A card from Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Diapering & Potty Training (Kids)
Let’s be clear: This cardholder will not be the only one changing diapers. Expect to re-deal this card often. While you are the lead, you will, however, be the one responsible for maintaining inventory, including ordering new diapers or washing cloth ones, and getting the soiled ones out of your house ASAP. This cardholder will also oversee potty training your kids, including cleaning up the mistakes along the way. When you’re finally a diaper-free home, you may still find yourself wiping the butt of your first grader, who is perfectly capable of doing it on his or her own. This will end one day—promise.
Holding this card means owning all three
Conception
The kids need bathroom support
Planning
- Determining diapering options (disposable brands or cloth)
- Taking inventory of diaper bags (wipes, diapers, creams, changing pad, pacifiers, extra change of clothes, loveys, toys, books, etc.)
- Researching, consulting with partner regarding training plan
- Informing and enlisting teachers and childcare helpers in potty-training plan
Execution
- Purchasing appropriately sized diapers/wipes as baby grows (or coordinating with “Home Goods & Supplies” cardholder)
- Stocking diaper bags
- Overseeing implementation for potty training
Suggested Minimum Standard of Care
It should be dealt with proactively, so are you in a rash-free, smell-free home? (i.e, are the crystals falling out? WTF are those things?)
A starting point. You and your partner agree the real standard together, and the holder meets it without reminders.
Holding it well
- It’s a Daily Grind: relentless and time-bound. Make sure each of you holds a fair share of these, ideally one from each suit.
- The holder owns all of it: noticing, planning and doing. No “just tell me what to do.”
- Agree the Minimum Standard of Care together, then let the holder meet it their way.
- Not working? Bring it to the weekly check-in and re-deal it. Don’t take it back mid-week.
Put this card on your table
Deal it, agree its standard, and see who holds what. Free.