Monday, November 15, 2010

Perils of Potty Training

Whoever said that potty training was quick and painless never met Scout Ann Sweeney. I know it comes easy to some kids, but not our girl. It has been an uphill battle for the last 6 months or so. If there is a technique- we've tried it. We've tried bribery (Mama will get you a pony!), yelling, reverse psychology, incentive of a potty party, ignoring, treats, money, stickers- you get the point.

Scout turned 3 in early September. It was time. I'm done buying diapers for 2. About three weeks ago Nick and I decided the kid gloves were coming off- it was time for a little tough love. EVERY night after dinner she goes #2. Like clockwork.

5:25 p.m.- it begins. She strips down and sits on toilet BAWLING
(Bennet and Ellie are in the tub at this point. So all 5 of us in our tiny bathroom. Family bonding)


5:35 p.m- still BAWLING 5:45 p.m. - Bennet and Ellie out of the tub and downstairs. Away from the tears. Scout is still wimpering at this point.
6:00 p.m.- I take over for Nick. Scout and I look at pictures of kids using the potty on the iTouch.
6:30 p.m.- Scout wants me to have 'crazy hair' with funny ponytails. Everytime she toots I add a ponytail. Whatever works!
6:50 p.m.- It FINALLY happens and I actually hold back tears of joy. I didn't have to fake my excitement. She had a grin from ear-to-ear. "I did it Mommy! I did it!" I told her how proud I was of her. She said, "Me too! I'm proud too" After a quick wipe she proceeded to streak down the hall and downstairs to tell Nick, Bennet & Ellie.
6:55 p.m.- I hand her a PullUp and she says "No!" Runs into the nursery, grabs the rocking chair, moves it over to the dresser, climbs up and pulls out her Dora underwear. She's earned it!
7:00 p.m.- Celebratory ice cream with Magic Shell.
7:05 p.m.- A call to Grandma Mary Ella to share the milestone.

An hour and a half. 90 minutes of tears and negotiations it happened. Since then it had been hit or miss until last week. On Tuesday she asked to wear 'unnies' to preschool. Ok- here we go. She stayed dry all day-even through naptime-and hasn't looked back. It's a miracle!

Thank goodness!

4 comments:

Casie said...

I'm so happy for both of you!! I think potty training was the hardest part of parenting littles so far. You're right, some have it easy, but mine sure weren't either. Big hugs for momma and Scout!

Michelle said...

I have not had a hard time getting Ben to pee on the potty, but doing #2.. a whole other battle. We have done everything, like you. Now, it is tough love time. It's a 50/50 thing. 50% of the time he tells me or just goes in the toilet... other 50%.. well. I am tired of cleaning messy underwear to say the least! The girls were easy.. this one not so much!!! Yay, Scout!!!

A Sarasota said...

Hooray for Scout! Hooray for Mommy! Hooray for big girl pants!
(When I had ds, my dd decided she wanted to wear diapers again and potty training went backwards, oh joy, took forever, it seemed--thank goodness that's been 10 years now!)

Stacey said...

Hip hip hooray!! Congrats!