Potty Strike!

[georgiamum]

we are having a serious potty strike over here. it's not the first time, and I know it's because he is learning to walk and getting two teeth, but it is so frustrating...and messy. I've tried all the usual tricks (trying different places to pee, etc) nothing works. I guess I just have to wait it out.

anybody have any tips I haven't heard before?

I was googling "potty strike" and ended up on the blog of one of those Christian AP people who are into natural living but also spare the rod, spoil the child bs. SHe said she ended a potty strike by SLAPPING her baby!!!! I couldn't believe it. so crazy.

[marija_jane]

Originally Posted by georgiamum

SHe said she ended a potty strike by SLAPPING her baby!!!! I couldn't believe it. so crazy.

OMG that is so sad. And of course she is lying to herself and everyone else that it was effective.

Okay, anyway I would say that you are right about being patient. In the meanwhile if the mess is frustrating you, it might be helpful to keep him in some absorbent pants (like sweats) or non-waterproof training pants if you want to continue to cue him at misses without worrying about the floor - or even waterproof ones for the least mess.

Also, if you haven't already tried this, consider having the potty (with a prefold under it to protect the floor) in a place where he can walk to it (near something he can hold/ scoot along for example) and stand up to pee into it. Since he is so into learning to walk, it might be fun for him.

Marija

[tri31]

Hi there. I agree with the pp that slapping is not helpful. With ds the potty strike was about control. I needed to back off and let him take the lead. The more I tried to get him to go, the less cooperation I got. Around 17 months, he started holding it for hours, even when I put him in diapers. I was so nervous. Once I stopped taking him to the potty all the time, and letting him cue me, he took over. He signed consistantly after that. Until his ability to communicate caught up with his physical awareness of his need to potty.
It will work out. It's hard to relax about it, when there is pee on the floor, I know. It's allot to learn. Best wishes.

[JMJ]

I agree about the control. DD may be getting through her strike. I'm just working on making potty offers positive and changing my expectations. I've gotten to the point that she's often happy to sit on the potty for a few seconds, and every once in a while, she'll go. If she doesn't want to sit, I've had to work on being extra super gentle and not ask twice.