The pleasure of pee

Be fore warned, unless you are a new dad or can reflect back on this stage in your son's life you may not dig this one. I am also not sure how this plays out for guys with daughters.

I never thought helping my child learn to use the toilet would yield such a sense of accomplishment. The look on his face and the laughter of pride is priceless. From the start everyone said you have so much time for that because boys don't pick it up as fast as girls do. However, I was given one piece of advice that seemed a little strange at the time but is reasonable. Have an open door policy when you go to the bathroom.

TMI you say, if this is TMI at this stage in the game either you don't have kids or haven't been involved. This is light weight compared to the stuff people are eager to talk about once they know you are a dad. So here is the plan.

1. Get a potty.
2. Make a big deal about the potty when you set it up.
3. Let your kid know it is just for them, what it is for, and that they can use it any time they want. PUT ZERO PRESSURE ON THEM TO USE IT.
   
4. Leave the bathroom door open when you go. If they come in, so be it. Just make sure they don't get in too close. *
5. Complete the routine: Toilet seat down, flush, wash hands.

The two things that will amaze you most are how quickly they want to go potty and how exciting it is to see them accomplishing something that we take for granted.

My only caveat's are: it won't be consistent, so don't think they have got it down the first month. You have to be prepared to take them every time they ask. They may learn to use it as a stall tactic when they don't want to do something.

Just another way to make everyday tasks an adventure!


*Pee only