Remember those paint with water books where the paint is already dried to the page in pictures and you just paint with water to reveal a masterpiece? In an effort to potty-train Isaiah (which is failing miserably in case you're wondering) I made him a sticker chart where he earns stickers for every time he goes, and after 6 stickers he gets a prize. The prize today was one of those paint-with-water books that I picked up at the dollar store for $.50 last week. It had Hotwheels pictures, so I figured that even if they thought the "painting" was lame, they'd at least be excited about the cool cars. The Dollar Store wins again! These little pictures where the source of at least 20 minutes of contentment today. We painted half of the book, but they were happy. Elijah painted too, but I don't have pictures of him since he painted later when he got home from school.
And about potty training, yes Isaiah is earning his stickers, but ONLY when I prompt him and overtly bribe him (if you use the potty you can get a sticker and remember what 6 stickers makes???...that's right, a present). He has yet to initiate potty use on his own. I've tried neglecting the reminders, hoping that the stickers will be motivation enough for him to remember to go on his own, but the result has only been pee soaked carpets and couches, and more laundry in one day than I normally do in a week. Suggestions welcomed! :)
4 comments:
My only suggestion is that you have to find his currency - stickers must not be it. I don't know how you feel about some kind of candy - but it's worth a try. Esther is doing really well with gum balls - one for #1, 2 for #2. With my brother it was getting him dressed, my mom finally told him one morning that he wasn't getting dressed until he was potty trained - he was trained that day. Hope it helps, however I know how stubborn he is.
And you'd think that candy or presents or clothes might work huh. But we have yet to find the currency for this one. We've tried candy (gum and marshmallows- his two favorite things) and while the privilege of wearing pants worked with Elijah, Isaiah doesn't mind running around naked at all.
He does love to watch TV but I haven't quite worked that out. I could tell him that he doesn't get to watch TV until he goes potty. Only problem is he goes potty 5-6 times a day and I don't really want him watching 5-6 TV shows in a day. It might be worth it though if it would work. He did go #2 today once but I think it was coincidence. Micah was so easy... he spoiled me. He had built in currency in that he just hated being wet or dirty.
Maybe you could make the TV a reward with the stickers, after 6 stickers, he gets a show. If he has an accident, then he starts all over. Is that too harsh? It's an idea. . .
i'll start with the disclaimer that i had to call Angela when i was almost in tears over Morgan's potty woes! one of the things that finally worked for us was to stop completely for a week or two - just to break the cycles that weren't working. when we started over, even some of the same things worked better after we'd both had a break. M&Ms were the magic bribe for Morgan.
hope it goes better, and thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers for me/us the past few weeks!
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