Positive Reinforcement

Well, anyone who has potty trained children knows how important positive reinforcement is to the process. A hug here, a kiss there, cheers or even a "potty dance" (which we do, in the kitchen singing about the accomplishment). It makes the child feel good about their accomplishment and encourages them to keep up the good work.

Here in the Connolly house, we are trying anything we can to get at least one person potty trained. Meghan is much more interested in this big step in life than her brother. She has been urged along by the prompting of her mom telling her that her best friend Katherine is doing this, too and the Sticker Chart. So on Monday, we started with underwear. She did great. Two accidents in the morning and then accident free until 7:30 last night (bed time a.k.a. diaper time). Tuesday dawned with one eager little girl. So we had an amazing day, accident free from 10 AM until 7:45 PM. Stickers, hugs, kisses, phone calls to Grandma Noreen and anyone who would listen all helped to confirm to her that she is a big girl. But my favorite part of the day, the part that melted my heart, was the reaction of her brother. This is what I overheard from the bathroom today:

Nolan came in to check on her progress. Meghan said "Nowie, I just peed!" A pause as Nolan checked out the results and then said to his sister "Good Job, Meggie!! FaFive" (which is Nolie speak for High Five).