Axel my first born went a whole day with no accidents today. I was one of those mom's that said I will never tried to bribe my children. Well he turned 3 and was still quite content to wear his diaper, actually way to comfortable with the whole process. He would come to me and say I'm wet mama I need a new diaper. Then grab a pillow and get all comfy. Next he would inform me that I needed to warm up the wipes. Which I refused to do because I kind of wanted him to be uncomfortable with the whole thing so that we could get this whole potty training rolling. Everyday I'd ask do you want to wear your big boy pants and he would refuse.
So began the bribing. He wanted a treat and I would say well if you use the potty you'll get one. For a while he refused and went about his business...then one day it just seemed to click. He wanted a piece of chocolate and I said no it's almost time for supper, no snacking. He pouted and went back to playing then a few minutes later he returned with a little smirk and said, "I have to go potty." I was a little skeptical and say ok, if you need help let me know." Then he said, "if I go potty I get a treat?" Well I couldn't go back on my word so I said yes.
Being the smart mom that I am(ha ha) I soon caught on to his ways and told him he had to show me that he went before he could get the treat. Well over the next few days there has been many treats given out.
This morning Kent woke up at 6:30 to mister Axel helping himself to the treats. He informed Axel that it was still early and he needed to go back to bed for a bit, which he did. Then later in the morning Kent realized that Axel wasn't wearing a diaper. He had woken up, went to the bathroom, put his underwear on and then helped himself to the treats.
Oh and of course Addy wants in on the action so she insists on using the potty (she has not successfully went on the potty yet but knows all the steps) to get her treat.
To all you potty training pros: I accept any advice, tips and lovely stories.
Thanks
8 comments:
i have no tips. i do, however, have a boatload of stories. nolan was two...he had pooped in his bedroom. he happened to have a golf club in his room. his poop happened to be shaped like a ball. he "golfed" his poop down the hall, through the living room and into the kitchen. true story.
@ Shannon- LOL!!!! :)
my advice.. do what works for him (and you). don't worry about how 'old' he is. 3 of our kids didn't train until after 3 yrs. once they are ready, it's much easier. sometimes its a 2 step forward, 1 step back deal. But progress is progress!
Good luck!
Jacinda--now our boys have another thing in common: they had their first day with no accidents on the same day!!! :):) We bribed him with a hotel stay on Fri if he wears underwear all week. (that was what it finally took, he has been so stubborn!)
For boys, throw cherrio's or fruit loops into the toilet and tell them to aim. My son loved doing that. Another idea is if they do have an accident, don't change them right away. Make them sit in wet or poopy underwear for about a half hour so they understand that part isn't any fun.
You have beautiful children and I enjoy reading your blog! Makes me wish my kids were that age again.
Make your boys pee sitting down. It does save on the mess. Of course, my boys have seen their cousin stand up so then they do that when they think I won't notice, but the pee all over the wall gives them away.
Otherwise, don't push. It makes them mad and more determined not to go.
Sounds like you're doing a great job!
Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement.
Shannon- Hilarious and so Disgusting all at the same time!! Great story:)
Sara-I wish we lived closer, although I think our boys are so much alike that they would probably fight a lot.
Hi Jacinda! Potty training is no fun! My first two boys were pretty easy to train though, we'll see how Owen does in a couple of years... We have a whole routine for going potty and it includes wiping the seat/rim when they are done. Saves on me having to clean up the little dribbles! I recommend it!
When my oldest was 3 1/2, I realized that he was overly-comfortable in his diapers. Even poops didn't bother him. So on a Friday morning, when he woke up, I told him that "The Hulk stopped by last night and took away all of your diapers. He said you're a big boy now and you can use a big boy potty. AND he left you these really COOL underwear!" On the first day, he had (I'm guessing here) a success rate of about 40%? The next day was about 60%? By Monday, he was dry all day. It took about another month to get the nighttime training mastered. I used the same technique when my second son was 3 1/2 and he told me that I should put diapers on my shopping list because we're almost out. I never used pull-ups. I wanted them to feel the grossness of an accident. I don't necessarily subscribe to the "wait until they're ready" theory. Now and then, you just have to put your foot down and say "It's time."
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