Okay, so we have an interesting method of potty-training. There are actual experts who recommend this method. And it does work really quickly. Anyway…
We do bottom-down nude potty-training. You heard me. When said child is deemed ready for potty-training (at approximately age 3), we make a point to stay home a lot for about two-three weeks, and generally deprive them of their pants for that duration. It’s kind of odd, I know. But with both Claire and Adam, they were accident-free in no time at all. Right now, the method is being tested on Benjamin. And there have been a few very funny incidents related to this, which I’d like to share. Warning: Potty-humor to follow.
1) Last week when we were Christmas decorating, Adam found the stockings, cleverly noticed their resemblance to socks, and began to walk around in them. Well, Benjamin imitates everything his brother does. And, well, Ben clearly stole the show. Don’t you think?
2) I do draw the line at mealtime nudity. That’s just too weird. But last night, as I was putting plates on the table and telling Keith to put pants on the little man, Ben dug in a little prematurely, and took a big swig of milk. Before Keith could comply with the request, Ben was standing on his chair and proclaiming that there was food on his penis. Indeed there was. Ewwww. But funny.
3) And finally, the reason for my sudden motivation to make this particular posting. Just a few minutes ago, I heard Ben giggling in the bathroom, and went to check on him. He was sitting on our Japanese toilet, with the bidet’s warm water squirting him, and said to me.
“Mom! The toilet is kissing my bottom!”
The Cash Clan 
Those toilets were my favorite part of Japan…there was a moment that I thought…why go home?
Warm toilets are a nice luxury in Japan, especially when you wake up in the morning and it’s really cold because they don’t have central heat.
(Lisa: Don’t feel like you need to reply to this comment. You’re always so good to do so. But, this one doesn’t warrant one.)
Go, Ben!
Hi there lovely lady,
Not going home for Christmas? Come to Australia instead. Nice and hot. Have just been considering potty training over my school holidays. Now is our big break for the year. Haven’t done any research and really appreciated your story. But am now thinking 2 is too early. You have saved me for another year!!!
I have a bit of insomnia and was browsing over your old posts. Wondering what Ben is holding. A pot lid? And if so, is that a normal part of potty training? To direct the flow into the toilet? Or did you just hand it to him so the picture would be G-rated? My tired brain is curious. And confused.
Ha! Freshening up the blog a bit and noticed I never responded to you guys. Sarah, so what method did you decide on and how did it go? Starr, oh my gosh, you crack me up; yes, that is the lid to our toilet-paper holder, which I included to make the photo G-rated. And Mike, I already miss my Japanese toilet seat. I thought about buying just the seat for our toilet in Germany, but there’s a bidet in our bathroom anyway (which I don’t have the slightest clue how to use. Hmmmm…)