We’ve never been ones to rush Mike’s development. Well – except for the walking. But I’m guessing that everyone who might be parents to a child with clubbed feet would be at least a little anxious about that…
But as for everything else, we’ve completely taken the attitude of “it’ll happen when it happens” and we simply enjoy the current moment rather than trying to usher in the next.
And the same goes for potty training. Sure - it seems like it would be nice to not have to mess with diapers anymore. But that is the last little tidbit of “babyhood” that we are hanging on to.
However, Mike has certainly started to take an interest. And while we don’t want to rush him in to anything – we also certainly don’t want to hold him back either. So we have some “potties” (thanks Jim and Allison!) and we are take the first little step.
It’s not exactly “training” – at least not yet. It’s more of an “introduction”. Potty – meet Mike. Mike – potty. And there are already some funny stories to tell.
One of the clues we had that Mike was interested in the potty was that he started showing a keen interest when “The Mom” or “The Dad” went to potty. It’s dangerous when he goes to watch “The Dad” potty. He has seen shooting streams of water at the water park. They sure were fun to play in! Hey look! Daddy can shoot a stream of water! That sure looks like it would be fun to play in!!!
It’s less dangerous when he goes with “The Mom”. But he is learning by observation. So – here’s how it goes. You sit on the potty. And sit a little longer. Then a second longer. Then you grab some paper and throw it between your legs and in to the potty. Cool – got it!
All of our “more experienced” parental friends have told us that you also need some sort of “reward” for using the potty. Some sort of “incentive” so that they’ll keep wanting to come back. Something like a sticker – or a small piece of candy. Candy? Mike? Giving something sweet to Mike would be more of a punishment.
But we do have a small “reward” for Mike when he uses the potty. Something that makes him extremely excited. So happy that he can’t wait to get his hands on it.
What is it?
A single square of toilet paper for him to throw between his legs and in to the potty…
“Umm – can I have a little privacy please?”
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