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June good month
for potty practice

Ahhhhh ... today is officially the first day of summer, a day when mongooses don their shades, geckos slather up their little scales with sunscreen and the annual migration of fighting chickens from Nanakuli to Waimanalo begins. Actually, Hawaii residents -- and various creatures -- celebrate the beginning of summer with enthusiastic indifference. There are no sacrifices made to the Kahuku Corn Gods, and few Druids are seen dancing naked at high noon at Ala Moana Park. In short, the first day of summer in Hawaii is a yawn.
But June itself isn't. It's a happening month. For instance, June is "National Potty Training Awareness Month." I have no idea who decided that June should be dedicated to potty training instead of, say, Nose Hair Removal Awareness. But for millions of Americans, June just screams backyard barbecues, softball games and potty training.

IT IS PROBABLY not coincidental that I was alerted to Potty Training Awareness Month by a company that manufactures Peter Potty, a pint-size flushable urinal for young boys. The fact is, boys take longer to potty-train than girls, and, frankly, some never get it. The news release stated, "It is important that toddlers feel proud about their potty training efforts. Praise and motivational rewards can encourage pride and keep them interested in potty training."

I think it's unfair to limit encouragement and rewards to just toddlers. All of us guys could use a pat on the back when we successfully navigate our way through the complexities of pottydom. Half of National Potty Training Awareness Month alone should be dedicated to teaching boys whether to leave the seat up or down. The "seat issue" is one of life's enduring mysteries. Only women know the correct answer, and they won't tell us.

So, enjoy the first day of summer. Dance naked at noon if you must, share the sunscreen with your little wall-climbing friends and should you notice a buddy leaving a restroom with a perplexed look on his face, pat him on the back, tell him you're sure he tried his best and that if practice doesn't make perfect, it at least improves your aim.