Play Interrupted

After my last post about Maddie's potty success, ten short hours later she pooped in her pants. I wasn't the least bit surprised. Oh well. It's a process, right? She has had lots of success when I initiate and remind. She just isn't independent yet. I have been trying to reconcile my policy for the clean up for accidents. Months ago I did the mean and nasty cold bath as a natural consequence. Now I've been kind and gently doing a clean it up yourself system. If she messes, we nicely clean it up together. She has to do most of it and she isn't much of a fan of getting poop all over her hands in the washing process. The worst thing for her is washing her underwear. So far I have kept my cool and she's been willing to comply with the requirements. We'll see if we can both be good or if I snap. I hope and pray I can be good and keep the potty training progressing with positive reinforcement and praise rather than shame and tears. Lets face it, positive is so much better than being mean. Today, though, twice, she stopped play on her own and went to the potty and announced to me that she was going to "get some pee pees." Yes!! Folks, that's a sign. She's ready. By the way, she got another candy bar today if you know what I mean! Life is good. Maybe it will be fast this time and I won't have to potty train her three times like I did with Ben.