Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Potty Training



I'm on day four of potty training Emilia and I finally feel like we're getting somewhere. No more rejections when I asked if she needs to go to the bathroom.

Sunday evening was the worse. She had an accident in the family room so I picked her up and took her to the toilet while I cleaned up. When I heard the toilet flush, I went to check on her... I found half a roll of toilet paper clogging the toilet. It filled up the bowl and overflowed into the bathroom floor. Another mess to clean up... I was really ready to put a pull-up on her and call it quits!

My strategy is pretty simple:
1. No pull-ups or underwear at home - she's just wearing a dress
2. Kitchen timer set up to 30 minutes - every time it goes off it is time to go to the potty
3. If she does go, she runs to the 'surprise couch' for her surprise - usually a couple of smarties. I did give her a lettuce leaf once to see her reaction. She tilted her head and looked at me as if to say "Who are you kidding?"
4. We keep books and toys that are for the bathroom only
5. Turned on the faucet - the sound of running water made her want to go
6. A LOT OF PATIENCE, CONSISTENCY AND DETERMINATION

One thing is for certain, I'm not going back :)