Lily was on the edge of toilet training for a while. She recognized the time, she knew the place, and she was well practiced with the process (pull down pants/diaper, #1 &; 2, flush, wipe, wash hands)....the only step she missed was #1 & #2.
We patiently let her go through this process as a framework for when she finally got that crucial middle part down. She enjoyed the process alone, since practicality or function isn't in the 2 year old's vocabulary. She called for it almost nightly, for a few months.
So, we had daily calls from her to 'pee', but it was, consistently, a dry run. Then, a unique opportunity presented itself. While on the potty, she realized that she actually had to go. She was shocked and hopped off quick. She wanted her diaper back on - asap. I pulled it up and shortly after it was clear that she was putting her diaper to use. She even confirmed this was the case when asked.
I took the opportunity to calmly up-sell use of the potty for that activity. This speech is routine, but the timing seemed to work better this time.
That night, right before bed, she asked to 'pee' again. I was reluctant, since this is traditionally a time when she looks for anything and everything that will delay bedtime. Still, she wasn't in full rebellious mode, so I let her go.
After being seated on the potty, she asked to hold my hand. Then she got real shy. Then she went.
That was a month ago. Since then she has asked to be seated for nearly every pee where the toilet is available. We've gently explained that #2 can be done in the same step, but she has been reluctant to try, so far. That will come with time.
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