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D. (Unregistered Guest)
| | Posted on Sunday, December 31, 2006 - 02:31 am: | |
We have an almost 4 year old boy who has had his first day of the "potty training in one day" program today. What a day! He liked the scotty doll and I am pretty sure he has the idea of "dry pants" but we have had more sets of 10 practice runs than I can count (I think I stopped counting at 8 or 9). He goes on the potty, sometimes during the practice runs and sometimes during reminders (and we celebrate!), but if I wait too long he wont self-initiate at all and will have an accident.
He is a smart kid, and pretty stubborn. I am pretty sure we are dealing with some resistance issues here (the preschool I had him in previously was inconsistent, and different teachers were a little stricter than others...some too strict - or stern - with him and it turned into a power struggle there). Also, he is the youngest of 5 and I must admit he holds on to the "baby identity" a bit too much. So, we are really talking up the "big boy" concept, which he seems to like now (since his 6 y/o brother is "big boy").
So, my question is: do I continue the whole program again tomorrow? Same thing, all over again? I really dont think he is "not connecting the dots." I think we are just dealing with 1) overcoming resistance, and 2) feeling the urge in time to go to the potty. So, do I change things up or keep the same routine?
Sorry for the *novel*! :-)
THANKS!!! |
Narmin Parpia
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 05:44 pm: | |
Happy New Year "D",
The Potty Training in One Day method is really designed to teach your child the process of going potty on his own through a concentrated, "one day" approach. As you've learned, it doesn't mean you won't have the need for follow-up work. However in your case I would agree it sounds like your son probably got the concept down during the practice sessions but for some reason he is not willing (likely), or he is unable to implement what he's learned. Often it is the smart ones that give us the most trouble. They know just how to get what they want with the least amount of effort.
Keep in mind, the One Day method works best if your child has reached key developmental milestones. If your son is holding on to his baby identity he may need to progress a little further with his emotional and social awareness. And because you mentioned your son can be a little stubborn, I suggest you implement or step up the incentives rather than continue the practice runs. Otherwise the experience can become a battle of the wills and can turn into a negative experience very quickly.
The incentive approach will also work well if your son is simply not making it to the potty because he is distracted or too busy to take a break. This is often the case with busy, active little boys.
You are right on target with the "big boy" talk and I encourage you to develop "big boy" rewards that will prompt him to implement potty breaks on his own. What activity can he do with his big brother that can become a reward? What big boy privilege can he earn? The key is to make it fun and keep it positive. If it becomes too stressful or negative simply take a break for a couple weeks and try again later.
Good luck and please keep us posted!
Narmin |
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