So this week we began hardcore potty training Mikayla. When I interviewed for this position, last July, there was talk about beginning the potty training. Shortly after I arrived, the switch was made from diapers to Pull-ups/Easy-ups. A potty was bought, and I thought the process was going to begin. But instead the Pull-ups were used just like diapers, forcing the only thing to change to be the price that was being paid for diapers.

But that all changed this past week.  I woke up Tuesday to Mikayla wearing panties.  I was told by her mom that it was time, and we would try to only put her in the Pull-ups at nap and bed time. Since I only have her half a day on  Tuesday, I did the best I could to keep her motivated that day, knowing that I ha to have a full plan ready to roll out by the next day.

Mikayla is a child who likes to have control of her situation, so I knew I had to find a way to make potty training on my and her parents terms otherwise this was never going to get done. Thankfully, I had several people tell me about a technique that put the control of the rewards back into the parent’s, or in my case, nanny’s hand. It is based on a book called “On becoming Pottywise” by Gary Ezzo.  It spells out a whole technique, but since I didnt have time to read the whole book overnight, I had to come up with a way to incorporate the parts of his tecnique that I knew. The main point is to reward the child for staying dry, not for when they use the potty.

Star Chart

So for Mikayla, I came up with a star chart. When I ask her is she is dry and she says “yes”, and really is dry, she gets a star. After she gets 5 stars she gets a piece of candy.

The rest of the week went pretty well. Yes there were a few accidents, but way less than I had expected. And she loves the star chart.

So here’s hoping  next week keeps going so well!