After a failed jump-start with potty training last fall, The Hurricane has demonstrated she is perfectly content to sit in her polluted diaper for extended periods of time. While we’ve been careful not to pressure her, there are assuredly animals who are more interested in improving their bathroom habits. I know. I watch cartoons.
Jamie decided we needed to up the motivation ante so he pulled in the big guns: a visit with Mr. Chuck E. Cheese himself if she went on the potty. If you will recall, Hadley loooooves him more than a mere mortal, which is kind of funny because he isn’t even human. Err..or is he? (see below)
Out of the blue last Tuesday, Hadley decided she was going to use the potty three times in a row. To reward her, we took her to see The Big Mouse that very night. But imagine our disappointment when we arrived and he was hiding in his mouse hole (this is according to Hadley; a very big Chuck E.-sized mouse hole at that).
I queried a high-school-age employee. She confirmed that Chuck E does not make regular mid-week appearances unless it’s for a big bash.
“You don’t understand. This is a party. A Potty Party. And Chuck E. is the only one in this world who can motivate my daughter to continue to potty train.”
“Maybe we can arrange something.”
“Fantastic. Hey, can he talk?”
“No, he’s a mouse.”
“I know he’s a mouse. But there’s a real person inside those overstuffed ears. A real person who can comment on her bathroom habits, which would encourage her along the path.” After all: is Chuck E., if nothing else, a master motivator?
“He doesn’t talk.”
“Fine. Just bring out your mute mouse, OK?”
I then pondered the possibility of slipping Chuck E. $10 but scrapped the idea. If he really is a mouse as she professed, what use would my money be to him?
Eventually, Chuck E. did make his triumphal entry, which according to Hadley, was no less thrilling than when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey. She squealed, danced, hugged and reveled in her own rendition of Chuck E. Idol.
I was thrilled with the outcome of the evening until when I tucked her into bed that night.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, Haddie?”
“I was so excited to see Chuck E. tonight that I peed my pants.”
And she hasn’t touched the potty since.
Irony, anyone?….
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 