Dad’s Cheat Sheet

(Once again, I mean no slight to Dads who are reading this and
taking part in potty training. I know you’re busy, so here’s a quick
list.)
Hey, dads. So listen. This potty training thing has to be done at
some point. The earlier the better. Yes, I know you probably don’t
want to deal with it when you are tired and come home at the end of
the day. And your partner might be a little insane for a few days.
It’s all good. This is temporary. All of it. Your kid is going to be so
proud of himself when he’s done. You will be so proud when he’s
done. And you won’t be spending any more money on diapers. Yay!
So please, please, do right by your child and help with this as much as
possible.
Here are the major points to remember:

•    Your    kid     is  untrustworthy   at  this    point.  You     cannot  just    ask     him     if  he  has     to  go.

He’ll   say “no,”   ’cause  it’s    his favorite    word,   and then    you are screwed.

•   Don’t   ask,    period. Never   ask if  he  has to  go. Tell    and bring.  If  you see or  know    he’s

got to  go—he’s dancing around, looking uncomfortable—you   say,    “Come.  Time    to

pee.”

•    Use     your    own     leverage    as  Dad.    Your    kid     loves   you     in  a   really  special     way     that    is

different   than    how he  loves   Mom.    Use that    power   for good.   Enjoy   whatever    special

time    you two have    together,   but make    him pee first.

•   Video   games,  wrestling,  TV  watching    .   .   .   pee first.  Say that.   “You    pee first,  and then

we’ll   .   .   .”

•   Don’t   act helpless.   You know    your    kid just    as  well    as  your    partner,    but in  a   different

way.