Like Father, Like Daughter

That’s right, Sophia is sitting on her pink potty chair, reading a magazine. Just like dad!

On Wednesday, Sophia spied her underwear in her dresser and decided that she wanted to start wearing underwear. Ernie’s mom, Patty, and I both talked with her about what it meant to wear underwear – using her potty chair. Sophia agreed, so we decided to give it a shot. I mean, the timing was tough, since Kaitlyn was not even two weeks old, and all of us in the Dickason house were tired. We weren’t sure we were up to the challenge, but after waiting so long for Sophia to show interest in potty training, how could we say no?

We set up the potty chair in the family room, so that Sophia could watch TV while sitting on the potty. Also, the room has laminate wood flooring, so it would be easy to clean up if there were any accidents. We set Sophia up with plenty of fluids and salty snacks (to encourage drinking plenty of fluids). And Patty stuck to her like glue, hoping to catch her before she had any accidents.

The first couple of days were kinda rough, with as many accidents as successes. Still, Sophia wasn’t initiating it, but was responding to suggestions that she sit on the potty and try. Then on Friday, things seemed to click. Sophia was able to recognize when she needed to sit on the potty. She didn’t always make it in time, but at least she was starting the process. Then on Saturday, she was dry all day! Sophia let us know when she needed to use the potty, and did so. And today, Sophia would just go and sit on the potty when she needed to, and take care of business all on her own. She is still wearing pull-ups for naptime and bedtime, and when we leave the house (she is scared of the noisy toilets in public restrooms).

We have been doing many happy dances, and handing out many rewards (either an M&M or Dibs ice cream treat, plus a sticker on her reward chart). Sophia is so proud of herself, and we are so proud of her too!