I can be a very lazy parent, the second time around. I had Jasper potty trained by his third birthday, and you'd think if you've done it once it would be easier when it came time to do it again. This would require some commitment and and willingness to adapt on my part. It turns out, my kids are motivated by different things. Jasper is competitive. He's one of those people that waits until he's pretty darn positive he'll succeed at something, then just does it perfectly from there on out. He just stopped peeing his pants on his birthday. Wylie wants to know what's it for him. He's in no rush to be diaper-free. I was thinking of using candy to motivate him into the potty routine (he's proven he knows how to use one, and he loves candy), but then my friend Jen suggested something genius. Go to the dollar store or The One Spot at Target and buy a bunch of cheap little presents. Wrap them up and put them in a basket. Then tell your little potty- trainer that every time they take the initiative and use the toilet they get to open a present. The basket of presents is supposedly so enticing they have a new-found motivation to succeed. Sure, it's bribery, but I'm pretty sure the good (no more diapers) outweighs the bad. I have two more weeks until he's three, so I'm giving it a shot, and I'll keep you posted. Here's what I got him...
May the force be with me. Also, as an update, the little Jedi was very sick all weekend, and I had to put my DIY on hold until this Friday. I promise it'll be a good one!
xo,
Heather
I am lying here in bed, sick as a dog with another sickie (and husband off to China today for over a week!). Oliver is 3 1/2 now and I am just now applying myself to getting him out of diapers. If I put him in underwear he remembers to use the potty about 85% of the time, but if I keep him in a diaper or forget to get him onto the potty in the morning, he LOVES going in his diaper. He has a whole set of "characters" that he is allowed to play with until he has a "number two" accident and then if he doesn't use the potty he has to put them all away. It's not really a motivator anymore as he knows the drill and just puts them away until the next time he gets it right. I think a basket of small prizes that are SURPRISES like you are suggesting is a great idea, will definitely put the thrill back into it. I think if I get a little more motivated to get him out of his diaper in the morning (that is usually dry) and onto the potty, we will be on our way. But like you, I've been lazy this time around. :)
ReplyDeleteNice work! We are doing something similar with leftover plastic Easter eggs. Though I'm starting to wonder if the little bugger will be asking for an egg until well after he's in college. His poor spouse.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of different motivators for different kids... the potty presents aren't working for Leo. He couldn't care less. That kid wants dessert. So, a scoop of ice cream every time he goes #2. Good luck to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteOh potty training! Thanks for the fun comments. We'll begin as soon as this little guys is feeling better. He's VERY curious about the presents.
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