So, in spite of the wonderful and heartbreaking chaos that has been our life since December 22nd (that's the day everyone came to stay at our house for Christmas), yesterday we decided to work on potty-learning with Ava. The girls and I are at mom's house for a couple of weeks, and I thought that Gram's presence would be a great help. What a day! First we taught Bear, a little friend, how to wear panties and use the potty chair. This went really well and Bear now wears panties all of the time. Ava helped teach Bear and gobbled up a chocolate chip every time Bear was a success. Of course, she wanted a turn for herself.
We put Ava in panties and celebrated being 'dry' and sitting on the potty chair. Of all of the disgusting snacks that were offered, Ava preferred the chocolate chips. She tasted the mini marshmallows and gagged on two Skittles. She also refused the 'apple juice' which she loves to talk about but hates to drink. (fine with me!)
So, it turned out that she sat on the potty chair a million times with no trouble, then pottied on the floor twice before her nap. Then, I put a diaper on her and put her down for her nap. After about a half an hour I needed to sneak into her room for something. Imagine my shock to walk in the room to see a bare naked Ava, standing next to a dry diaper, in a puddle! She had taken all of her clothes and her diaper off to keep them dry. I tried to be encouraging and laugh. Thank goodness mom is here to keep me grounded!
We put Ava's bed back together and dressed her back in her clothes and dry diaper with some guidance on how it all works at naptime. She didn't want to take a nap, and instead spent the next 30 minutes yelling 'stop it' at me through the bedroom door. Boy does that girl know how to push my buttons! Of course, Charlotte slept through all of it!
One problem with the potty training books. They recommend all of these wonderful snacks and celebrations for rewards, but don't give you any advice on how to manage a child hyped up on chocolate and sugar!
I have decided not to initiate this for a while. I'll go along with whatever Ava is doing, but I'm too tired for this mess right now. And if she tries to break out of her diaper again during a nap, I'll break out the duct tape!
5 comments:
angela,
be patient, if she isn't ready, so what, it took Kalla awhile, and not sure with how long it took sara. but Kalla was like over 2 and got potty trianed after Sara was born. I used huggies with Zach and took him to his potty and if he went, he went, finally after many months, one day he said he had to go, and he did and since that point no problem. He's almost 15 so since he was 3 not many accidents. She will catch on.
Stacy
so sorry to hear about your dad, been praying for you all. Have a nice time at your mom's
I cannot (read, can) wait to get Justice in on this whole potty training thing. I am scared. Pray for us.
I am rolling on the floor laughing. You gotta give the girl props for keeping the clothes dry- she tried her best!
love and hugs to all,
Jeannie Bean
yay duct tape and chocolate chips!
You are a great story teller and Ava is a great subject. I'm ready to hear more!!! Also, I am praying that you all are doing super well. I miss you.
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