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In the Throes of Potty Training

Well, it's time to update on the wonderful world of potty training. I finally decided to put my college education into use and reverted back to behavior modification. What I wonder, though, is if B.F. Skinner ever tried to potty train a three year old boy or was he simply content to run mice through a maze, administering shock or food. I tried the food avenue. Little treats every time he goes in the potty. This has been quite successful in the pee arena. As for the poop arena... I finally decided that, after cleaning poopie underpants day after day, it was time for B.F. Skinner to enter our house in spirit. Positive reinforcement was not working for THAT type of accident so what about negative reinforcement?

Those of you who are faint of heart, be assured that I did not literally SHOCK my little one. I'd heard of people trying cold showers after a poopie accident but I couldn't stomach that. I tried a tepid shower. Much to my horror, my little guy squealed with glee. He then danced around in the shower and sang songs. I finally turned it to a little colder and got him to not giggle as he told me the correct place to poop is the potty.

Is cognitive behavior therapy effective when cognition is that of a three year old? I'm thinking not.

Comments

  1. StephanieOctober 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM

    TOO FUNNY!!! All I can say is this---When they're ready they'll do it! Steven (the 16th of August to be exact) came to me and asked to wear underpants--that was that--he was ready and really has not had an accident day or night! Luke on the other hand tells me "oh mom, I just LOVE my diaper". So I asked him when he was going to stop being a baby and be a big boy and wear underpants instead of diapers his response "umm, probably some time next week". I'm still waiting for that "next week" : )

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