It's so great now that I can put both boys in the tub at the same time. They had sooo much fun together this morning splashing and sharing toys. It doesn't really save me any time by combining baths since I have to basically wipe down the entire bathroom from all the splashing, but at least my bathroom is now close to spotless! (And will probably stay that way as long as Josh keeps trying to eat the shower curtain.)On a different note I am now starting potty training with Spencer. For some reason he has been really resistant to anything potty related, so we have been taking it really slowly. But this past weekend he and I had several conversations about going potty, and he said he was grown up enough to go potty... soon. Good enough for me!
Spencer is totally bribable, so that's the route I have decided to take. I discovered his "bribe sweet spot" - Spiderman toys. So I created a chart that showed what kind of treat he would get each time he went potty. This includes candy, cookies, and toys. (One treat or toy for each time he goes potty.) The ultimate treat once he finishes the chart is a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese, the coup d'etat for three year old boys. He gets to put a sticker on the chart each time he goes potty. I also created a picture chart that shows exactly what to do when he needs to go potty. (Like run to the bathroom, pull down your pants, wash hands, etc.) He really likes the charts and helped me tape them on the wall above the potty.
We went to Wal-Mart this morning and he got to pick out the toys, treats, and stickers. He was really quite excited. On the drive home we talked about going potty. We got home and... no dice. He will not go potty. We practiced standing on the stepstool, pulling down pants, everything. He completely understands the concept, but he's standing his stubborn ground.
So I have decided to tempt him by displaying all of his potty treats on my craft table in the office.
He knows he can't touch anything on there until he goes potty, but I have seen him in there eying it. I can hold out indefinitely; I won't bother him or nag or even suggest. I'll just let the glamor of toys and treats do that for me. How long do you think before Spencer gives in?Let the battle of wills begin!
3 comments:
Good luck my friend! A three year old boy with his own agenda is a fun thing! (ok mine's not 3 yet, but almost!) He does ok going potty as long as I take him, but has not told me when he needs to go. he has managed to stay dry for long chunks of time during the day (because I have been lazy and haven't been keeping up with the every 30 minutes thing)but things are progressing...slowly but surely. I just really need to figure out how to get him to go poo poo in the potty. that's gonna be the tough part.
I hope you still have the receipt for all the toys. Here is an idea, take him with you as you return the toys...I bet he'd go to the bathroom willingly.
Ooops, was that mean? oh well, that's what moms are for.
HAHAHAHA...never laughed so hard in my life. Not at you, of course, but only in camaraderie of the "potty-training experience." Now you are definitely not dealing with a Matthew who has issues beyond being 3, but HELLO...the kid is almost 4 and the job is still not done. We've tried chars, toys, trips, time, etc. What seemed to be rather motivating was earning a penny to put in the bubble gum machine filled with Jelly Bellies every time he went to the bathroom. He will go when I take him. Of course he never initiates being civilized himself. If I don't remember or he's had lots to drink...we have an accident. Poop is a whole separate beast. Don't worry...you'll do great. My friend potty-trained her 3-year old in a week. Of course he doesn't seem to have the stubborn streak I deal with every day. I told Matthew it was time to go potty today and as he was walking in the bathroom whining about my request, hit me on the way in the door. I wanted to dunk his head in the toilet. I didn't. That was my great success today!!!! YEAH MAREN!!!!
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