Observations on Parenting WWDHMD?

Observations on Parenting
A subsidiary of “What Would Debby Howell-Moroney Do?” LLC

The two most important tasks that we face as parents are not what you would think. They are
1) potty-training and
2) teaching your kid to drive

IMHO
Both are of absolute necessity. You can’t avoid the tasks, yet they are both daunting.
Of course, assuming your child is able, you have to potty train them. And yes, eventually they all manage to learn to use the toilet, but timing is crucial. You have to hit them in the “ Elmo” stage when their deepest desire is to please mommy. The next stage is when they learn what they do and do not have control over - which is an important stage for sure (and I have thoughts on that as well). One thing they absolutely control is bodily waste. It’s not impossible to train a child during this stage, but it is much more emotionally stressful for everyone involved. After going through it with two girls and a boy, successfully, I assure you, once you see that they have muscle control, go for it with all of the positive reinforcements you can muster, but go for it 100%. Yes you will have to clean up a few accidents, but it’s much easier than house training a puppy.

Driving is very much the same. It is just as vital, but also daunting and perilous. Nonetheless, IMHO, if they reach the age when your state deems it appropriate, have your child study using the study apps that can be downloaded to a smart device and then drag their butts to the DMV and get their permit. By the way, adding a driver with a permit doesn’t raise your insurance rate, but ensures you are covered if something happens. Start teaching them before then, while you are driving, for example - what to do at a four-way stop, how to check your mirrors often so that you are aware of what is going on around you at all times. Teach them to plan routes that avoid busy streets or unprotected left turns, etc. Again, positive reinforcement, optimal opportunities when traffic is light or a school parking lot when it is empty in the evening are good ways to start (and a Starbucks drink or a Xanax for you if it is available). Say things like, “you are such a natural!” Or, “I love when you chauffeur me!” work well. If you make it out and back without hitting a car or running over someone, you are successful. Stay positive. They will get better.

My third and last trainee has been the easiest so far. My first had no interest in driving, but we did it anyway and she developed confidence over time. The second couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel, which is scarier than the timid one. Nonetheless, he too has learned to be a little more cautious and hasn’t done anything bad enough to lose his license, so he is no worse than other yahoos out there. Number three is ready for the independence that driving offers, she is cautious but willing and teachable. By the end of next July I will have all three out of diapers and on the road.

God bless you, whichever stage you are in. This too will pass.