🌱 🤟 🌻 ⭐ 🚗 🌙
🚽
THE COMPLETE
POTTY SYSTEM
Birth to Independence • Every Phase • Every Product • Sign Language Built In
👶
Phase 0
Elimination Communication
0–6 months
🤟
Phase 1
Signals & Signs
6–12 months
🌻
Phase 2
Active Training
12–24 months
🌟
Phase 3
Independence
24–36 months
🚗
Phase 4
Out & About
Ongoing
🌙
Phase 5
Night Training
30–48+ months
🏆 WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT:
🤟 ASL Sign Language embedded in EVERY phase — not separate
👨👧 Dad + Child shared step indicators throughout
💦 Bum spray / peri bottle technique for gentle wiping
🎵 Potty songs and jingles — musical cues that trigger routine
📚 Age-specific book recommendations per phase
🛒 Complete product guide — Value + Premier + Eco tiers
☐ Dry-erase checkboxes — laminate and reuse daily
🌍 Elimination Communication from birth — Caribbean & global tradition
🖨️ HOW TO PRINT:
Paper: HP Premium 32lb matte or Hammermill Premium Color Copy 32lb
Laminate: Scotch Self-Seal Pouches or Scotch Thermal Laminator
Mark: Dry-erase markers • Wipe clean nightly • Reuse forever
Print: Chrome → Ctrl+P → Margins: None → ✓ Background graphics
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Complete Potty System V3 • 2026 💛1
👶
Phase 0: Elimination Communication
0–6 months • Start from birth
Start from birth. Build the brain-body connection. Practiced across Caribbean, African, and Asian cultures where babies commonly train by 12 months. You're teaching her body to communicate with yours.
🤟 GOLD BADGES = ASL sign for that step. Use the sign EVERY time. She signs back by 8–12 months.
1
👀
Observe elimination patterns 👨👧
Track 3 days. Most go after feeding, upon waking, during changes. Write the times.
2
🔊
Create a cue sound — every time 👨👧
"Pssss" for pee, gentle grunt for poop. Same sound = association within days.
3
🤟
Start POTTY sign from DAY ONE 👨👧
Use at every diaper change. Every offer. She signs back by 8–12 months.
🤟 POTTY
Fist, thumb between index + middle finger, shake side to side
4
🪑
Hold over potty at cue times 👨👧
After feeding, upon waking. Squat-like hold + cue sound. No seat needed yet.
5
💬
Narrate every elimination 👨👧
"You're doing a pee! Pssss!" Name it every time. Vocabulary before speech.
🤟 WET
Open hands at chest, fingers together twice (dripping)
6
☀️
Narrate dry diapers too 👨👧
"You're DRY! That feels nice!" Teaches contrast between wet and dry.
🤟 DRY
Index finger sweeps across chin left to right
7
📱
Track catches vs. misses
Notes app or paper. Pattern emerges in 1–2 weeks. Catches increase rapidly.
🤲 THE NEWBORN HOLD — before she can sit
Her back to your chest, your hands under her thighs, knees up above the hips (the natural squat), head supported. Hold over a small potty or the toilet and lean her back into you — never folded forward.
👧 Girls — the stream goes down & back, so the basic hold just works. A slight recline keeps it dropping cleanly into the bowl.
👦 Boys — aims forward & up. Hold him a little lower into the bowl and tip him slightly upright so the arc goes down, not over the rim.
🎵 CUE SONG — Sing During Every Potty Hold:
"Pssss pssss, time to go! Pssss pssss, nice and slow! You're so clever, yes you are! Pssss pssss, little star!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 0: Elimination Communication • Print & Laminate 💛2
🤟
Phase 1: Signals & Signs
6–12 months • She communicates back
She starts signaling back. Recognize and respond immediately. By 12 months, many EC babies have more catches than misses. Signs are her primary communication tool.
🤟 She may start signing POTTY back between 8–12 months. Respond IMMEDIATELY every time.
1
🤟
She signs POTTY back to you! 👨👧
Drop everything and respond. Speed of response = speed of learning.
