Potty Time?

This past summer Ephram was really interested in the potty.
But the timing was not right for me with a teeny tiny baby.
So we waited.

When I was ready in August, he was not.

Then, right before Christmas, he was again super excited about the potty.
But who wants to potty train over Christmas?
Especially with his birthday a week later?

No thanks.

So we waited.

Come the first of the year, the interest was gone.

Ever since, I've been trying to bring the interest back up.
(I don't believe in forcing the issue or pushing... I want a successful experience for both of us.)

We've got a reward chart going.
Different kinds of potties and potty seats.
Bribery - in the form of money, special time, special toys.
And even special marshmallows, that can only be eaten when one sits on the toilet.
Because Ephram gets so nervous about new things, I thought getting him to sit on it...
Even with his clothes on,
Might help.
And it did.
But not enough that he wanted to try getting on it without his pants on.

Finally in the beginning of February, we got him a Thomas train (Duke) that he has been wanting.
We told him that he could have the train the first time that he went into the toilet and flushed it.
Two days later he did it.
And excitedly took the train...
And has gleefully used his diapers since.

At least he has one successful, fully positive experience in his mind.

He may be 3, but clearly he is still happy in diapers.
I, however, am ready to be changing fewer.
So I will keep searching for the right motivation.
But the next time he indicates he is ready,
I don't care what else is happening and how it may not be the right time for the rest of us.
We will be taking his cue!