Potty Genius Blog
Using Bribery to Improve Potty Training
Like most parents, my wife and I have a complicated relationship with bribes. We want our children to listen to us when we tell them what to do. We are the parents. They are the children. We are in charge. But then there are times when we are tired or worn out, or just need a break from arguing, and we fall into the trap a lot of parents do: if you do what we say, we will give you something you want.
by David Stegon
David Stegon is a writer, editor, and father of two based in Virginia. He has written for traditional and digital publications for the past 13 years. David holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.
My daughter usually goes to the grocery store with me. As a parent, I would like to think it is because she loves me and wants to be in my company, but it is more likely because almost every time we go, she talks me into a treat of some kind. Sometimes it is a small toy ($1 matchbox cars are her favorite), but usually, it is a bag of M&Ms. We’ll reach the checkout line, and she’ll look up at me with her little blue eyes and squeaky voice and say, “Dad, can I have a treat?” It is hard to say no, at least when she asks. Most of the time, she simply grabs the bag and chucks it on the conveyor belt with the rest of the groceries. She always asks me to open them as soon as we get in the car, even though we live less than a mile from the store. I say all of this as a lead up to a simple point: My daughter really likes M&Ms. If I go to the store without her but still get her a bag, she’ll start panting like a dog when she sees them. They make her happy, and my wife and I use this to our advantage.
