We're having a 'panty weekend' here at the house. In my attempt to have a full immersion potty training weekend I've devoted the entire three day weekend to teaching Ally to go in the toilet.
We gave it a few feeble attempts this summer, but quickly realized that our chaotic schedule wasn't allowing for much true devotion to the task at hand. In addition, with all the traveling, it just seemed like a good idea to hold out. It also seemed like Ally was totally uninterested. I figured Ally is only 2 and a half, we had a little time. So I put it off, thinking it would be easier for her later when we had an actual routine in place.
Ah, the joys of parenthood. Here is my first three day weekend of the school year; no BBQ's planned, no fun picnics to attend, no hanging out with friends. It's just me, the pee-less wonder, some panties and LOTS of incentives.
We've been talking up the 'panty weekend' for the past 3 days. We've been reading all of our 'potty books', playing with Paige's old Elmo Potty; last night we even made a special trip to Walmart and let Ally pick out a new 'potty toy'. She picked out this Barbie that included a dog (no Kelly, not the pooping Tanner). The deal is, that the Barbie stays in a bag on the toilet (on top of the tank); when she pees/poops on the potty she's allowed to play with it.
In addition to the special potty toy, there is this potty chart on the fridge. Each time Ally goes in the potty she gets a sticker. At the end of the tracks I've taped a picture of the new Ariel movie. I figure it would take her about a week to get this.
I'm determined to do it just like the parenting books encourage: keep it low key and stress free, give positive reinforcements (no punishments for having an accident) and lots of praise and rewards.
So, how's it going you ask???????
Ally has managed to 'go' zero times. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothin'.
So far today she's had 5 accidents. Suffice it to say, the Barbie is most likely sufficating in the bag. Poor thing isn't likely to see the light of day for some time. However the resolve carpet cleaner is currently residing on the mantle with the ever-ready stack of old towels.
Sigh.
It's going to be a long weekend. Ally is currently taking a nap in pull-ups (for naps and nighttime) while Jason and Paige are shopping. Ugh. I know I've done this once before, but somehow I don't remember it being all that hard with Paige. Any of you Mommies out there have some tried and true success stories???????
An update on Paige and kindergarten: She had a greatday on Thursday and Friday! Yea! I think she's settled into her routine and is feeling at ease. She LOVES that she gets to bring a share each week. This week she brought Nella and a photo of her family. She seems SO much more relaxed. She's made two new friends (I saw her playing tag during recess yesterday and having a grand time). So it looks like she's passed the bump in the kindergarten road. I need to go in next week to do a little lesson on deaf/hard of hearing kids in her class next week (to support my student that mainstreams in her class) hopefully my being there doesn't mess-up her progress. Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement!
