Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Potty Update

We are still pretty much at the same place we were when I last posted about the potty. Bennett still refuses to sit on the potty for Jim or I and we haven't pushed the issue much. I thought I had a great idea when I decided to try the whole "Bennett's a big boy" now trick. One day I decided to pull out a pair of "big boy underwear" in hopes of convincing him to give up diapers. I even chose the most colourful pair believing for some reason that when it comes to underwear, the flashier the better. However, I gave up on this plan almost immediately when he excitedly grabbed the underwear, pulled it over his head and paraded around the house laughing hysterically. So much for that idea....


Now on to Plan B which I came up with during a particularly restless night recently. It's funny how great you think an idea is at 2am in the morning. I was even tempted to wake Jim but quickly came to the conclusion that wasn't nearly as great an idea - in fact I'm sure it would have been a very bad one. Anyway, I've decided I might try another method - one that I'm sure many parents have resorted to (whether they admit it or not) - BRIBERY! My plan goes like this - I will buy a wide variety of small treats and toys for Bennett and wrap them in brightly coloured paper (once again flashier is better right?). I will make a chart - not a small one but a large one - maybe I'll even put glitter on it because who can resist glitter? Bennett will get to select a sticker every time he sits on the potty and if he has results he can chose a treat from our potty treasure box! After a couple days I will tell him that we no longer have diapers and while he's home he will go without. In the meantime I will have stocked up on paper towel. It sounds perfect doesn't it - how can it possibly fail?

10 comments:

Mo said...

My daughter is almost 3 and we have yet to begin potty training. Of all things, this seems the hardest to approach.

And I've just found you and read your Story part 1,2 and diagnosis. Thanks for sharing background...I look forward to following your sweet boy.

Mummu and Poppa said...

'Sweet Boy' for sure! Pants or no pants Bennett makes a statement...laughing at everything seems to be the answer when you are 3 years old.

Glitter and treats sounds like a great idea for all concerned.

Maybe Mommy and Daddy can also have a treat when Bennett goes potty.
...really, after all that work, you deserve a break!!

Bennett, your time will come.

Love you lots
Poppa and Mummu
xxx ooo xxx ooo xxx ooo xxx ooo

Anonymous said...

Barbara, you were easy to toilet train. It took 2 days! However, I don't know if it was my wonderful (?)skill at potty training you that worked.......or if you were just ready, which I suspect it was. (you were about 2 - 2 1/2 years old).
I think that your plan is well worth a shot. If he is anything like his grandmother, the glitter will work. It still works for me. The more glitz, glitter and shine, the better!!! Maybe you could suggest that he stand up to pee in his potty. That sounds like it would be a lot of fun if I was a 3 year old boy. Worth a shot.
In any case, good luck with whatever method you chose!
Lots of love, hugs and kisses
grandma

amy said...

I feel completely demoralized by the whole potty thing. At this point, I'd be thrilled if Maddy would just tell me when she's gone in her diaper (I heard that WANTING to be clean is the biggest reason kids will train and the sign you need to look for that they are ready) and no number of m&m's will get her to even tell me. It's frustrating.
Good luck. Keep us posted!

Barbara said...

Mo - Thank you for visiting and commenting. You're right about potty training. I had no idea it would be so overwhelming!

Mummu - Yes Bennett thinks he's a pretty funny guy! I just wish I could convince him that the potty was fun...

Grandma - I didn't realize you used glitter for yourself in the potty! :) We'll try no diapers first buy I'm perfectly willing to try bribery.

Amy - You're not alone with the frustration. We had a bit of success a few months ago and now nothing. He won't even sit on the potty for me anymore. It's just so hard. I believe we'll both get there eventually but in the meantime...it's just really hard.

Anonymous said...

Glitter chart and bright wrapping paper!? Very crafty of you!

I think your plan has great potential. In case you did not check back - I made the same recommendation as grandma - stand-up like a big boy. I want to know if you wore panties on your head to mock grandma when you were 3. I'm nosy like that.
(that other) Barbara

Kara said...

I love the fact that since you've sold the house, who really cares if Bennett pees on your floor!?!

Barbara said...

Barbara - I don't know if I ever wore my underwear on my head. However, I do remember showing my mother that I could stand like a boy to pee! Let me tell you - she was not impressed with that and the resulting mess. (We are going to try the standing up to pee thing too.)

Kara - Excellent point!!

Dawn said...

Barbara - LOL about your standing and peeing comment. You are too funny. I love the undies on the head pic. You have quite a character there. :) Good luck with the potty training. I'm not looking forward to going through it again. Both the boys didn't do so well with that. Hopefully Bennett will do better. Austin is 6 1/2 and still has issues. :( I think part of it has to be physical part mental. I just wish I knew for sure.

Barbara said...

Dawn - good luck with Ashley! From what I've heard girls are easier...