Negative Reinforcement for the Teenage Years

We're amused by the funny face that RJ makes when he's dropping a load in his diaper. This is quite convenient because if we see poo face, we can change his diaper right away instead of waiting for him to start smelling. We're hoping that poo face will come in handy when it comes time to potty train as well.

RJ has been making poo face for quite some time now, but we've only now gotten it on video. The kid seems to poop when he's eating - I guess he needs to make room for more.


If nothing else, this movie might help us in the teenage years. For example, "Oh, you don't want to help mom fold your laundry? Well, I guess we'll just have to show Vicki the poo face video next time she's over to 'do homework' with you." A little negative reinforcement never hurt anyone!

(BTW for those who want a little psychology fun fact, negative reinforcement is not the same thing as punishment. It is the reinforcement of a desirable behavior by removing an undesirable consequence. So not showing the video {removing the undesirable consequence} is supposed to keep RJ doing the desirable behavior {helping fold his laundry}. It's not quite as effective as positive reinforcement of behavior, but more effective than punishment.)