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Message |
    
Melanie Sheppard (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 03:27 pm: | |
We have a four and a half year old little girl, she is the youngest of three girls. We were hoping she would be easier to train than the other two, being the yougest and wanting to be like her big sisters and all, But, she is proving to be the MOST difficult!! She KNOWS when she has to go, she KNOWS where and how to go, she just will not do it!! She is a very bright girl, I wonder if it's just easier for her to have someone change her, so we started having her clean herself up, and not letting her have certain things that she wants, or not do something she's dying to do... HELP!!!! She is supposed to start pre-k in the fall, she is THRILLED at this idea, but she KNOWS she cannot go to school unless she is trained.... ANY IDEAS???? |
Michaelyn Dunaway
Moderator
Username: Michaelyn
Post Number: 27
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 03:52 pm: | |
Hi Melanie,
There's always one in the bunch, isn't there? Hah! Seriously, I realize it is no laughing matter. It's just that parenting constantly amazes me. You finally think you have it down, and then "poof" something changes and you realize you are still a novice.
Anyway, on to your challenge. Is your daughter still in diapers? I realize she is having "accidents" so going without diapers creates a mess, but staying in diapers sends a mixed message to her. Experts agree, once you start potty training, get rid of the diapers, including the pull-up style. Setting clear expectations by putting your daughter in "big girl" underwear is critical. If you already on board with this then this tip has been for the benefit of the other readers.
Next, have you considered that she may be concerned with starting pre-k? Let me put it another way. A child can be excited and "thrilled" about an idea or change, but that doesn't mean it is going to be an easy transition for them. Often times the sheer idea of change can throw them off. So, I suggest taking the emphasis off the fact that she needs to be trained to head off to pre-k. At this point, don't connect the two for her.
And finally, I would suggest focusing on positive reinforcement and consequences for positive behavior rather than consequences for negative behavior. For example, if she stays dry for an hour, celebrate and cheer. If she stays dry for a whole day, reward her. A whole week? Well, you get the idea.
Remember, this journey should be an exciting one. It's a time for your daughter to gain a sense of control, self-confidence, and independence. I hope these ideas help.
Please let us know how it goes.
Sincerely,
Michaelyn |
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