Okay – it is true confessions time! I am at a loss, and hate to admit that my almost 3 year old daughter seems to have managed to best me on potty training. I was impressed that Jamee seemed to have had a pretty easy time – but it certainly has not worked that way for me. Lilah is very capable of going without diapers – and has proved this during weekend shopping outings. She seemed to easily manage – communicating when it was time to visit the restroom.
Lilah wearing her pull-up as a hat
At age 18 months I ‘introduced’ Lilah to the concept – and purchased a small seat that sits on the toilet, with a stool used for accessibility. I had heard that it was important not to push too early, so we waited until she was 27 months before we started really trying to ‘train’ – not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable and losing her cooperation in the process.
When Lilah is at home she does not wear a diaper, and uses the potty when needed. She follows all the ‘rules’ – and always remembers to wipe and flush. We praise her for her actions, hoping this will be the positive reinforcement needed. When she is at daycare she ALWAYS chooses to wear diapers! Perhaps she does not want to be bothered with interrupting her play? I give her a choice of wearing her new Dora and Sesame Street underwear or putting on a diaper – and the choice is consistently to wear her Elmo diapers. Is it a problem that I am giving her a choice?
Lilah’s daycare has other children her age, and they all seem to be wearing diapers. The children are regularly taken to the potty – and receive stickers and praise when they successfully use the potty. Perhaps when one switches the others will fall in line? Of course I would love for Lilah to be a leader in this arena! She will be moving to preschool late next year and will be required to be potty trained by that time. I really want this to happen sooner than later – since it is obvious she is capable, but chooses not to ‘participate’ fully. The le•top staff has contributed suggestions – including ‘you’re getting to be a big girl’ and the pretty panties angle. Nothing has worked so far. Is there a ‘magic word’ I should know? Let’s share!
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