Parenting
Potty training can be a daunting task for many parents, as I discovered when I embarked on this journey with my daughter. While my mother-in-law eagerly anticipated the transition and countless parenting bloggers showcased their toddlers already in underwear, I adopted a more relaxed approach. I casually broached the subject with my daughter, asking, “Are you ready to stop wearing diapers and start using the potty?” Her response was always a thoughtful pause followed by a polite, “No thank you, Mama.” Thus, we continued our routine.
Eventually, I decided to implement a reward system, which led to weekly grocery trips filled with bags of Skittles. The plan was simple: one candy for a sit, two for a pee, and a handful for a bowel movement. This method caught her interest, and soon enough, she was mastering her tiny Princess Potty just in time for kindergarten orientation. I felt a sense of accomplishment as a parent.
However, there’s a lesser-known truth in this process: a three-year-old lacks the motor skills necessary for effective wiping. Even as an adult, I occasionally find myself, in the most inconvenient places (like Walmart), realizing that I didn’t quite finish the job. Expecting a young child to navigate the intricacies of cleanup is akin to asking them to operate a sewing machine while also multitasking with mathematical precision.
To my surprise, she wasn’t particularly interested in toilet paper, contrary to the countless videos that suggest children delight in playing with the fluffy rolls. When I asked her to fetch some toilet paper and crumple it for the pre-wipe, she ended up tearing off a minuscule piece and fashioning it into a pea-sized ball—inevitably leading to a messy situation. Yes, I gagged at the sight, but I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
What followed was a series of delightful yet challenging tasks:
- Keeping her company while she swung her legs, casually asking about my day, only to witness her face contort into a strained expression signaling she needed to go.
- Hovering over her as she sat on the open toilet, ready to assist with wiping.
- Flushing the toilet and then disinfecting it, as her bowel movements seemed to rival those of a giant, stubbornly clinging to the porcelain throne.
- Adjusting the footstool for her, as she had previously pinched her skin while trying to climb up.
- Granting her “privacy” while still ensuring she wasn’t getting into mischief.
- Checking in to make sure she wasn’t disturbing my belongings.
- Adjusting the water temperature as needed.
- Peeking back in to ensure she wasn’t getting too carried away with the soap.
- Assisting her with the soap pump, ensuring she had an equal amount in each hand.
- Finally, rushing down the hall to check on her after she had been “washing her hands” for six minutes, only to find her grinning in the mirror as water cascaded down the counter.
Next week, I plan to take a bold step: she’s going back into diapers. I’m calling this new strategy “Reverse Tiger Helicopter.” Once I pen my book titled Wipe Out!, I’ll become so successful that by the time she starts school, she can afford her own personal assistant for bathroom duties.
It’s a whimsical dream, but as all great ideas begin, this is just the start.
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Summary: Potty training is a complex process that requires patience and creativity. From reward systems to the inevitable messes, parents navigate a range of challenges. As children transition out of diapers, they often require assistance, highlighting the need for understanding and support throughout this developmental stage.
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