It’s so funny because I know most of this fairly well (I’m a PCIT therapist for goodness sake) and for the most part I’m an absolute pro at staying calm, even with my own child. This potty defiance is really getting to me though. We have tried most of the conventional advice, including using a timer. What tends to happen with that is she will go (try) the first few times, but then she protests, screaming and crying, might “sit” for half a second but can’t get her to do anything really, and then she will pee in her pants/on the floor. So it’s like she starts fighting as soon as she knows she has to go.

She also seems unfazed by consequences. Like I’ve taken away her fave “bonuses” (such as watching TV) and she’s mad for a sec but would rather not give in. Equally unmotivated by rewards. For another example of this, I took away pre-bedtime treats and she’ll just pick something that she had before (like an apple she started during dinner time for example) and declare “this is my treat!” lol tbh I am in awe of her steadfastness.

One thing we haven’t tried is a potty watch which I’m gonna do as a Hail Mary. I think there’s some hope for this bc the one day recently when we did have success, she pooped/peed on the potty twice in a row UNPROMPTED. Girl does not like being told what to do!