“Finding a good quote about potty training is hard. I guess no one really wants to talk about it.”
~Writer Dad
Deciding when, and how to take our wee ones from diapers to deliverance is something every parent must face.
The common timeframe delivered by experts is somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, though I don’t believe that age is as relevant as readiness.
If our child can tell us about their dirty diaper, they’re probably ready.
If they can articulate their need to be clean, they’re probably ready.
If as an adult, they might remember a time when they strolled the house in diapers, then they’ve been ready for quite a while.
Toilet training might be the first major chasm we cross as parents. It involves us as much as them, and should be driven by careful thought. Learning to use the restroom isn’t just about losing the diaper, it’s about gaining personal responsibility.
When we allow our children to stay in diapers when they’re capable of doing otherwise, simply because they don’t want to take their next step or it’s more convenient for us, then we’re allowing them to make the rules, and setting a poor precedent, at a far too early age.
Worse, we’re teaching them that we’re comfortable with the idea of cleaning up after them, until they decide different.
I know what you’re thinking — “But my daughter’s only two.”
That may be true, but she’ll soon be four, then six… then sixteen.
Right now, she’s learning who she is, and those first years are paramount.
For some children, training is effortless, as easy as slipping vegetables into the mac and cheese. For others, it’s a trying time when our spawn will heavily assert their will.
This difficulty shouldn’t detour. Remember, it’s called potty training. We may have a little extra laundry, and a load of extra conflict, but the battle is relatively short, and when it’s over, our child is stronger and so are we.
This is all very pragmatic; yet perfectly practical parents seem to lose all perspective when it comes to potty training.
It’s delicate.
Either we hedge because of the anticipated difficulty, or we’re afraid of the damage to their psyche if we push too hard or too fast.
As far as cerebral ruin is concerned, I’m not suggesting that anyone wrap their children in chains until they can properly eliminate. I’m simply saying we should observe our children, for it is us who know them best.
When we’re confident they understand what’s happening, and what they’re supposed to do, and their bodies are capable of getting the job done, then we have no excuse as parents to stand idle and allow them to make messes for us to clean, with no accountability to themselves.
Potty training doesn’t begin when we finally decide to grit our teeth and buy a couple dozen pair of underwear. It’s an awareness that we should build into the conversation from the changing table on.
I know the subject’s touchy, and I certainly didn’t raise it to see my subscriber count drop, but Daisy and I have trained ten children in the last three years. If approached clinically, and in the right window, potty training is a positive and empowering experience.
Today’s wee-book was written from that experience. Please consider a purchase. It’s eight wonderful pages and prints beautifully. You can laminate it and let your little one hold it in their hand. It’s the first collaborative fruit from the Writer Dad tree; its success is fertilizer for more.
The awesome picture up top is from Dave at Blogger Dad. He’s melted a multitude of minutes to draw and format this wee-book, without seeing a single penny.
I hope to correct that this weekend.
It’s been a great week. See you Monday.
Writer Dad
If you liked my words, please subscribe by RSS or email. I’ll be back again on Monday.
Going to the potty is something we must do. Mommies do it. Daddies do it. Even me and you…
Previous Friday releases: Mia Maria and Two Times the Kindergarten, Lucas Bright: I Know I’m Special, The Eighth Wonder of the World, and Bye Bye Butterfly.
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I have nothing to add on the potty training conversation.
Though, I fully trust you are masterful at teaching the little ones the ways of proper elimination.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..The Stain Demon Can and Will Taint Your Life
Writer Dad,
I have no children, but can only imagine what a task it must be to potty train a child.
10 children in 3 years?
That definitely shows a great amount of knowledge on the subject, and an even greater amount of patience on both you and Daisy’s part.
I hope I don’t have to face this for another 10 years or so —
But when I do, you’re who I’m coming for tips!
Blogger Dad, that’s a wonderful illustration!
