Potty Training Hell

Kai starts kindergarten next year. I really want him potty trained before he starts, but he just won't do it. After years of trying (with minimal success) I finally brought a behaviorist into the picture. The good that has come of this is that I am now clear that this is a control issue, not a communication breakdown. The bad side is...everything else.

I am basically denying him everything non-essential...snacks, trips to the outside world, television, and anything else he asks for. He can have them all in exchange for the desired behavior-pooping in the toilet. We have been trapped in the house for two days now. The first day he cried and cried and I felt so bad for him, but today he just stopped asking for these things and says "No!" when told to poop in the potty. I hold up desired foods in front of him and make him sit on the toilet, but it is all to no avail.

I know that this is only day two of this stepped up version of behavioral therapy, but I swear if he doesn't crack soon I am going to lose it. I have a feeling that he can hold out for a long, long time. This battle has been going on for over a year, but the intensity has been elevated recently. This is without a doubt the hardest hurdle we have had to overcome. I never imagined that I would still be fighting this battle when my son was almost five, but then I never imagined that we would have many of the struggles that we have had.

Hopefully, the next time I write here I will have something happier to say...

Kristie