A Watched Pot Never Boils...
...and a watched toddler never pees! Today Eli and I started potty training. Today was the start of something that will carry him during the rest of his life...sure that's no pressure on me as a momma! :)
Eli and I have done the cold turkey intense potty training method. I gave him a ton to drink--as much as he wanted--and we were on the potty AT LEAST every 15 minutes today...Remarkably, he only had 4 accidents all day which was much better than I expected...but it was a long day of waiting. This was a completely new experience for him and he was so determined to figure it out and get a treat.
Eli sat on the potty and tried and pushed for up to 10 minutes with a patience that I found convicting even to me (There are so many things I get to learn from my child.) We both watched and looked and waited...When nothing happened Eli would look at me sweetly and say, "Heeelllppp?" I just encouraged him on and we talked about fountains and pee pee and what not...
To pass the time Eli made up many great chart topper songs...all of them were creatively crafted on the subject of peeing in the potty. Sometimes they were simple songs and very focused..."Pee pee, pee pee on the potty..." Other times they were much more complex and Eli would sing about the process putting to song the words I used to encourage him, singing about all the other people and Elmos and Big Birds we know that pee pee on the potty, then there would be a triumphant ending about a fountain and a HUUUUGGGEEE chewy (i.e. a starburst or tootsie roll) and then he would laugh. Next I'd hear the quiet of concentration. Silence...more waiting...
The few times Eli did have an accident were times when I was not right with him watching him. He would run into another room and pee...uh oh. This futher solidified my hunch that a watched toddler never pees. Once I caught on to this, I kept a very short leash on him which has helped a lot. Eli can feel himself start to go so if I am right by him he will look at me and say no (as if trying to tell himself) and then I wisk him away to sit on the potty...So, keeping a close eye on him at this point in the game has proven to be very beneficial because a watched toddler never pees...at least my watched toddler. Now of course things can't stay like this forever...but let's be realistic it's only day one...we'll get there ;)
There were many Teddy Gram casualties rewarding Eli's 'dry- checks.' It took literally all day...but praise God on our last shot for the day to sink the cherrios Eli streamlined his determination. It finally clicked and Eli's face lit up with excitement and pride. Then it was off to the phone where Eli exclaimed with great joy to all listening, "I pee peed on the potty!" We all were proud!!!
Each time I used the bathroom today I did so with a new appreciation and with much wonder and awe...I never realized what a miracle it is, definitely no small feat to make all this work together. I share a new admiration and appreciation for my parents...my success today encouraged me for Eli's success tomorrow. It something easy to take for granted. Next time you flush, say a prayer and thank God for giving you parents who loved you and took the time and patience required to teach you what you needed to know...
Eli and I still have a long way to go but we both share the determination and thankfully both seem to have the patience this potty business requires, I know that is grace. We had a lot of fun today and definately made some great memories...what a season of change and making big steps and new beginnings. It is an exciting time in the Buffington home.
posted by Kellie # 7:20 PM