Luis Grosss last blog post..8 Most Popular Posts Over The Summer
Shape them early. I learned our brains shrink until we’re ~16 (but as it shrinks, we get smarter.) Bottom line - the strengths you build early are with you for life.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..3 Revealing Questions for Myth Busting
You must be able to read my mind. My son is 18 1/2 months. I tried starting potty training with him a couple weeks ago but threw in the towel when too much else was going on. I trained my daughter at 18 months in 2 weeks and want to train my son sooner than later. Not more than 5 minutes ago, as I was going over the list for the day, did I decide that instead of buying diapers today, I was going to buy him a new potty that he’ll actually like and start training him today. Wish me luck!!
btw, I completely agree with you on your philosophy on this topic. if you can’t tell by my training two 18 month olds.
Cool. When the time comes I shall remember this, WD.
Meanwhile, got any advice for “stop-throwing-your-spoon-on-the-floor” training and what about “stop-wriggling-and-getting-dressed-will-over-a-lot-faster” training?
Seamus Anthonys last blog post..Drugs Don’t Work? Try A Cosmic High…
Very good timing, Writer Dad!
My wife and I have just started to (playfully) train our son for potty. He’s just a year and 4 months, so I don’t have big expectations yet, but we thought we’d start early as he seems to be interested
So, your wee-book will be an interesting read!
It amazes me how toddlers will suddenly stop whatever they’re doing, focus intently, then they’ll grunt ‘Uh-uh-uhhh”.
And, without shame, they’ll crap their diapers. Right where they’re standing, in front of everyone.
Imagine doing that at a party, or at the office.
“Excuse me, boss, while I shit myself….Uhh-uhhh-uhhh….”.
To me (and I suspect most people), just the thought of doing that…feels SO VERY WRONG!!!
Yet for kids, it’s all part of a normal day.
Just goes to show how socially conidtionned we adults have become.
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
When it comes to potty training, my strategy is: depends. Depends on if they want to wear Depends when their 16 or not.
Ah yes, we are going through this right now. Bella, for the first time a couple days ago came up to me and said, in that sweet innocent little voice “Daddy, I go potty” Now, we have tried this before in the past, but neither Jess nor I thought she was ready since she wasn’t complaining about being wet or anything.
Usually we set her on the potty and she just sits there and plays, but no “elimination” (man I love that term). This time was different. She actually went. We made a big commotion about it, whooping and hollering and all, and she got a treat for letting us know. She has done it more since then, but not on a regular basis.
So, on with the journey.
@Dave: That is an awesome pic dude. I love it!
Sals last blog post..Life, Liberty and the Persuit of Hurricane Parties
I don’t have kids and I don’t plan on having any. The very thought of going through all of the stuff you guys do, including potty training, repels me.
But I’m not unsubscribing. I actually enjoy your stories! If you can write about stuff that repels me and still keep me visiting, that’s one great talent you’ve got.
Hooray for the release of your collaborative project!!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
@Steph
Hooray! Another kindred spirit. Like you, I have zero interest in having kids of my own.
But Writer Dad’s stories are still great reading!
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
@Emily
I trained a son and a daughter to potty train several years ago. My daughter ended up training at about 18 months, but it took my son until he was 2 to take to it. Medically speaking, males sometimes train a little later than females, but of course, every child is different.
You’ll know when they’re ready.
Nimics last blog post..8 Easy Tips For An Eco-friendly Garden
I’m just glad potty training is the distant past, now that my kids are 6 and 8.
I’m sure the teen year challenges will make me yearn for those simpler times, though.
Vered - MomGrinds last blog post..Quirky, Yet Boring
LOL, my mother-in-law told me a story about my husband when he was potty training. Apparently his only objection was that the bathroom was too far away to walk. So he started using the closet!
It’s funny now, but I can’t guarantee that I wouldn’t lose it if one of our children tried that.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Interview With a Blogger
@Friar: Me and you, buddy. Me and you. Sometimes I feel as though we’re the last people on earth like this, though I know we’re not. But people sure do think I can’t possibly be all woman. HUH.
If we were the last two people on earth, you and I, we’d go out just like that. No procreating to ruin the freedom!! Hahaha!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
OKAY - STOP.
Before anyone freaks out on me, it’s not all about freedom. It’s not ONLY about freedom, I should say. I’m not being selfish - I just have no interest at all in having kids. No maternal instinct, you could say. NONE.
