We were all downstairs when Mara announced: “I’m going to go upstairs and go potty all by myself.”
She walked up three steps before turning around. She looked down at me with the most serious expression a 2-year-old can muster and sternly said: “Don’t get into trouble, Mommy.”
She paused for an extra-long glare before continuing up the stairs.
Do I say that?
——
After Mara did #2, she exclaimed with intense enthusiasm: “I’m going to get a lollipop! Because I’m so proud of myself!”
While we’re on the topic of “treats” for going potty, I should mention: Never buy “special treats” that tempt you or your husband.
Last week we needed to restock our supply, so I let Mara choose between M&Ms and Reesee’s Pieces at WalMart this week.
Normally she gets one M&M for going #1. This motivates her. And Daniel and I could care less about a jar of M&Ms on the counter.
But while the bag of Reesee’s Pieces was 17 cents cheaper than the same size bag of M&Ms, we are not coming out ahead. I should have paid the extra 17 cents. A bag of M&Ms will last indefinitely around here, with only one child potty-trained.
And at this rate, we’re going to be out of Reesee’s Pieces by the end of the week.