June 17, 2004 - Thursday
A week or two ago when we renewed Harry's prescription for his vitamin + fluoride supplement, we switched from an eyedropper liquid to chewable tablets. It was a good idea and Harry liked the change. Unfortunately, Jeremy wanted them too and we only a couple of weeks ago renewed his liquid kind. I've tried to turn this problem into a positive by saying Harry's chewable vitamins, Jeremy calls them "candy" and I haven't discouraged that too much, are for big boys, with the direct allusion to Jeremy's need to begin to use the toilet. And, I think it has worked well. I've given Jeremy a couple of Harry's tablets, they are the same dose as Jeremy's liquid, on occasions when he's done particularly well in that regard, but generally I've held them out as reward for learning and continuing to use the toilet. Sure, this is a rather less substantial bribe than Harry's for the same, but each situation is different and this is what has presented itself.

Yesterday morning this little strategy played out beautifully. As offer happens, Jeremy asked for a "big boy candy." I've usually had to explain that he'll get them when he learns to use the toilet. This morning, however, I said nothing but a soft OK, smiled, and handed him a vitamin. In a way, Jeremy seemed a bit surprised at first, but it didn't take long before a wonderful, happy and proud, smile came to his face. I didn't say anything. He didn't say anything. But we both knew and were both proud of what Jeremy had done on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, yesterday afternoon Jeremy didn't do as well and pooped in his pull-up. I'm sure Mary dealt with it appropriately, both encouraging him and showing him that he should use the toilet. Her method is to happily dump it from the diaper into the toilet and flush it down, saying "that's where it goes." So, this morning when Jeremy asked for a "big boy candy" I had to go back to me old routine of saying they were for when he learns to use the toilet.
"Me did poop in the potty," he argued.
"Yes, you did Jeremy a great job learning to do that the other day, but yesterday you pooped in your pull-up. You need to poop in the toilet every day."
He didn't argue anymore. Hopefully, we're encouraging rather than discouraging him. It's such a tenuous thing.


Comments, Opinions?