(Or I lavish it all on my dog.)
Ironically, everyone’s kids flock to me. Always. We have a good time. But I’m glad to give them back at the end of the day!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
Hi Writer Dad,
We were lucky in that our daughter showed readiness at age 3, and her preschool teachers pretty much did the training for us. We reinforced the potty lessons at home, of course, but the whole thing went very smoothly, with only about three accidents.
Now the trick is to train the child to wipe her bum from front to back — a very important habit for girls, especially.
@Steph
I like what Dr. Seuss says (who never had kids of his own).
“You raise ‘em…I’ll entertain ‘em”.
Not everyone has to be a Mommy or Daddy. The world needs crazy Uncles and/or Aunts like us.
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
BOY…do I feel out of place here….I’m surrounded by parents regaling everone with with Potty stories.
I’m proud to say that in 35 years, I’ve never EVER had to wipe a kids’ bum.
Never plan to, either.
Parents..that’s YOUR job, not mine!
Never
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
Man, look at that. I start talking poop and the message board just lights right up. Next Friday, it’s diarrhea time.
Bamboo: I’m a zen master of feces.
Luis: Blogger Dad’s work on this little trifle, is phenomenal.
J.D. : One of Daisy’s favorite sayings is, “Start early, finish strong.”
Emily: I wish you luck, think your awesome, and extend you my most genuine invitation to contact me if you need help in any way. Typically, boys are not as easy as girls. Seven of our ten have been boys, so we’ve been there.
Seamus: Don’t pick up the spoon. I know it sounds mean, but I’m serious. They throw it down, because we pick it up. When we stop, so do they. As far as getting dressed, pretend you’re leaving without them. It freaks them out, and they’re all like, “Wait, wait, wait for me Daddy!” You’ll have to hide your smile.
Jarkko Laine: You are awesome for a variety of reasons. It’s NEVER too early for exposure. I appreciate you buying the wee-book. Let me know what you think.
Friar: We have one boy now who doesn’t want to be trained. All the other kids start saying, “EEEWWW!” when he starts going. They all think he’s gross. Social conditioning starts early.
Ryan: That’s awesome.
Sal: Good luck. Making her feel special for doing it is a terrific tactic. Blogger Dad did a great job on all the illustrations. The one up top is from the final page. Download it and and read it to Bella. She’ll love it, and so will you. It discusses the process in rather blunt, Writer Dad, terms.
Steph: I was looking for you everywhere yesterday. I was calling, “Steph, Steph,” as I wandered down the corridors of my empty blog, but only my own voice bounced back. Seriously though, my sister, who is AWESOME, never plans on having children. She would make a great mom, but she knows herself well enough to know that she’d miss the freedom. And there’s no doubt about it, you WILL lose like 98% of it. A large part of your life, you WILL feel like a prisoner. I think it’s awesome that you know yourself well enough to know what you want, rather than doing what you think you’re supposed to. That takes a lot more courage. There are far too many people who shouldn’t be having kids who do. Kudos, Steph.
Friar: Thanks. I’m glad I can talk about feces and not have you skim.
Nimic: You’re correct. Seven of our ten were boys. All three girls were easier.
Vered: I’d rather deal with poop than attitude, any day.
Hayden: Potty stories + time = funny.
Steph: If you find yourself as the last woman on Earth, I take back everything I said. Please keep our species alive, even if the donor is a three-hundred fifty pound, one eyed amputee, who smells like sweaty sack. It’s your responsibility.
You’re not being selfish; just honest. But if you found yourself knocked up, the maternal instinct would kick right in. I guarantee it. Mine did, and I don’t have fallopian tubes.
Twizzle: Three accidents is excellent. Good job.
Friar: I’m thinking of starting a new blog: Steph and Friar talk about poop and kids. I need help thinking of a catchy domain name though.
you make a good point and i say that with s*x. don’t wait to talk about it, start early. same with potty training.
my daughter learned to use the toilet when we ran out of pull-ups. i said oh well and she was good to go. of course it wasn’t that moment that she got her act together, but all the work that was done before.
