Pancakes, poop, and potty training
This morning, I thought I would make my boys some pancakes – they usually go over well and they are quick to make. Even though Vinny adamantly opposed them, he caved in and asked for one when they were ready. I have come to realize that, even though they say no about most things, they usually give in when they find that what I am serving is the only option.
We are potty training now – its both exciting and a big pain in the ass. On occasions when I have the patience to chase poopy butts around and let them go diaperless, I get this overwhelming urge to duct-tape them to the toilet and make them drink prune juice and eat bran muffins until they understand. I will be happy to have both boys out of diapers before the new baby comes in April.
Simon is amusing now – he will tell me when he is relieving himself with a triumphant “Daddy! I’m POOPING!” Problem is, it doesn’t matter where we happen to be. Somehow toddlers don’t understand the concept of self-editing. Similarly, though more amusing, I think, Vinny will just hide by the chair or couch and quietly do his business. If we happen to make eye contact in mid-grunt, he will quickly wave his hand in front of me (as if to ward off the paparazzi) and say “No Daddy, don’t look at me.” I am a little frustrated because I think both of them would be potty trained by now if I were more consistent!
Here are a couple of pictures of breakfast – check out Simon. I have never seen a kid eat pancakes like this 
Oh gosh. I HATE potty training. We were done potty training and things were great. Then we moved and now my son has started wetting his pants some. We’re almost on track again. Good luck!
Cute kids. As for potty training, try the reward system. If they do it, they get a reward like stickers or candy. I suggest stickers and a sticker book, since candy is, well… extreme hyper and cavities. Keep it up
Hey, I came across your blog and wanted to say hi. But, reading this makes me want to cry. I have just now finished potty training my 4.5 year old son Matthew. Nothing worked for him. I tried EVERYTHING including bribes, rewards, money, etc. I kept getting advice that I was pushing him too hard and that he had to do it for himself. I wasn’t willing to wait longer. Then, a friend came to the rescue. She told me that if he was going to be a baby, I had to treat him that way. I told him he had to wear a diaper like a baby. I even put him in one twice. That did the trick. He wanted to be a big boy, not a baby like his sister. He had 3-4 accidents in the first few days, but since then, he has been great. We don’t even use pull ups at night. And, it’s only been about a month. Don’t wait until they are ready, just make them. He never wanted to stop what he was doing, so I had to force him. Humiliation is bad, but telling him a few times that he wasn’t a big boy, that he was a baby because he didn’t use the potty sure did the trick.
Meta – thanks for the advice! My biggest problem right now is that I am not consistent . . .
Working from home makes it difficult sometimes to respond immediately when he needs to go – sometimes I just don’t remind him throughout the day that its time to go.