“We Are Asking a Lot”
The following are some experiences with toilet training. [See article Questions about Toilet Training by Ian Granick, PT 203, April 2021.]
With my son, and then my daughter, we did some singing and dancing: Sit a little, poop a little Sit a little, poop a little Sit, sit, sit, poop a little bit more We’re gonna pee, pee Pee, pee Pee, pee in the potty chair (repeat)
However, the most interesting event for me—and it was a turning point—was being with my son, not yet three, visiting Syria. We went to a nighttime concert at an ancient Roman arena.
I had to go to the bathroom (I probably had some diarrhea). I climbed down the many arena steps. The arena was about two thousand years old and had changed little since it was built. My son came down the steps with me. I reached a small room with ancient toilets. I would have to squat over a hole, let go, and use my own toilet paper—or the little hose that was there.
I was terrified.
I suddenly understood what we are asking our children to do when we ask them to sit on a huge unknown toilet and relax enough to have a bowel movement.
I was frozen and at the same time knew this was what I had to do to take care of the potential diarrhea and then return to my seat. I asked my son for help: “Help, Sweetie,” I said. “I’m scared. There’s a hole here. What shall I do?” He said, “Just relax, Mom. Take your time. Nothing bad will happen. This is the way toilets were made. Just breathe. I’m right here on the other side of the door.”
I followed his advice. Mission accomplished.
But please, parents, think about it. We are asking a lot. I’m glad I got to understand that.
USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of parents
(Present Time 203, April 2021)