Even though dealing with a diaper blowout at 2:00 a.m. might not be the most scintillating way to spend an evening, the alternative (potty training) isn’t exactly exciting, either. In fact, some parents prefer that their kids stay in diapers just a little longer just so they don’t have to deal with it. But if you’re looking to find out how other parents are potty training their kids, Quilted Northern found out that, like most things, moms and dads do things differently in the bathroom.
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of parents everywhere than those dreaded two words: potty training. That’s why Quilted Northern recently conducted a study to see, among other things, how many TP a typical person uses in the loo (3-5 squares!), and when it comes to potty training, how parents are handling this crappy situation.
Praise Is The Most Popular Form Of Toilet Training Rewards
If you thought that you were going to have to stock up on Thomas toys in order to encourage your train aficionado to tinkle, think again. As it turns out, good old fashioned (and free!) applause was the most popular way in which parents applauded their kids for actually pooping in the potty. So each time your child actually aims correctly (and doesn’t, you know, whiz all over the floor), pile on the praise in the form of a hug, kiss, and high fives — after your kiddo has washed their hands, that is.
Snacks Are Sometimes Used As A Bribe
Sometimes, no matter how much encouraging you do, that caca just won’t come out. That’s why it’s not above some parents to bribe their babes to have a bowel movement. In fact, more than half of those surveyed (57%) would consider using a healthy snack to get their child to go. A smaller percentage (27%) would use a sugary treat like a cookie to coax their kiddo to just pee already.
Potty Training Tactics Differ Depending On The Parent
When it comes to matter of the heart (or the bathroom), men and women definitely do things differently. When your child finally pees or poos in the toilet, they might get opposite reactions depending on which parent is in the bathroom with them, the study found. For example, dads are less likely to be affectionate with their kiddo, and might refrain from hugging or kissing them. Instead, though, they are more likely to rewards their child with verbal praise, ranging from, “You did it!” to “Good job!” or “I’m so proud of you!”
Although potty training isn’t exactly pleasant, (and it can feel like it’s going to go on forever), you’ll eventually get through it. And before you know it, you’ll be banging on the bathroom door so that your future tween stops hogging all the hot water.