@Writer Dad
“Poop-Quest”
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
@WD: First I’m sorry. I worked like a fiend yesterday. I didn’t show up anywhere. And I should be doing that right now, too, which i sort of am, but this discussion has been too funny to miss out on.
Well, with me, I think the instinct would kick in. I’m not Cruella, after all. But there are some women…yeah. Let’s just say maternal’s not in their vocabulary. Poor kids.
I’m glad you think so much of me. Makes me feel happy…but do I think enough of you to keep the species alive even if the donor is a three-hundred-fifty pound, one-eyed amputee who smells like sweaty sack?? Hmmm, let me think about that for one split second - um…NO. I think you rock, but…
There you have it. The species would die with me. One last hurrah of greatness. (Pfft!)
Friar: if it were just you and C (and you know who I mean), would the species die off or would you be responsible?
PoopQuest?Are you making of me?
LOL!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
duh. I mean making FUN of me…
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
@Steph
Given all the Mommy and Daddy bloggers out there, there probably WOULD be a huge demand for Poop-Quest.
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
Writer Dad, I’m going to spare you my potty training stories today, but @ Friar I’d just say You’re not missing anything. I’ve been wiping my children’s bottoms for the last seven years and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
:-D
Dave Fowlers last blog post..The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But the Truth
Natural: I couldn’t agree more. If you give them the understanding first, the training is easy. Honestly, they won’t want to mess themselves.
Friar: Poop Quest is perfect.
Steph: No apologies. I was just yanking your chain.
I can’t believe you’d let the species die. If it’s a three-hundred-fifty pound, one-eyed amputee who smells like sweaty sack, then we’re probably talking about forty or fifty seconds, and you don’t have to look.
Dave: Ha. That’s funny, and thanks for throwing down for Number One and Two it! I hope you like it.
@Dave
(Ouch!) ;-(
Sounds like a pretty shitty job to me!
Friars last blog post..Forbidden Laughter: Times I’ve Laughed when I Shouldn’t Have.
Writer Dad,
I like it very much. Looks great and reads well. My kids are going to love it.
I left a request for a follow up over at BloggerDad.
No pressure. As long as you get it written and drawn by next Friday.
@ Friar – LMAO!! You’re right but I can promise you it’s not pretty
Dave Fowlers last blog post..The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But the Truth
Interesting. I was pushed into everything growing up and spent most of my life trying to fix all the mistakes I made because I wasn’t ready. So, in protest, at a few months past three years old, we potty-trained our son.
Of course, it turns out he was plenty ready because he figured it out in about nine hours.
Okay, I can’t resist…
You Mommies and Daddies have jbeen askin’ for it.
Check out the potty training video on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFVoLz88hiU
Friars last blog post..August Wrap-Up
Friar,
I second the title “Poop-Quest”, for what it’s worth.
WD,
Once again, I will be quite prepared when it comes time to address this issue with my own children.
Isn’t it funny how we need to be potty trained. Compared to the relative ease with which we learn other tasks when growing up, it’s funny that this “task” doesn’t come more readily. I suppose it’s because we are un-training several months of the “poop in your pants” paradigm. Really, it’s a lot like breaking a bad habit and replacing it with a good one.
I’m thinking too much about poop, aren’t I?
Ian Parkers last blog post..440,000 Sony VAIO Recall
Friar: Batta bump Chssh
Dave: Thanks for the purchase. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it.
Dereck: We should never force our kids into it; just explain things to them and lead them down the correct path at the earliest opportunity.
Friar: That video was awesome, but that little tiger was pontificating about his poo. With that much language, he should’ve been dropping his deuce in the dish a long time ago.
Ian: Ian, you are awesome for several reasons. Here are two. First, I’ve never heard it explained that way, but you’re absolutely right. It is retraining; breaking a bad habit and replacing it with a good one. Second, you don’t have kids. Your purchase is a total show of support. Thank you so much, from both me and Blogger Dad.