🤟 POTTY
Fist, thumb pokes out, shake side to side
2
🪑
Introduce the small potty 👨👧
BabyBjörn Smart Potty in bathroom. Familiar furniture, not scary.
3
⏰
4 anchor times daily 👨👧
Upon waking, after meals, before bath, before sleep. Never skip these.
4
📖
Read potty books on the potty 👨👧
Reading ON the potty = positive association. See Books & Songs page.
5
👋
Wave bye-bye to the flush! 👨👧
"Bye bye pee pee!" Celebration ritual. Use ALL DONE sign.
🤟 ALL DONE
Both open hands palms in, flip outward
6
🗣️
Pair verbal cues WITH signs 👨👧
"Do you need potty?" + sign. Dual-channel = faster learning.
7
🙋
Teach HELP sign 👨👧
She asks for help before she can say the word. Prevents frustration.
🤟 HELP
Flat hand on fist, lift both up together
🎵 BYE BYE SONG — Sing at the Flush:
"Bye bye pee pee, down you go! Bye bye pee pee, wave hello! Flush flush flush, all done today! Bye bye pee pee, on your way!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 1: Signals & Signs • Print & Laminate 💛3
🌻
Phase 2: Active Training
12–24 months • Build the habit loop
She knows the feeling and the sign. Build the habit loop. No shortcuts. Repetition, celebration, patience.
🤟 Continue all signs. Add ALL DONE after every success. 🎵 See Songs page for potty jingles!
1
🩲
Training pants — daytime only
She must feel wet. Diapers wick; training pants teach consequence.
🤟 WET
Fingers drip at chest — no shame, just naming
2
⌚
Potty watch vibrates every 30–45 min
Watch is the boss, not you. Removes power struggle.
3
💧
Increase water intake
More water = more practice. Not juice — water.
4
🧸
Comfort items on the potty 👨👧
Book, toy, or sing together. Never rush her off.
5
🎉
Celebrate EVERY success! 👨👧
Clap, cheer, sticker! "YOU DID IT!"
🤟 ALL DONE
Both hands palms in, flip outward
6
🚫
ZERO punishment for accidents 👨👧
"Oops! Your body is learning. Let's clean up together."
7
👖
Elastic waistbands ONLY
Pull up/down in 2 seconds. Dresses are fastest.
8
📊
Sticker chart on the wall 👨👧
She places sticker herself. 5 stickers = reward (not food).
🎵 POTTY SONGS — Sing Every Time!
🎶 SITTING SONG:
Sit, sit, sit on the potty! Take your time, there's no hurry! Sit, sit, sit on the potty! You are doing so great today!
🎶 DANIEL TIGER:
If you have to go potty — STOP! And go right away! Flush and wash and be on your way!
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 2: Active Training • Print & Laminate 💛4
🌟
Phase 3: Independence
24–36 months • She does it herself
She goes on her own. You're the safety net. Goal: initiates, executes, cleans up with minimal help.
1
🚶♀️
She walks to potty herself
Step stool permanent. She initiates.
🤟 POTTY
Acknowledge her sign even now
2
👖
She pulls pants down and up
Elastic waistbands. Practice during dress-up play.
3
💦
Bum spray before wiping 👨👧
Peri bottle spritz. Gentler, cleaner, prevents rash and irritation.
4
🧻
She wipes — you check 👨👧
Front to back ALWAYS. She tries first, you do "check wipe."
5
🧻
Count 4–5 squares 👨👧
Pull, fold, wipe, check. If clean, done!
6
🚽
Flush + wave bye bye! 👨👧
She flushes, waves, says bye. Ritual closes the sequence.
🤟 ALL DONE
Both hands flip outward
7
🧼
Wash hands EVERY TIME 👨👧
Soap, 20 sec, rinse, dry. Non-negotiable for life.
🤟 WASH HANDS
Rub palms in circles
8
🏆
Celebrate the milestone! 👨👧
"ALL BY YOURSELF!" Mark the day. She earned it.
🎵 SONGS FOR THIS PHASE:
🎶 CELEBRATION:
You did it, you did it, you really really did it! The pee went in the potty and we're SO proud of you!
🎶 HAND WASH:
Wash wash wash your hands, scrub them all around! Soap and water, rinse them off, cleanest hands in town!
