How to Help Potty Train Your Girlfriend's Child

Learn the terminology. Eskimos have 700 words for a??snow.a?? And that's about how many words apply to the aforementioned numbers 1 and 2. Grab a pen and paper, and jot down the difference between a a??little poopya?? and a a??big lump,a?? whether those terms are uttered by an exhausted girlfriend or a proud two-year-old.

Be understanding. From your perspective, learning how to use the potty is a no-brainera??but for all you know, you weren't fully toilet trained until you were in kindergarten (your mom's been meaning to tell you, she just can't find the right moment). It's not your job to be punitive or demanding; that's up to Mom.

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Have you ever seen what happens when an unattended three-year-old is allowed to poop away to her heart's content, without adult supervision? Rather than leave the mess for your girlfriend, who subsequently may not be in the mood for you-know-what, hold your breath, grab a wet sponge, and get the stuff off the walls and floor as quickly as you can without fainting.

Play Mr. Rogers. Yes, it seems silly to clap and coo just because a kid has planted a big birthday present in the downstairs toilet. However, children need to be encouraged when they make progress, and a burst of a??Yay! Hooray!a?? is much more effective than presenting the kid with a savings bond or a gift certificate to Nordstrom.

Consider the alternative. Potty-training isn't fun for anyone, but would you rather have a kid who gets with the program, or one who takes a whizz in the middle of your cocktail parties? All things considered, a little effort on your part will go a long way later in your relationshipa??both with the toddler in question, and with his or her grateful mom.