Some unnamed child is suddenly refusing to go to the potty most of the time.  We’ve had a couple quote unquote accidents today.  I say it like that because there’s no cleanup other than a change of clothes, so I haven’t complained too much, but it is a little frustrating after no accidents and no diapers in a few weeks.    If I’m very attentive, I can catch the -I need to go- signals.  I ask him and he yells no.  If I’m seeing the signals bigtime, I make him go anyhow.  And let me tell you, I’ve drug him kicking and screaming today.  He gets mad and stomps up on the stool, cutting me the evil eye (pictured yesterday, 4th down).  I just try to keep a very flat tone in my voice, matter of fact if you will.  I really wanna say, just get up there and stop being a little shit about it.  But alas, I just bribe.  With M&Ms.  Yep.  I told him no more M&Ms if I have to drag him to the throne, but if he tells me he needs to go, he gets them.  He flew through his second potty chart in four days last week, so I never printed up another one.  I decided we’d bring that back (we’ve now gone exactly a week without it), and see if the extra motivation helped.  If I have to drag him, he still gets the positive reinforcement of a sticker when he goes, but no M&Ms.  And believe me, the M&Ms are way more important to him!  He comes from a long line of sweet tooths.  I explained my strategy no less than four times to make sure we were clear on what equaled M&Ms and what didn’t, so we’ll see.

I’ve been cleaning and straightening up like crazy, as my mother will visiting tomorrow.   And this weekend.  I must say, her impending visit has done wonders for the house.  I cleared off one counter that has continuously been piled with stuff since the day we moved in.  The kitchen looks bigger and brighter now!  I was shocked at the difference.  I still have a good bit left on my to do list though.

Comments

5 Responses to “backsliding a bit”

    Jen
    July 31st, 2008 6:13 pm

    Threaten to make him wear diapers again, that might work.

    Julie
    August 1st, 2008 6:27 am

    You’re going to think I’m nuts, but I thought I’d throw this out there anyway…. Daniel had an awful potty training day yesterday and he’s been doing really well for awhile now. It happens every New Moon. I know that sounds sooooo weird, but it’s been happening for months, now. I’m SO curious is yesterday was just a bad day for your son and if he’ll be fine today….or if it’s just Daniel. I wrote about it here.

    Julie
    August 1st, 2008 6:40 am

    Sorry, I linked to the wrong post…It’s titled New Moon. I promise I’m not trying to leave links all over the place, so maybe when you get a chance you can come over and see it??

    Have a great day!
    Julie

    Val
    August 1st, 2008 10:05 am

    Ah man! Just when you think you are out….they drag you back in!

    I think the M&M’s just may work……bribery is never a last resort in our house. It’s usually the first!

    Happy Mom visit! Isn’t it great how fast you can clean the house for a visit from the “inspector”! Oh no, that’s MY mom! ha!

    Dianna
    August 7th, 2008 6:56 pm

    Wow, that’s a serious evil eye. Hope there won’t be any more accidents with the M&M bribes!

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