Pooping on a Deadline
We talk about potty training today
Musings
I have an alert for used SUVs and Minivans on Carvana because we now have more cups than holders in our 2019 Honda Insight.
Breakdancing made its debut and finale at the 2024 Summer Olympics. It raised the question of how much love and support from parents is too much?
With my city councilmember not seeking re-election, a mayoral recall vote, a district attorney recall vote, and Gavin Newsom’s surprising interests - Oakland might start looking a little different starting this November. Maybe become the “President’s hometown?”
Saga is finally back after a 6 month hiatus which is great timing since it just won the 2024’s Hugo Award for Best Graphic Novel. I can’t recommend this story enough for anyone remotely interested in comics.
Get Off the Pot
Oliver turns 2 next week and we haven’t really started potty training yet. His daycare asked us if it would be okay for him to join the other kids during their “bathroom time” to familiarize himself with the process. We agreed but it seems like all Oliver does is giggle and make farting noises with his mouth once his butt touches the toilet; hogging it from the kids who actually need to use it.
I tried reading book reviews, Reddit posts, and Quora questions to see what’s worked for individual families potty training. But every success story I found was followed by comment threads reporting failure, frustration, and self-doubt. What I’ve gathered is that our window is quickly shrinking.
According to Mayo Clinic, several authors, and online parenting forums, the ideal time for potty training falls between 18 and 30 months. Beyond that, the process will be much more challenging apparently.
In hopes of avoiding a catastrophe at the 30 month 1 day mark, we’ve been reading Jamie Glowacki’s “Oh Crap!” book. There’s seven “building blocks,” but the entire thing is built on one principle: Potty train or don’t bother. The first half of the book is spent introducing and reiterating this point. Don’t introduce them to a potty before you’re ready. Don’t ask them if they’re ready. You’re the adult. You are going to teach them a new skill within 3-10 days and if you quit or hesitate, you’re screwed.
And so we have been slowly preparing for the eventual potty training marathon ahead in the coming month(s). To say goodbye to diapers - the thing Oliver’s been wearing almost every day of his life starting in the delivery room at the hospital. And to teach him a new skill towards independence so he can one day giggle and shit at the same time at school.
Things I Want to Know from You
From Last Week - Several people reached out to mention they’re so thankful that they don’t have to join a run club to smash. Others discussed growing up in households where learning their native language is not something their parents wanted for them in hopes of assimilating to American culture easier.
For Parents - What is your story with potty training your kids?
For Everyone - Are you consuming a healthy amount of fiber in your day? What is your secret?
Talk to you next week,
Jason