Teachable Moments, 4yr Old Potty Edition

/ToggleRealLife

Some people know this, and some don’t.  I’m the father of two beautiful little boys, and the husband to one patient wife!

We lived our first year in relative isolation (other than work, of course).  We never wanted to be “those people” with the little kid(s) causing all that trouble in a restaurant.

That stopped in year two. We became the couple that doesn’t give a rip anymore.

Instead, we find ourselves surrounded by teachable moments.

We also find out we have kids that want to imitate us!

What we found is that we come away from these little outings with wonderful stories!

We also learned how much of our life can be Poop Dependent.

Oh, and those “Baby Bags,” should just be called the “Oh $%@#!” bags. /srsnod

So, we are out at a local eatery when my 4 year old son informs me that he “has to go.”

Of course, that could mean he “already went,” has “sharted,” needs to be in the bathroom “righ now,” or is feeling some gas coming on.

You never know with a 4 yr old.

Anywhooo, we get in there and he needs to take a poop.

Public restroom. You bet I’m cleaning that puppy off!

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

Has anyone else noticed how inconvenient it is to have that little section out of the front of the seat that is missing?

OHMYGOSH!

Yeah, guys bathrooms tend to not be kid friendly.

Here are some things I heard (and possibly even said) while at the restaurant.

Quotables, mabye?

Dad, instructing child on Urinal Usage: “Stand as close as you can, but don’t touch the porcelain.”

On Urinal Etiquette:  Kid says, “Hey, HEY!”  Dad says, “No son, don’t talk to him. He’s peeing, and peeing is a guys private time.”  Kid says, “But he’s SO TALL!”

Positive Potty Reinforcement: “Son, we don’t have to celebrate every plop.”

In the Dining Area: “Put your shirt down! No one wants to see your belly right now.”