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Perhaps if I write down my frustrations they will seem a little easier to deal with.
Nappies, potty training, dry bed at night are all things we mothers strive for, almost like an ongoing competition between parents. The hot topic of conversation seems to be "is your child dry during the day and night?" Proudly I can say, Raphael IS completely dry during the night....being in a big bed and newly decorated bedroom helped him and me tremendously during this transition. We have had absolutely no wet beds at all, nearly 5 months later. Great I thought, now we just have to tackle our little problem of "total dryness during the day" You see, Raphael intermittently wets and dirties his pants. I have managed to identify that he certainly regresses badly if he has a cold, wetting nearly every time AND pooing (sorry) in his pants too! I have tried getting angry, delivered punishments, promised rewards, reminded him constantly to go to the bathroom, (but I think that had an adverse effect resulting in a major power struggle between us). I have tried ignoring it, staying calm and just hopping the situation would improve. The list goes on, some days I absolutely despair and end up in tears!
Eric is a lot less patient with Raffi than I am and won't tolerate wet pants, raises his voice and tends to punish him loudly. He sayes I am too 'soft' with him but in my defence, I hate confrontation and the resulting tantrums and sulks that follow. Raphael is a stubborn lad, I also think he is 'lazy'...playing is far more fun than peeing!
In desperation I scoured the Internet for answers, putting in a search for 'wetting pants at 5 years old' (he will be 5 in 4 months). It would seem that I am not alone, lots of mums with similar pee happy kids! A couple of suggestions caught my eye and I shall try them. A reward chart and talking to him about wearing nappies at school!
Nappies, potty training, dry bed at night are all things we mothers strive for, almost like an ongoing competition between parents. The hot topic of conversation seems to be "is your child dry during the day and night?" Proudly I can say, Raphael IS completely dry during the night....being in a big bed and newly decorated bedroom helped him and me tremendously during this transition. We have had absolutely no wet beds at all, nearly 5 months later. Great I thought, now we just have to tackle our little problem of "total dryness during the day" You see, Raphael intermittently wets and dirties his pants. I have managed to identify that he certainly regresses badly if he has a cold, wetting nearly every time AND pooing (sorry) in his pants too! I have tried getting angry, delivered punishments, promised rewards, reminded him constantly to go to the bathroom, (but I think that had an adverse effect resulting in a major power struggle between us). I have tried ignoring it, staying calm and just hopping the situation would improve. The list goes on, some days I absolutely despair and end up in tears!
Eric is a lot less patient with Raffi than I am and won't tolerate wet pants, raises his voice and tends to punish him loudly. He sayes I am too 'soft' with him but in my defence, I hate confrontation and the resulting tantrums and sulks that follow. Raphael is a stubborn lad, I also think he is 'lazy'...playing is far more fun than peeing!
In desperation I scoured the Internet for answers, putting in a search for 'wetting pants at 5 years old' (he will be 5 in 4 months). It would seem that I am not alone, lots of mums with similar pee happy kids! A couple of suggestions caught my eye and I shall try them. A reward chart and talking to him about wearing nappies at school!
I also discovered this wonderful site on my travels around the net, know to many around the world..
a very well organised site with masses of reading material.
Today I am starting the reward chart. I talked to Raphael and pointed out that he is NOT a baby and would not be wanting to go to 'big' school in nappies! He agreed and also suggested that as part of his reward, he could write his name. He really loves writing letters, this could be a good tool to use.
Today I am starting the reward chart. I talked to Raphael and pointed out that he is NOT a baby and would not be wanting to go to 'big' school in nappies! He agreed and also suggested that as part of his reward, he could write his name. He really loves writing letters, this could be a good tool to use.
Raphael is now tucked up in bed after a hugely busy day. This morning after a fun hot bath and cuddles and fun with dad we all went to the local 'Car Boot Sale'. The sun shone and I was on a mission to find stickers and rewards for Raffi's impending dry days!
A happy Raffi returned from the Car Boot Sale with a reward chart calendar AND Sponge-Bob stickers, he was so excited. I sat him down and explained that if he continued to have dry pants for the remainder of the day until 7.00 pm bedtime he would be rewarded with a sticker of his choice. He just could not wait until 7.00, he kept asking me what time it was.
Mid afternoon Eric took over and joined Raffi at the table to do his weekly homework. He is always thrilled on Friday's at his nursery school when he is handed his 'work' for the weekend. This week was ladybirds. Colouring, cutting, sticking and chat about ladybirds in general. I love to see his enthusiasm when he is searching for the words to explain his thoughts. I also love the fact that Eric enjoys craft with him so much, they get very close.
Eventually the time came and we sat at the table with his stickers. I explained to him that if he earnt 4 more stickers he would get one of the larger rewards he had chosen earl er at the boot sale. He understood fully what I was saying, it pleased me alot that we had reached bedtime with the same underpants on. Here's a happy mummy. WELL DONE RAFFI. We have all had a super day. Lets see if it will last.
Raphael's Reward Calendar
Finally, the first Paeony in our garden, beautifully vibrant, love them.
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