The Saga Continues. . .

The Anti-Potty Training Queen and her "Crown"

Counting back I have been working on this, in some way, for over a year now. When Ally was about 18 months we starting sitting her on the potty and getting the idea in her head. I knew it was early so we didn't push we just kept reinforcing the whole idea. Since she has been two we have done potty charts, Dora underwear, candy and downright bribery. We went 3 whole weeks just wearing underwear. I was not going to turn back. I could handle wet pants (there were rubber pants over the top so it wasn't too bad). But after 3 weeks of #2 accidents and no progress -- we brought back the Pampers. That case even included messy circumstances for Grandma at the library! We've tried the little potty, the big potty with the Dora seat and even -- per Ally's request -- the big potty with no Dora seat. She picked out her own underwear and promised she would not get them dirty. Trick after trick and I am still buying diapers.

According to everything she is ready. She is older than Sam was -- 2 and 3/4 now! She is the second child and they are supposed to be quicker. She is a girl and they are also supposed to be easier. She wakes up from nap and in the morning dry. She almost always goes on her potty if we can get her to sit on it. She tells me when she needs her diaper changed. She even brings out the wipes and a clean diaper and looks at me with those big huge eyes and says, "poop." This child knows the game and she plays it well.

Then I heard a new tactic. Becky told me about the "Brenda technique". The idea is to put her in the underwear. Every time she has an accident you take her in, give her a bath and make her do the laundry. Every time. Apparently kids don't like to do all that work. It is easier just to use the toilet. We are going to try it this one. As soon as we have a few days where we can stay home and be consistent with it -- Game On! Then maybe we'll get those underwear off the head and down where they belong.