Dec 9 - Dear Santa (Potty Training DS)

Few weeks ago, I made DD3 write a letter to Santa to tell him what she wants for Christmas. She wrote to him and told him what she and her brother want for Christmas. Of course I had to let them know that they need to be a good girl and boy so Santa will give them presents. At home, we practice saying "Dear Santa" if both kids are good or not. Here it goes.......

I am blogging about how I was able to potty train DS to do #2. It's rather difficult to train a boy as I recalled how I did it with all DDs. I know I have also to take into account that it is harder to potty train during the cold months than during the summer months. I have been trying for months to train DS. If he is missing in action around me, I know he is somewhere in the corner doing it. DS is clingy, so I know if he is not around there's something going on.

I used the "Dear Santa" approach. "Dear Santa, DS is a good boy, he will not do #2 anymore on his diaper. Please come and visit this Christmas and bring him toys. Love, Mommy". Just one day, he was able to do it. He will tell me if he needs to go to the bathroom. The funny thing is that everytime he does #2, he would say "Dear Santa, I am a good boy. Love, *******."

At this time DS isn't done with Potty Training #1. We're making progress. He started out going sitting down for awhile. Then I used the step stool so he can stand (this one was a mess, rather frustrating for me). We also used cheerios/fruit loops in the bowl to aim while standing on the step stool, not quite working. The latest try was to tiptoe and lean his knees on the bowl while standing and his hands on the toilet seat. This one works, not too messy. He learned to wash his hands with soap after flushing and putting down the most important thing, the toilet seat. I also clean up whatever mess and continue to supervise him. I know we're getting there, just a little more patience.

Now that we have the "Dear Santa" approach working, I use that when both kids are not getting along. I also do that if someone is not sharing or not listening to me. I just wonder how long this approach will last, maybe after Christmas? I hope not!