Peter has been deep in the midst of potty training. We were doing so great, really building momentum, and even had a poop on the potty! Then we ran into a major roadblock, one I really didn't see coming and was fully knocked out by............Peter's incredibly stubborn will power. Peter figured out that I really wanted him to use the potty, so he decided he just plain wouldn't. This baffled me because I knew he could do it, so why wouldn't he? We fell into the worst spot you could ever be with a two-year-old........an epic power struggle. I cajoled, begged, enticed with treats, and finally demanded (in an admittedly mean way), and Peter stuck with his original, incredibly successful game plan- total refusal. I could feel my blood boil! But here is the most important lesson I have learned as a parent- in every power struggle with your child, you will lose, because even when you "win," the price is too high. After I finally calmed down, I went into complete retreat. I'll let it drop, for now. I'll take his cues, and let him feel more ready. I won't push (at least too much) and let's see what happens. Perhaps it's good to keep in mind that you can't always make your children do the things you want them to do, right when you want it done. Sometimes, even though it can be painful, we have to follow their lead and let things be on their terms.......at least a little bit.
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