April 8, 2010

Divided Poopies Don't Equal Multiplied Rewards

Dear Mr. Gummy Bear a.k.a. “Potty Tweet”

Yeah, you with the sugar-glazed, missing eyeball stare who has recently taken a residence in my black kitchen canister. I’m writing to inform you of this eviction notice: you have 1 day to leave the premises before I dump you in the toilet to swirl around with your friend, my foe, Mr. Poopie. That’s right, I am now well aware that you have been conspiring against me, as evident by the fact that you have violated our agreement by failing to make potty training easier:

1.) Inflation: First, you convince my 2YO that 1 gummy bear is not enough and that 3 treats are necessary for a reward. Until I finally give her 2 gummy bears and then you raise the demands to 5! Five?????? Are you out of your jelly-licking mind!

2.) Since I refused to increase the number of rewards per potty visit, you convince my innocent and naïve 2YO that the next best thing would increase the frequency of potty visits by instead of doing one simple poopie in the potty, break up the poopie into fractions, thus turning what should have been one potty visit into seven trips! How many times can a Mother wipe her toddler’s bottom and wash her hands and repeat the process, all while curious 1YO is at her feet eager to explore the potty rim! Yes, I know Mr. Poopie gave you this idea because it would multiply his numbers and yours. But you remember this: divided poopies will never multiply potty rewards cause Melodramommy don’t like math!

3.) It really bothers me that when I talk to you, you fail to make eye contact with me. I don’t care that you don’t have a face. It’s just plain rude.

4.) This article and the fact that stickers are more fun anyway!

Your compliance with this notice within 1 day after its service will prevent any further eviction action against you.


YOU ARE BEING TOLD TO LEAVE THE PREMISES. IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE, AN EVICTION ACTION WILL BE INITIATED AGAINST YOU. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT REGARDING YOUR GUMMY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AS A POTTY REWARD, IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SEEK MR. POOPIE'S ASSISTANCE BECAUSE HE'S GOING DOWN THE POTTY AND SO WILL YOU IF YOU DON'T HEED THIS NOTICE.

Sincerely,

Melodramommy
Dated this 7TH day of April 2010

What do you use as a potty reward? And what do you or don't you recommend?

Thanks for your votes! Keep them coming by clicking on the picture to the right of this post.

Posted By Laura

7 comments:

Cindy @ This Adventure, Our Life said...

I am laughing so hard! THIS IS GREAT Laura!!! We are not at potty training, so I can laugh at this!! LAUGHING MORE (I think my husband is looking at me like I am crazy!). LOVE this, what a smart little one you have with smart poopies :)! I love the last little eviction!!! VOTED

Melodramommy said...

Thanks Cindy! I hope you can learn from my mistakes : )

Charity said...

Fabulously funny!
In behavior management 101, we learn that rewards must be tangible, immediate, and meaningful to the receiver. Over time of course their frequency can be reduced, or replaced with intangible rewards.
In the meanwhile, more poop (per sitting) may be worth more bears (sorry, the gummy guy may be right).
Sounds like you may be raising a future accountant, or stock market manager. So while you look forward to eventually weaning her off of sugar rewards and on to just hugs and high-fives, the bears might just need to hang around : )
P.S. if you can't bear his glossy gaze a moment longer - you could always try gummy fish, plus they're used to getting flushed!

Kate Pantier @ Mommy Monologues said...

hahahahahahaha--I know that I need to come up with more creative responses, but this the reaction I have to each & every one of your posts! They crack me up! Potty training sounds like it's going to be awful! But so worth not having to use diapers anymore!

Melodramommy said...

Kate, potty training isn't awful. It's hilarious. I promise. You will find your little one is just so incredibly cute on that potty, you wont know what to do with yourself. And, you will have so many stories to share. Then, comes the day when he will go to the potty all by himself! And you will think, OMG this is soooo much easier than the diaper days. And, it's the most uplifting experience to see that Mr.Poopie stay in the potty once and for all--without the free reign over the house! YAY! There is a lot to look forward to : )

Melodramommy said...

Charity, did Mr. Poopie put you up to that! He LOVES those awful red gummy fish. What do you think he eats down there! Oh no. Those fish are worse. Now, I do appreciate your wisdom and sharing on rewards. What I am suggesting though, is STICKERS : ) That perhaps are even placed on a chart to lead up to something special, like a cheap toy or fun family outing. But, I guess what is most important, is go wherever the good fruit as in good results are for your child. That's my motto.

Anonymous said...

I was just looking for how to clean my washer after washing a diaper. However I have been on here forever just reading. This is awesome. I love to use tatoos for potty rewards. They work wonders to get a child to sit longer and finish Mr. Poopie.