Outnumbered Two to One

Recently my two year old son has exhibited some familiar signs as listed in a Babycenter potty training readiness article …

• shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (a little too much if you ask me, he’s almost scientific in his observations)
• dislikes the feeling of a wet or dirty diaper (the ear piercing squeals and tormented expressions that follow result in some very inefficient use of our Luvs supply)
• gives physical or verbal signs when he’s having a bowel movement (definitely TMI when it’s shouted in the middle of a crowded room, also farts are announce periodically, accompanied by a smug grin)
• demonstrates a desire for independence (trips through a parking lot are taken in a white knuckled grip around a tiny wrist because my little tyrant eschews public hand holding)
• Can follow simple instructions (he just generally interprets them as suggestions, to adhere to or ignore as he sees fit)
• Is in a generally cooperative stage (are kids ever cooperative after the age of 2?)

You’d think after successfully schooling three children in the rituals of toileting, I would be a little more confident in my abilities. But the prospect of this is always a tad daunting. What will it entail? How frustrated will we both become? How much upholstery am I going to have to burn because it’s become soaked with urine on more than one occasion?

Seriously, we cannot afford to replace our family vehicle right now because it suddenly starts smelling like a public restroom.

Despite my trepidation, I made a purchase the other day during a routine Target spree. Really I just went in for some groceries and a replacement watch, $200 later we were in possession of this…

Sigh.

It was mostly an impulse buy, me deviating through the baby supply aisle while my husband toured the rest of the kids through toys. When I happened upon the training seats, I made a split second decision to put it in our cart. As I approached the family, I held it out to my two year old who accepted it like he would any shiny, brightly colored new toy.

“OH, COOL!”

Now, whether or not he’ll maintain his enthusiasm for the thing during the next few weeks, remains to be seen.

I won’t be switching him to underpants just yet.

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For more unrestricted, uninhibited Spins, visit Sprite’s Keeper.

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