I've been a Mom for over 5 years and it still ceases to amaze me how many things I don't know about children and parenting. No matter how in-the-know I think I am, I will be the first to admit that there is still so much I need to learn. But, every now and then, something happens when you think... Really??? How could I never have heard about this before???
So, let's talk about potty training. There are so many different approaches to getting on the potty train. For both of my boys, I started by putting them on the potty before bath-time, which was the first little introduction to using the toilet. Also, if the weather is nice and we we're playing outside, I would let them pee on a tree or bush in our yard where no one could see. If you are a parent to boys, you've probably done this before too. It seems harmless and the kids LOVE it!
You know how some kids don't want to take a break from playing to use the potty. They are much more likely to go outside vs. coming inside to use the potty. And for now, that's fine with me.
But, the other day, when I wasn't looking, my little guy actually did a #2 outside. Oh, yes he did! I am usually watching my kids like a hawk. But, any parent understands that it only takes a minute for your kid to get into something or do something when you're not watching. He was so proud of himself. With his little pants around his ankles, and a big smile on his face, he looked up and said "Mommy I pooped." It was in the same spot where I always let him pee. I never actually told him he could ONLY pee outside. So, this probably seemed like a great idea to a little kid. And, it's not like he's going in his pants, because that would be yucky to a child who's already almost 100% potty trained.
Not that it's the biggest deal, but I can't believe I've never heard that this could happen when you teach your little boys that it's okay to pee outside. It probably makes perfect sense to a small child. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Right? So, to all you Mommies out there, don't say nobody ever told you about this potential potty hazard. Now you know. ; )
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