I wish I had seen that about 6 months ago… Our boy just turned 4 in August and he was a handful when it came to pooing… taking a leak was a piece of cake.. once I got him to stop whipping it out on the playground!!!
He finally got it one night when he went to bed saying he had to poo, but just couldnt do it sitting there… So he comes downstairs 30 mins later with underwear full of poo… So I told him to go clean it up!
That did the trick, after getting his clothes off, getting in the shower cleaning himself and getting dressed again I asked him if that was fun… he said “No, ITS YUCKY!” Well there ya go, we’re all tired of cleaning it up too so from now on it’s your job!
Not an accident since lol.
I write a Political website\blog\forums and throughly enjoyed reading your posts.
Mr Moderators last blog post..Factcheck:Facts seem to be rare commodity at RNC convention -"Obama stuck to the facts, except
Today I can kill two birds with one stone (did I mention my husband was an ornithologist).
I can support a fellow blogger and get a wee-book for my son. He’s two. He’s stubborn. And he is refusing the use the potty.
Write on my virtual friend!!!
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..How to Synchronize Your Authentic Voice
PoopQuest…but it sounds like we’re on a quest for poop! And I’ve already established I have enough shit in my life to deal with!
Friar: I see some cartoons and funny kids books coming out of this. Let’s write a book called PoopQuest: an aunt and uncle dish out the shit on potty training.
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
Writer Dad,
Well, there you go…let Friar in the door and you’ll get ALL the poop you need!
Congratulations on your book. I know it will be a HUGE success. You should try “Take an Editor out to lunch week,” you know.
Regarding potty training, parents - and kids - know when the time has come. The only problem is that they frequently disagree on it when that time IS.
We used to line under the sheet with those disposable long sheets that have the blue backing and are waterproof. They’re inexpensive, and they save the cost of a new mattress. Neither of my kids would sleep on those “waterproof” mattress covers. To slippery, I guess, even when covered by a sheet!
Our one saving grace was that our little one “trained herself.” She’d follow big sis EVERYWHERE, including the toilet. Not even a potty for her - just one of those “seats” on the toilet so she wouldn’t fall in. And her favorite part: flushing her poops away and screaming “bye-bye poopies!” Occasionally, when the big one is home for a break, she’ll embarass the little one, who is now 17 with a “did you say “bye-bye” to your poopies,” when Liz comes out of the bathroom. It’s only funny, however, when Liz has some friends over - especially guys - at the time. I guess big sis considers it “payback” for having no privacy when she was 6.
Rita
Oh - and I checked - the quote citation seems correct.
I”m of the belief that early is good when it comes to potty training. And no two children are the same. Our first was the easiest (and we didn’t even know what we were doing), our second took a little longer, and our third just seemed to drag on and on (when we should have been experts!). So much for that theory!
Lances last blog post..Lost In This Great Big World
Mr. Moderator: If I may say, you handled that perfectly. I would love to look at your site. I’ll be by tomorrow.
Stacey: Stacey, thanks for the purchase. I really appreciate it. Please let me know how he likes it. I’m really interested. I’ve never read it to a child with pictures before. It’s been one of the favorites because all the children know what number one and two are, so they all say “EEEWWW” and laugh, but with an actual picture of a putty, I think they would’ve gone nuts. Thanks again.
Steph: You guys should totally team up. It would be awesome.
Rita: Enough about poo. Anyone who is reading this should know that Rita was offered a deal for her first book today. It’s a really big deal, and a tremendous honor. Everyone think, high five. Congratulations, Rita.
Lance: Our second took longer than the first. We actually can’t take too much credit for Mia. She was only eighteen months, but she told us before we told her.
OK, well, I don’t have children but I guess this is something to store in the “for when I do have children” file. You potty trained other people’s children as well as your own? Wow. When my sister is changing her son’s diaper I literally run from the room, yelling for her to wait until I’ve at least reached the kitchen at the other side of the house.
Marelisas last blog post..20 Ways to Raise Your IQ
Hey, I’ve been thinking of starting it’th my 2y3m son. He’ll prolly learn from me then his mother cos I give’im more allowances
Ur blog has jus made my resolve stronger.
