When the older two girls were potty-training age, I made a few mistakes by being overly anxious about the whole process and forcing things to happen on my predetermined timeline. So, with the Toddler, I’ve been far more lax about when and how she would reach this milestone. And, in typical fashion, she has done it in her own way, on her own time… with her own unique style. Of course, once she showed some initial interest I jumped on the bandwagon and played it up to be super exciting using rewards and Disney-themed undergarments as motivation. We had some initial obstacles to overcome, like lying. She would say, “I did it! I did it!” Only there would be no evidence to support that statement. So, I would question it and she would say, “You just didn’t hear it.” {I promise my hearing is not that bad}.
Milestones and “monastics”
But, we seem to be making fast and steady progress now. My favorite part of the whole experience with her is seeing the extreme level of excitement she has when she has any success in this department. I’ll say, “Oh my goodness. I’m so proud of you!”
And, she’ll in turn pump her fists and say back to me with total glee, “I’m so proud of YOU!!”
Her expression looks something like this every time:
It’s all very exciting and affirming.
Since the Toddler is enthralled with Barbies right now, I think a Barbie may be what I use as the
big “prize” for mastery of this new skill.
She regularly announces, “Look! My Barbie is doing monastics!” And, by monastics she means “gymnastics.” None of the Barbie activities in this household are very monastic in nature.
Not wanting to be left out of the Barbie fun, Rosie was caught in the act of gnawing on Skipper {Barbie’s younger sister} the other night.
Not only is it dangerous for the dog since Barbie and friends are comprised of many tiny parts. But, it proved to be extremely dangerous for Skipper. In fact, one Skipper was maimed and will never again wear regular shoes… or gloves.
The girls were appalled.
And, Rosie was upset that her new favorite toy{s} was taken from her and replaced with an old sock.
For now, all the Barbies and all the monastic activities have been moved to the second floor of the house.
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