Mom vs. Child

I had only one month to potty train Olivia or she couldn't go to preschool. I have been trying for over six months, but she SCREAMS every time I put her on the potty. I bought a cute little princess potty that sings so she'd be less frightened.

Yeah, didn't make a difference.

She had no interest.

I decided the best way was to do a Potty Boot Camp. I told the kids we weren't going anywhere for an entire day and they would basically have to take care of themselves. Olivia was going to sit on the toilet all day until she peed.

Seriously, we sat like this for over six hours. I had the kids continue to bring me a Diet Coke and Olivia a sippy cup. After about five hours, she had to go SO bad, but still refused. She sat there for a full hour trying to get up every few seconds, and I literally held her down. I know it sounds severe, but I tried the 'Reward System' (bribes), 'Positive Reinforcement' and every trick out there for over six months. Olivia is one of a kind. She is very stubborn and the only way to get her to do something is to over-power her and beat her at her game (note to child services, I didn't say beat her). I knew that once she successfully went in the potty, she could see that it wasn't scary and we will have made a break-through. We just had to get her to go ONE TIME.

Finally after an hour of screaming (I have video, but it's inappropriate for public viewing, however I fully intend on using it as leverage when she's a teenager), she FINALLY went pee! She went from scared to being excited. I told her that when she went potty just one time, she would get a Dora Guitar. I let her off the potty, got her dressed, and gave her the reward.

 

I didn't want her to wear Pull-Ups, so we had to stay home for about a week to ensure we didn't have any accidents. She still cried every time I put her on there, but still went potty. It took about a week to finally stop crying each time.

It was one of the longest weeks of my life, but I am really proud of my little stubborn princess.