Tales from the Potty: Potty Mouths

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

20 Feb 2007 07:45 AM

If you are just joining me on my adventure in potty training the twins, don't worry--you haven't missed all the action yet! I've talked about the method we're going to use with them, and given some general tips. Today I am going to talk about a phenomenon that no parent can avoid (or at least not that I'm aware) during the potty training phase: the potty mouth.

I read somewhere once that potty training is a child's first introduction to sex education. All the parts are there, some functions are there and your response--either awkward or matter of fact--can shape how your child will further respond to your efforts at discussing this subject. The author encouraged parents to be matter of fact, answer questions as they came up and to always use correct terms.

Here's where I diverge. I cannot get into telling my 2 year old correct terms for all of her body parts in this context. My oldest daughter, upon learning that she and her brother were different and what specifically it was that made them different, went to ask my pastor if he too had a penis. Good for giggles but said in the wrong situation (this particular pastor has 13 kids--he handled it with aplomb), it could really be quite embarrassing. Regardless of the terms you use, I can almost guarantee that your kids will want to talk about it.

It's not just their physical parts either. It seems to me that what kids especially love to talk about is all the action happening there in the toilet. From the very first tinkle to the final flush good bye--you simply should not be surprised to hear play by play commentary about what's happening in the toilet. You can be assured as well, that if you're in public, the commentary will run louder and be more detailed. It's just the way it goes.

In any case, if you can get past the laughter, and answer all their questions honestly and openly, you'll likely survive potty training unscathed--but with a few good stories to tell in the end!

Get more tips for potty training!

10 Reasons I Love the Toddler Stage

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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karabu (980) 24 Feb 2007 11:16 PM

I work with a doctor who just naturally used proper medical terms with her kids without realizing how different it was. It's so cute to hear her preschooler calmly notify his mother that he "needs to go empty his bladder".

It inspired me to be less vague about terms with my own daughter, and even showed her a picute of where a bladder is and where stool comes from. Se was interesed, and it actually seemed to help our potty trainig process.

Valorie Delp (49340) 25 Feb 2007 04:46 AM

We do a little of both. We refer to genitalia as 'privates' although we've taught the correct terms. This is mostly bc of this first daughter going to church and family gatherings asking about various 'privates' by names. It didn't bother us so much but she really did 'offend' others. But we've done the pictures and shown where things go and where they come out and all that. They were fascinated although I don't think it helped! Thanks!