I’ve always heard boys were more difficult to potty train.
So, given that it took more than a year and a half to successfully potty train our daughter, I was prepared to settle in for the long haul. Some quick calculations told me that, if we got started immediately, he’d be potty trained by the age of 5.
Maybe I shouldn’t have worried.
Because, at 22 months, Chip is officially obsessed with the potty.
And it came about all on his own. Kind of.
Let me set the scene first.
A few months ago, we hauled out the ol’ potty chair we used with Bobo and brought it downstairs. Just in case. But, other than trying to pour Cocoa Puffs in it (he thought it was a big bowl at first), Chip’s never been interested in it… so we’ve never really pressed the issue. (If you remember from Volume 1, I’m exceptionally lazy when it comes to potty training.)
The other day, I was trying to get lunch fixed, when I heard a mysterious clattering coming from the bathroom. I ventured into the bathroom and saw Chip, trying to take the bowl part out of the seat and lug it back into the kitchen. Apparently, he thought it would be great fun to play with. Either that, or he just felt like having a bowl of Cocoa Puffs.
I shrieked, “Ew, yuck! We don’t play with that! It’s a potty! That’s where poop goes! Poop, you hear me! Put it down! Now! Yuck!” Or something like that.
I might have overreacted just a bit.
But apparently my protests sunk in. Because, as I watched my son, I could see the wheels start to turn as if he were thinking, “So that’s what that thing is used for!”
He looked up at me and asked very simply, “Momma, I go potty?”
We flew into action. I may be lazy when it comes to potty training, but I know a golden opportunity when I see it. Jay helped me wrestle off his shoes, pants and diaper.
And it was then that we saw we were too late. The goose had already laid the egg. And, boy, was it golden.
Jay set Chip down on the potty while I ran to get the wipes and another diaper. When I came back he whispered, “Do you think we should put the poo in there so he knows where it should go?”
It seemed like a good idea at the time. So I carefully deposited the little egg into the bowl.
And then we stood Chip up so he could see it. We did the happy dance, clapped, shouted hoorays, and basically made a big hoopla like the kid had just invented Post-Its. And then we continued the parade into the kitchen, where Chip was rewarded with two little M&M’s.
As I watched my son eat the emmies, I thought smugly to myself, “This is gonna be a snap.”
My smugness continued the next day, when he announced out of the blue, “I go potty now.” Delighted, we scrambled into the bathroom, prepared to answer nature’s call.
The only problem? He refused to let me take off his pants. He whined. Then screamed. Then flat out gripped his pants so that I couldn’t take them off.
Finally, I caved. I unceremoniously plopped him down on the little throne, pants on. Where he smiled happily while proceeding to squeeze off a big grumpy.
And that smugness I mentioned earlier? Was wiped clean off my face.
As I sat on the floor, watching him while he finished his business, I swear I saw a little twinkle in his eye. He said not a word. But I’m pretty sure I know what was going through his little head:
“I can’t believe she just tried to take off my pants. Whatever!
Last time I didn’t, and the poo ended up magically in the big white bowl. Potty training rocks!
And the best part? And after I’m done, I know I can wrangle a couple of pieces of candy out of the deal. Booyah!
Maybe if I look cute and give her my puppy dog eyes, I can get a handful of emmies. Sucker!
Man, this is taking awhile. I wonder if she could bring me the sports section while I’m sitting here?”
He didn’t say it. But I know he was thinking it.
Clearly, I’m going to have to come up with a different strategy. Because, so far, Potty Training Volume 2 has seriously backfired. Pun intended.
Oh crap. Literally.
Who’s his favorite cartoon character? Based on his costume, I’d go with Spiderman. Buy him Spiderman underwear and tell him Spiderman gets really sad when he poops on him.
Worked like a charm for us.
Sooooo, maybe Age 5 is looking pretty good after all?
Yes. Age 5 sounds perfect right about now.
this is hilarious! good luck!:)
Muahaha!
Kids will only do the deed the right way when they are darn good and ready!! Sit back and relax! 🙂
Alex would have tried to use that turd to color the bowl with so…and he would have wanted candy for it too. I think you’ve got one up on me.
HAHAHA! This potty training business is hard work for us moms! I can’t stand it already.
Oh my goodness this post made my laugh. It also reminded me how scared I am of potty training my boy & girl twins. The last time I potty train was 9 years ago I think. What a cute story to remind him of when he’s a teenager.
Oh I remember those days, thought my middle son was going to go to school in a diaper. And looking back we obviously made it, and you sure don’t see adults in diapers, so we all make it. For some it is a bit more of a challenge but we get there. Have patience and understanding and you will get through this next step of child raising.
They always love to keep us guessing, don’t they. Don’t worry, it actually sounds like he’s on the right track and being your second it will probably be easier than the first. Mine was – thank GOD!
oh what a laugh I got out of this. I think you nailed his thoughts exactly. He has always kept is pants on so guess it makes sense. Good luck!!!
Oh man, this is cracking me up! But only because I am done with potty training, and I hated it. HATED. To me, it seemed like the first thing I had NO CONTROL over that the kids did. None. And that’s very hard for me.
But you nailed his thoughts exactly! Magically-appearing poop in the toilet! Candy from the gods! No undressing necessary! This rocks!
This sucks, from mom’s point of view. Good luck!
It’ll happen by college.
I’m sure of it.
Unless you DO start bringing him the sports section.
In which case his future wife is going to be REALLY mad at you.
It may not help you out, but hey – I feel better. At least now I know I’m not the only one living in potty training hell. H-E-L-L!
Potty training is not the reason people want children. I love that you were able to read his inner dialogue. That’s a tool you can work with! Hope soon the backfiring is only happening in the cocoa puff bowl…I mean…potty!