Training for Trains

Many of you know that we've been trying to potty train Jonathan for quite some time now. We bought big boy underwear this summer and introduced him to the little potty. We have tried M&M's, lollipops, Nemo fruit snacks and other small treats as rewards for both trying and succeeding on the potty. This method would last a day and the novelty would wear off. I tried placing him on the chair every 15 minutes or so for a few days, during waking hours, and the stubborn kiddo would hold it every time - sometimes up to over and hour. I've tried commando and even placing the potty in every room we were in. Again, he'd hold it. Around Thanksgiving Jonathan asked and succeeded at using the potty and thus began the search for something to get him hooked. Recently, daycare started placing Jonathan on the potty when they noticed he was struggling to have a BM. Not exactly sure why, right timing perhaps, but he's been hooked. I'm delighted to report that everyday since last Tuesday Jonathan has been successful at using the potty. For those who know Jonathan his world is Thomas the Tank Engine and it appears as if buying a new train every few days is keeping him hooked to using the potty. Maybe it's not the train, maybe it's just the right time, but regardless something is working and we couldn't be happier. I'm sure by the time Miss Jillian comes along and starts potty training herself we'll reconsider the reward system. Hopefully she's a bit more simplified and a little less stubborn!