We found Nemo

One would think that a single cat who requires expensive anti depressants and therapy would be enough (I wish I were joking. Our first appointment with the Manhattan cat psychiatrist is scheduled for November). In that case, one would be wrong. We recently decided to purchase a fish for Peanut. Nothing fancy, just a little orange and black one. He has a tail and eyes – both features that fascinate her (she makes note of them several times daily). We set up a little tank on the bookshelf across from her crib where she can see him with ease.

His name is Nemo.

Of course, she’s in utter and complete love. She says “good morning” and “good night” to him; “good bye” when leaving the house. Not surprising. What I didn’t predict was the utilitarian value of a fish that belongs (in it’s entirety) to Peanut. Over the past two weeks I’ve used each of  the following on at least one occasion:

  • Nemo needs to go to bed. He’s so tired! Let’s turn off his light and let him go to bed. You can go to bed too. Together!
  • Look! Nemo’s pooping! Maybe you should try a poop on the potty (sidenote: I was never aware of how often fish poop).
  • Nemo ate his dinner. Now I think it’s time for you to eat your dinner. Dinner’s fun!

Whether or not it’s actually working is up for debate. Of course, I’m willing to grasp at whatever straws I can.

The fish: entertaining and pragmatic.

It’s a win win situation.

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Comments

  1. Whatever it takes to get our tots sleeping/pooping/eating! I love it!

  2. Asianmommy says:

    How cute! I’ve been meaning to get some fish. I’m just afraid I’ll forget to feed them. That would not be good.

  3. “Nemo’s Pooping” just cracked me up! You are very clever using Nemo makes all things fun!

    P.S. I love the new design of the blog! It’s gorgeous! :)

  4. Peanut is beyond adorable with Nemo!! We had three Nemos last year who are no longer with us. Needless to say we won’t be adding another one to the family since I apparently suck at keeping them alive!

  5. SOOO cute! Makes me want a fish! You can keep the cat, though. ;)

  6. Minivan Mama says:

    If that fish gets your daughter to poop on the potty…you must let me know! Because I will be heading to the pet store immediately to purchase a pooping fish!

  7. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. :) LOL And I agree…if the fish takes care of the potty issue, then I might buy 10 of them.

  8. Sounds like a great idea to inspire a toddler – I’ll have to think about getting a pet fish!

  9. Love it!

  10. liz says:

    Maybe Peanut needs a Nemo for every room? A Potty Nemo, A Bedroom Nemo and A Diner Nemo.

  11. Kerri says:

    Good idea! Sometimes you need to use whatever it takes. Love Nemo!

  12. Jenny says:

    We have a nemo too…good idea on all the little hints…hope it works!

  13. Glamamom says:

    Congrats on the new addition!

  14. we use the same tactics with Elmo. Whatever it takes, right?

  15. nmaha says:

    You are smart :-)

  16. Jessica says:

    Love it! Such a great lesson for Peanut!

Trackbacks

  1. Nemo, Part 2 says:

    [...] been in maintaining some semblance of toddler discipline.  If not, you can find the full rundown here. (I said “some” semblance. Peanut continues to act utterly wild about 85% of the [...]

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