Sanjays last blog post..CAUGHT IN AN ACT
Writer Dad,
I’m touched. Truly. But I’ll let my shrink take care of that…
No - seriously - thanks for the plug. I TRULY appreciate it, and it was kind of you to mention while you’re selling YOUR book (which I guess I’m going to have to purchase now, even though the kids are 17 and 20!)
You’re next, author, author!
Rita
@ Steph,
Sorry WD, but I’m going to use a moment of your comment space.
Steph,
Your decision not to have kids is greatly admired. I, too, never felt a “maternal instinct.” Trust me, my kids, who are 17 and 20 (as I just said) would TOTALLY back me up on that point!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..MY NOVEL IS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!
Thanks to everyone who purchased the wee-book. To those that didn’t, may you rot in hell.
Just kidding, of course!
It was my honor to draw WriterDad’s story and I look forward to future collaborations. I also appreciate the kind words from commenters regarding the illustrations.
BloggerDads last blog post..When worlds collide
Hi WD
your blog is converting in to a Mom and Dad only blog day by day (i am not complaining though)
i was in search of such blog (the day of me being a dad is coming near day by day) to train my self as batter dad
about this post well it makes no seance to me at this time but may be when my 1st baby turn 2 i’ll digg your archive for this one
Sunil Pathaks last blog post..Let These Plugins Help You Build Community On Your Blog
Marelisa: It’s part of the job. We start teaching them as infants, so it’s in our best interest to train them as young as possible. But they can always do it.
Sanjay: I don’t know your son, but based on his age, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t ready. He just has to believe that he is.
Rita: Don’t ever apologize about using common space. That’s what it’s for. As long as people are polite, I adore the exchange. I agree with you about Steph. My sister is the same way, and it makes her more awesome, not less.
Blogger Dad: Again, your illustrations were off the hook, and I can’t wait for our next one.
Sunil: Don’t worry, I have a lot of stuff lined up that has nothing to do with being a mom or dad. Thanks for the input, though.
Rita: Thanks.
And your kids might back you up now, but give them a couple of years and they’ll be thanking you for having them…and keeping them!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
WD: when you call me awesome, it makes my day. Especially when it’s for things others put down.
Thanks!
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
@Steph,
What I said about admiring your rights to NOT have children is absolutely true. That you do not feel the “Maternal Instinct” is your choice, and, frankly, nobody else’s to question! Though it’s not as meaningful coming from me as from WD, I believe that you are awesome as well: to take a position that is contrary to many and publicly acknowledge it with pride IS awesome.
As to what I said about my OWN kids - no, I was NOT sure that I was “mothering material” either, but my husband and I decided to give it a go. Once I held that first baby in my arms, however (I HATED being pregnant, btw…I felt like I could never be alone!), all of a sudden feelings that I NEVER thought I had came to me like a tornado. I have NEVER for a second regretted having my children - and they know it darn well!
That is NOT to imply that the same thing would happen to you. Stand firm in your beliefs - at least for now. But, as with everything else, don’t EVER feel that you can’t change your mind, should that happen. And if it doesn’t? More power to you! There are enough “unwanted” children in this world that you should be applauded for knowing how you feel - and not acting irresponsibly to “follow the crowd.”
@ Blogger Dad,
I believe that you should be getting a LOT more credit (and I DON’T mean from Writer Dad!) for your amazing pictures! Children’s books JUST DON’T WORK without great illustrations that BOTH parents AND children can relate to! GREAT JOB!
@Writer Dad,
Hey. Just figured I’d say “hi” since this IS still your blog site. Right?
Rita
Ritas last blog post..MY NOVEL IS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!
I started potty training my daughter at 18 months. She always had an interest in using the big girl potty though. In fact, she wouldn’t use the training potty. She would only sit on the toilet. So I started sitting her on there frequently. Before she was two she was potty trained, luckily, potty training was very easy for us.
Shamelessly Sassys last blog post..Someday
Steph: You’re awesome times seven equals, you’re good for a week.
Rita: You’re doing good work in the comments, Rita. Good work.