🎵 PHASE 3 SONGS — Celebrate & Clean!
🎶 CELEBRATION:
You did it, you did it, you really really did it! The pee went in the potty and we're SO proud of you! Clap clap clap, hooray!
🎶 HAND WASH (20 sec):
Wash wash wash your hands, scrub them all around! Soap and water, rinse them off, cleanest hands in town!
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 3: Independence • Bum Spray + Full Autonomy 💛5
🚗
Phase 4: Out & About
Ongoing • The system works everywhere
Car trips, restaurants, parks, grandparents'. Preparation eliminates panic. A parent with a go-bag never gets caught off guard.
1
🧳
Travel potty in car — ALWAYS
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty. Standalone + seat mode. Lives in trunk.
2
👜
Potty go-bag packed
2 outfits, wet bag, wipes, seat cover, sanitizer, bum spray, plastic bag.
3
🚗
Waterproof car seat liner
Piddle Pad. Saves 45 min of deep cleaning. Non-negotiable.
4
🚻
Public restroom: seat + calm 👨👧
Portable cover. Same signs, same cues. "Different potty, same rules!"
🤟 POTTY
Same sign everywhere = familiarity
5
✋
Backup: hold and hover 👨👧
No cover? Hold under thighs in squat. Practice at home first.
6
🧴
Sanitizer after washing 👨👧
Soap first, sanitizer too. Double protection in public.
🤟 WASH HANDS
Rub palms in circles
7
⏰
Pre-departure potty rule 👨👧
"Before we leave, we try." EVERY time. Prevents 90% of emergencies.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 4: Out & About • Be Prepared 💛6
🌙
Phase 5: Night Training
30–48+ months • Biology sets the timeline
Nighttime dryness is BIOLOGICAL — vasopressin hormone matures on its own. Some kids 3, some 5+. Both normal. Cannot rush biology. Only prepare and wait with love.
1
🛏️
Waterproof mattress protector
Double-layer: protector→sheet→protector→sheet. 2am strip, not full remake.
2
🩲
Nighttime pull-ups — no shame
Remove when dry 5+ nights in row. Not before.
3
🚰
Limit fluids 60–90 min before bed 👨👧
Small sips after dinner. Full hydration during day.
4
🚽
Double void before bed 👨👧
Start of bedtime routine AND last step before lights out.
🤟 POTTY
Gentle sign cue instead of "go try"
5
💡
Night light path to bathroom
Amber, motion-sensor. She sees the way if she wakes.
6
🌅
Potty immediately on waking 👨👧
First thing every morning. Lifelong anchor habit.
7
💛
Patience IS the system 👨👧
Prepare the environment. Wait with love. Zero pressure. She'll get there.
🎵 BEDTIME POTTY SONG — Sing Before Lights Out:
"Last potty of the day, then we sleep and we play! Try try try, good night, dry dry dry, sleep tight!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 5: Night Training • Patience IS the System 💛7
📚
Recommended Books by Phase
Every book = affiliate revenue • Read ON the potty • Organized by age
👶 PHASE 0 — Parent EC Guides (0–6 mo):
📕
"Go Diaper Free" — Andrea Olson
THE EC bible. Step-by-step 0–18 months. Definitive resource.
📗
"The Diaper-Free Baby" — Christine Gross-Loh
Biology of why babies resist soiling. Responsive parenting approach.
🤟 PHASE 1 — Baby's First Potty Books (6–12 mo):
📘
"Tiny Potty Board Book"
Gender-neutral, realistic. Designed for EC families from 6 months.
📙
"Ready to Go: Pee" — Lovevery
Real photographs. Babies connect photos to actual actions faster.
📕
"Where Do You Poop?" — Agnese Baruzzi
Animals pooping = funny and normal. Great for 8–12 months.
📗
"Potty" — Leslie Patricelli
Simple, funny, iconic. The classic starter book.
🌻 PHASE 2 — Interactive & Song Books (12–24 mo):
🎵
"Cali's Books Potty Training Song Book"
Catchy songs = musical Pavlovian cues during potty time. #1 pick.
