Thursday, February 22, 2007
Potty Training
Okay, so for most of you out there, this will be a boring entry- but I need help! We had Ellie completely potty trained for about 2 weeks before Steve left. Steve took off, we moved and the potty training has gone out the window. I studied family science in college, so I completely understand the concept of regression during stressful times. But COME ON!!! There has to be a way to get her back on track! We've tried bribes, punishment, removal of things she loves like movies and treats, you name it. She just doesn't seem to care. And it doesn't phase her one bit if she wets her pants- or worse. So anyway- if anybody out there has advice for me, I'd love to hear it. This is one very frustrated mom!
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3 comments:
Tiff, Thanks for the invite! Potty training? At least you had a couple of months of diaper free time! As you know I believe in letting the kids figure it out. Until Ellie gets settled in it will be difficult I think. She wants to be in control of something and she has chosen it. I'm sure it will come back to her soon! Love the pictures of Steve and the girls and hope you are doing well with the pregnancy.
Hey Tiffany,
I talked to my aunt and my sister Marie about the potty training they both pretty much said the same as Diane:
My sister Marie (she has 5 kids) said:
"My pediatrician always told me that a child will potty train when they're ready. Also, punishment only makes the problem worse. I would give her a break and slowly, when she seems receptive, introduce the potty training again. I took Emily and Hope to the store and showed them all the cute little girl panties. They wanted to buy them right then and there but I told them not until you are all potty trained. I also told them that they are big girl pants and you can't mess or wet them. Then I would bring it up in discussion... boy wouldn't you like to go shopping for those big girl pants? Would you like the Barbie ones or the princess ones? Get her excited about it. If she still doesn't seem receptive, give her time because she's not ready yet/again. If you put pressure on a child to potty train they will see it as a punishment or bad experience instead of being excited about growing up. I potty trained Emily in one day with this technique. I told her if she goes a day without wetting/messing I would take her to get them...she was dry the next day and even through the night and I kept my promise. I then told her that the underwear is not for babies but big girls so if you wet in them then you can't wear them. I had to do that with Hope. After a couple days she wanted to wear those panties, but I told her under one condition if you don't wet yourself. Then she was fine.
Maybe also have some of Ellie's friends over that are potty trained and maybe she will see them using the potty and think that she better too."
My Aunt (has 2 kids and works in a pre-school):
"Yes there usually can be a regression especially if she's under 3yrs. Some time potty training starts out fun, things go well for awhile and then something like her dad going away can start upset. I see just about every trick that has been applied. I suggest a back off. As Ellie shows it’s no big deal to wet her pants, then maybe mom should do the same also. At least until Ellie adjusts to dad being gone. Once you get into a battle of wills you'll get a major setback… I would suggest continuing to take her to the potty, making no big deal. When she starts to get back into potty training reward her again. Just consider it’s like starting all over. And make no big deal except when she does go potty on the potty. Hope I have helped. Sounds like Ellie just needs time to adjust. I know this is might be hard for moms but little guys are all about themselves at her age and she can't understand mom might be stressed too. Good luck and I hope this stage doesn't last long."
Sorry it is long, but I hope it can help...
Jessica :)
for the love! i'm sooo sorry tiffany! that must be incredibly frustrating. seeing as how i havent' even bothered to try to potty train emma yet...i have no helpful advice. i just want you to know that i'm thinking about you!
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