Sassy: We have the same story. Fortunately, we’ve had the children of others to help illustrate that it can be a difficult time.
“I refuse to potty train my son at gunpoint.”
I had to say that a lot. Also “Why are you so interested in my child’s bowel functions??”
So many people thought they had a say in it, thought they had a right to judge, cajole, punish, bribe, or censure the Evil Genius and his minions (parents) because he wasn’t yet potty trained. Ugh. Once we let go of the need for a timetable, he finally worked it out and had himself right as rain in a couple of days. As in, less than a week.
I think making up a story about the poo-dragon helped. He really liked the idea of the poo-dragon making fertilizer for the trees (we have a septic system).
He’s still in nappies at night, but that’s as much for my benefit as his - I don’t want any of his animals, toys, books, alien life forms, and whatever else he drags into bed with him doused on an off night.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who may actually have said that one of the reasons she won’t have any more kids is she’s finally done with nappies and she doesn’t want to start that mess up again)(but I won’t cop to it)
Kyddryns last blog post..Thoughtfetti and the Bump(er)
Having survived the potty training of many many nieces and a few nephews (my family likes to birth girls at a 10 to 1 ratio over boys, sadly), my observation is that boys are way more entertaining (at least when it comes to peeing). I have a new respect for folks who have multiples now that one of my nieces has twins. They’re still babies, but in a few years it’s gonna be double-the-potty-fun. But, since she’s doing cloth diapers and I’m doing a lot of babysitting, I do vote for putting it in the potty directly from the baby booty over this cloth diaper mess.
Rock on, potty trainers.
Amy Derbys last blog post..Confessions of a (Not-So-)Closet(ed) Freak
haha.. potty training yes.. I remember when we (me and a couple of cousins) took the initiative to teach our youngest bro some pot manners.
One of us (dunno if it is his original) came up with this -
“When you sit on the pot and hear a big blot it is… diarrhea ” and asked him to sing this every time his stomach grumbles..and then run to the pot.. was fun for sure
Maneesh Madambaths last blog post..Initiative, Follow Up and World Peace
Kyddryn: Potty training is between parents and children. Period. I love the “poo dragon.” I think it’s awesome. He might need his own book.
Amy: Boys are way more “entertaining.” No question about it. We will continue to rock, Amy. Thank you.
Maneesh: I LOVE the diarrhea song. I haven’t thought about it in years. I’ll probably be remembering versus all morning, now.
Rita - thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it.
Kyddryn AND Writer Dad - If you give WriterDad permission, and he wants to write a poo-dragon story, I’ve already got a GREAT mental image. Why compete in the cutthroat world of children’s books with cute stories and cute characters when we CAN OWN the market of feces-related children’s stories?!
Blogger Dads last blog post..When worlds collide
Writer Dad,
I came over to say “hi” and get away from the craziness - and yes, the email IS coming…but, I do have a comment that is relevant to your blog:
I’M POOPED!
And to Blogger Dad:
YOU ARE WELCOME!
Rita
Blogger Dad—hahahahahaha! I do have a story about the poo dragon…I suppose I could write it down…but I am SO not doing the illustrations!!
Think we could make a TV series out of it??
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Let’s Review
Blogger Dad: There aren’t enough books about crap, though there do seem to be an awful lot of crappy books.
Rita: That’s funny.
Kyddryn: Alright, so are we gonna bring poo dragon to life, or what?
Kyddryn - Hmm, a tv show about crap? I could make so many jokes here that it’s almost too easy… And only half of them involve American Idol.
Writer Dad - And thus was born Craptacular Children’s Literature!
BloggerDads last blog post..Your toddler is full of crap…
Hmm…should I name him Herbert Poover, or would that just be a bit much??
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who never named the poor beast…shame on her!!)
Kyddryns last blog post..And Now, Without Further Ado…
Blogger Dad: I loved your crappy covers. Let’s make a real one; you know, after we actually design a wee-book that sells more than a copy.
Kyddryn: Herbert Poover is genius.
P.S. This is the post that will not flush.
Just a link so Kyddryn can see what she inspired.
Poo Dragon and more.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Your toddler is full of crap…