One of the most common search engine queries among mothers is how to potty train a child. It would seem such a ridiculous request that is not even worth discussing. But, firstly, “how to potty train a child” is a slightly philosophical question, definitely psychological and 100% creative. Creative not even for the parents, but for the children themselves. What does it mean to our kids that in the parents’ language they call “pee-pee” and “ka-ka”? This is their first creation. No drawings, no plasticine figures or anything else. Nor what they are trying to create under our control, getting their hands dirty with paints, felt-tip pens, developing fine motor skills. But this is what we adults casually call “pee-pee” and “ka-ka.” This is where trust in your body, cause-and-effect relationships, and respect for your creativity develop. Z. Freud called this stage anal. It sounds, to put it mildly, not very aesthetically pleasing in today’s conditions. But in reality, this is the stage of the first experimental creativity, and the future of the kids largely depends on how it goes. Nowadays there are more and more teenagers. They grew up in diapers and did not go through this stage of sincere experimental creativity with quality, beauty, and honest natural curiosity. Often their mothers are very good women, they put diapers on them, sit them on their laps and invite them to create with plasticine, pick in the sand, splash their hands in water or paints, thinking that this is creativity. What is this for a child? Maybe it really is creativity. But what is true and valuable for him is what he himself creates from his real nature and this, excuse me, is that same poop. And in fact, even us adults, if you put us in a diaper, give us paints, markers and say: “Create!”, then, of course, we will draw something, but as soon as we feel the first urge to go to the toilet, all the energy will not go into creativity, but to control this urge. Remembering that we are in diapers, we may relax and continue drawing, but I assure you, the content will change. My youngest daughter Masha is waiting with great intrigue for the very same person to appear... And she begins to observe with even greater joy when she sees the results of her own creativity. Mashuna is still unfamiliar with the feeling of disgust. And according to my observations, it is best to potty train a child joyfully, with an inner festive mood. When the baby wears tights, it’s better to take out this creation and put it in a pot, praising that HE did it, HIMSELF, and how great it is. And then sit on the potty for a little while longer. Maybe there's still a gift waiting for us? But there is no point in shaming and scolding. “Ay-yay-yay! Who did this? Why did you poop in your pants? Shame on you,” is a familiar monologue, isn’t it? And as a result, three life stories can begin to develop: Anal-extrusion (S. Freud’s terminology): “if I go to the potty, then they will love me.” What could be the future scenario? “If I do this and that, then they will love me, but by myself, of course, I don’t deserve love.” People of this type are often restless and impulsive. Spending money is a prerequisite for the manifestation of love. Anal-retaining (S. Freud’s terminology) or protesting: “let them scold me, but for this I will keep my poop in myself.” And, as a result, the child may develop constipation. What could be the future scenario? “Go to hell! I’ll figure it out myself.” People of this type are greedy, overly thrifty, afraid of getting dirty, and cannot stand uncertainty. Everything should be under THEIR control. Anal-phobic: “I’m afraid to poop because my parents scold me for pooping” and again we get constipated. What could be the future scenario? “Everything I don’t do is bad.” These people are basically afraid to express their opinions, their feelings, afraid to live. And if you behave kindly and are very interested in the child’s first creative successes, and treat mistakes with understanding, then positive self-esteem is guaranteed and, as a result,.