Todd is taking me out for our 9th Anniversary (thanks for the card mom...the cardmaker did a great job, I hope you paid her well)!

3 comments:

Heather B said...

Oh, Mel, sounds tough!! Best of luck, I don't have any advice but I'll pray for you both. :)

Manda said...

I hope you have fun on your night out. It's so nice to get some alone time.
So... for the advice...I really hate giving advice because it important to do what works for you but if you want it... I learned from my mistakes with Emma.
1. wait until you think THEY are ready, not when you think they should be ready. If they are not ready you'll just drag on the nagging until they are.
2. the longer you wait to do it, the easier it will be.
3. remember that it is a frustrating thing for them so try to be as positive as possible.
4. We tried stickers and treats. Bribes might not be the best idea but it was a motivator. Emma did always expect a party when she was successful.
5.It helped Emma to watch her slightly older friends go. We had a bathroom party and all took turns. Weird, Eh?
Anyway...That's all I have to say.
Oh, I love the Dr Sears book called You can go to the Potty. It has a little poster you can tape up on the bathroom wall and read and look at the pictures when they are sitting there.
Ok, there is my novel... Good Luck! Keep us updated.

Shay said...

Every kid is so different, it's hard to know. Tre's process was long and dragged out, but I had a goal that he would be potty trained by the time he turned 3. 2 months before his birthday he finally got it. Having a friend to watch and learn from helped him. Everyday is one step closer. It's all about repetition and practice, it will all pay off. Good Luck!