Friday, April 11, 2008

Paristalsis?

Potty training is one of those rites of passage that’s mired largely in mystique, by my general take from those limited few conversations with parents who I’ve approached the subject. There a number of more complex concepts involved that defy the language ability of toddlers to be able to address. Of course dealing with a—foreign—language barrier complicates things further. In lieu of the verbal scaffold here we have what? Modeling I suppose is an option, but…. Pictures would require some considerable artistic talent and any way you approach the issue there’s that intangible involved, like swimming, that can’t really be grasped without experiencing the act. The trick in parent, I’m thinking, is to stage things so as to be around at that eureka moment so as to be able to lavish praise on the “success” in the achievement, thereby beginning the reinforcement project.

Anyway, in trying to sort out the right steps down this road without benefit of a very responsive internet connection we tried to give it a go the other morning by propping Kino on the toilet seat. Sitting beside him for stabilization I tried to relate as best as I could in rationale terms what I perceive as the operative physiological action, involving sort of a mental willing function interacting with more of a self-governing action in the duodenum (sp?). But I was, am still unclear as to whether that action is the same variety as involved in swallowing, peristalsis. So I was having the conversation with Leslie on that point, and she was rather adamantly countering that this was a different physiological action, though she couldn’t recall the name for it. Well it was right about at this point that we noted that something significant had occurred in the toilet bowl, actually very significant in her profession medical judgement. A good healthy movement. We were quick of course to lavish the praise at this development, feeling, I must say, rather valiant in that parenting moment.

Unfortunately we have not managed duplicate the results since, though we try periodically during the day. There’s a rhythm thing involved that isn’t being helped with our travel . All ears to anyone’s wisdom or outlook on the matter. S.

13 comments:

Ruth aka Felman said...

moments such as pooping or peeing in the potty require hand clapping and a lot of good job and yea's! Look at it this way...when you have a puppy, they eat, drink..about 15-20 later they go out and do their business...same w/a toddler & potty training..takes time and a lot of patiece and many changes of clothes. always praise, and if potty is not made, but done on self, it's ok...clothes wash, as do children and reassure him it's ok. What you accomplish there may not duplicate at home!
Love the visual tho
Love you guys!

Ruth aka Felman said...

p.s.
invest in a potty chair and a step stool so he can "reach" the toilet..when ready..then he can go in with daddy and sit and use his potty while dad uses the big boy one!
Try a book while on potty

Susannah Pryal said...

Kellan and I have always loved this Japanese Potty training video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFVoLz88hiU

(anyone will love this for a good laugh..)

I think they need more fiber and water in their diet.

We are STILL working on the poop at 3 1/4--a potty seat and stool is key--yes, and stuff to do while on the potty--books, company, whatever.

I also have been known to use chocolate bribes. !! Kellan loves to pee standing up..

Janet said...

Modeling is good...and it will more than likely be easier once you are all home and on a routine....but you did well with the praise! Did he appear happy with what happened?
I'm sure the language barrier is huge...but perhaps you can use one word all the time that refers to the potty? Simple terms, poop and pee work! ;D He'll catch on, as will you. You guys are doing great...and I'm so proud of you!
I love you.

Carollyn said...

Potty training can wait.. they will when they are ready.

Janet said...

True that Carolyn! I agree...wait till you are home and aclimated and in a routine of sorts...when it's time he'll do it! Potty training is a unique experience from child/parent to child/parent, and you will find your way!

Janet said...

Peristalsis is the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along....right?

Kelly said...

From mom of six, I agree with Carollyn. He'll do it when he's ready. :)

All kinds of fun things going on in our toilets this week as we have been passing around the stomach flu. Hence, no comments from me.

Sounds like you are having a great experience and Kino is adjusting splendidly! Yay!! I got my photos of our trip back yesterday and was showing Caleb shots of his friends and former home, which he was very interested in looking at and smiled about, so that was fun.

And with that, may I just ask, "More photos, please?!?!" How about some family shots!

Leslie Irving said...

Thanks all for comments and perspective on the subject; it’s good be to engaged in the conversation.. In larger context we’re very glad for your feedback in general to our blog and the support you provide along this fast track of parenting. Kino is a well-fortuned soul indeed to be finding connection with you all in this network of family and friends!

With benefit of your insight the view we’re developing about Kino’s potty training is that, whether by virtue of training that may have been initiated at the orphanage, this is a developmental step he’s already begun. With no intention of pressuring his progress along this road we can at least provide opportunity for, er, the rubber to meet the road by periodic seatings on the toilet. It at least doesn't seem to register with him as an odd way to occupy time in the bathroom.

Every day’s an adventure in assessing the kind of background and exposure Kino comes from. Today he demonstrated his grasp of theblowing-up-and-popping-plastic-bag technique that he acquired somewhere, but hasn’t yet refined an understanding of which side of the bag you blow in to.

Love, Steve and Leslie

Leslie Irving said...

Yes, Janet, that definition of peristalsis rings true with my recollection about it from A and P studies, which I believe would make it as applicable to activity at the tail end of the digestive tract as it is to the beginning. Leslie may not recall that detail as well since I think she performed a little less well than I did in that coursework at TC-3. Bill may be able to back me up on that point.

S

Leslie Irving said...

Hmmm Steve seems to have forgotten the A's WE BOTH got in A and P!!!!

Susannah Pryal said...

I got A's in Pee.

Janet said...

Ha! A's in Pee....me too! ;D