After months of meticulous planning, a series of motivational talks, and numerous readings of interactive books filled with amusing flushing sounds, I find myself cautiously optimistic. Despite the tears shed and the $20+ worth of toddler underwear that have tragically ended up in the trash rather than the laundry, I believe my son might finally be grasping the concept of “urge = big boy chair.” He now makes a determined dash for the bathroom when he feels the need to “go” and follows the expected sequence of behaviors for independent toileting.
However, we continue to face challenges in technique and execution. While one might imagine a perfect shooting form at the free-throw line during a critical game moment, the reality is quite different for us. Instead of a graceful shot, we see continual misses. “Better luck next time,” I tell him, but it’s starting to feel like a never-ending cycle of air balls.
My son insists on emulating the “stand-up routine” of his father, which, while charming, isn’t quite conducive to success given his short stature. He struggles to balance on his tippy toes for the necessary duration. Things might run more smoothly if he would utilize the chair designed specifically to keep his little, yet potent, anatomy contained. That chair cost me forty bucks, and sadly, it remains a pristine addition to our bathroom decor—unused and ironically the only item that doesn’t get splashed by his “weapon of mass destruction.”
Teaching aim has proven to be a daunting task. As a female, I am accustomed to a sitting position, which tends to minimize the mess, unlike the complexities that come with standing. The reality of boys and their aim remains perplexing; the chaos and cleanup that ensue are enough to make me wish for a tree in the yard. “Sorry, neighbors, but you’re on your own now!”
We have attempted various strategies, but my husband’s idea of “target practice” stands out. Tossing items like toilet paper squares or cheerios into the bowl and urging, “Hit it!” has become our method of choice. Unfortunately, my son has yet to grasp the technique. It’s as if he’s wielding a fire hose with no one to direct the stream. “Redirect! Redirect!” I exclaim, but it seems he’s destined for a more artistic path than firefighting. Regardless of his future career, my hope is he won’t be one of those individuals who neglects to lift the seat and clean up after himself.
In conclusion, toilet training is a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. For anyone navigating similar waters, resources such as CDC’s information on reproductive health and insights from Make a Mom’s guide on at-home insemination kits can offer valuable support. If you’re interested in exploring self-insemination options, consider checking out Make a Mom’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo as a reliable resource.
Leave a Reply