🎵
"Daniel Tiger's Potty Time!" — Scarlett Wing
Sound book. "If you have to go potty, STOP and go right away!"
📕
"Potty Time with Bean" — Ms. Rachel
Massive with toddlers right now. Instant familiarity and buy-in.
📗
"A Potty for Me!" — Karen Katz
Lift-the-flap makes it interactive and less intimidating.
📘
"Peek-a-Poo!" — Mara Conlon
Fun lift-the-flap board book. Good secondary option.
📗
"P is for Potty!" — Sesame Street
Elmo lift-the-flap. Familiar characters.
🤟 SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCE:
🤟
"Baby Signs Potty Training Board Book"
ASL signs: toilet, wet, dry, wash hands, help. Use alongside the cards from birth.
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Open the full guide, links, and setup details.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Complete Book Guide 💛8
🛒
Complete Product Guide
Combined essentials • Bigger pages, less filler space
🪑 POTTIES & SEATS
SEATMayfair NextStep2 Built-In
STEPMunchkin Sturdy Step Stool
⌚ TRAINING TOOLS
WATCHPotty Time Vibrating Watch
👕 TRAINING CLOTHES
RULEElastic waistbands ONLY!
No buttons/zippers. 2-second pull.
TIPDresses / skirts in summer
Fastest potty access. No pants to deal with at all.
TIPLoose shorts with elastic waist
Cotton or bamboo. Easy pull-down for boys and girls.
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Open the full guide, links, and setup details.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Product Guide Combined • Potties, Tools, Diapers & Clothes 💛9
🧹🛡️
Cleanup & Protection
Everything for messes, skin care, mattress defense, and disposal
🧹 CLEANUP & SKIN CARE
SPRAYPeri Bottle / Bidet Spray
RASHDesitin Max Strength (40% zinc)
CLEANBranch Basics Concentrate
🛡️ PROTECTION & DISPOSAL
CARPiddle Pad Car Seat Liner
BEDNaturepedic Organic Protector
PAILDekor Classic XL Diaper Pail
REFILLDekor Classic XL Refill — 2 Pack
ECO BAGEarth Rated Biodegradable Bags
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Open the full guide, links, and setup details.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Cleanup & Protection • Home + Travel 💛10
🖨️✏️
Print Setup & DIY Kit
Printing, laminating, markers, and setup tools on one page
✏️ MARKERS & ERASERS
MARKERSExpo Fine Tip Dry Erase, 4-pack
MARKERSCrayola Take Note Dry Erase
ERASERMicrofiber Cloths, 10-pack
🖨️ PRINTERS
VALUEEpson EcoTank ET-2850
Refillable ink tanks. $40 in ink prints 7,500 color pages. Pays for itself fast.
🔗 Shop on Amazon
PREMIERCanon PIXMA G6020 MegaTank
📄 PAPER
VALUEHP Premium Presentation 32lb Matte
Best for laminating. Crisp color, no ink bleed. 100 sheets ~$15.
🔗 Shop on Amazon
BUDGETHammermill Premium Color Copy 32lb
🔥 LAMINATORS
BUDGETAmazon Basics 9" Thermal Laminator
VALUEScotch Pro TL906 Laminator
PREMIERFellowes Jupiter 2 125 Laminator
📦 LAMINATING POUCHES
3MILScotch Thermal Pouches 3mil, 100-pack
5MILScotch Thermal Pouches 5mil, 50-pack
Premium thickness. Feels like a real product. Toddler-proof. ~$22.
🔗 Shop on Amazon
NO MACHINEScotch Self-Seal Laminating Pouches, 25pk
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Open the full guide, links, and setup details.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Print Setup + DIY Kit • Print & Laminate 💛11
🛒
Amazon Picks — Complete Gear List
Training essentials, cloth diapering & the accident-laundry system • Buy used first
🩲 UNDERWEAR & TRAINERS
ABSORBMooMoo Baby 6-Layer Trainers
🪑 SEATS & POSTURE
🛁 PROTECTION & CLEAN-UP
PADSImprovia Washable Underpads
SPRAYArofa Toilet Bidet Sprayer
🧷 CLOTH DIAPERS
POCKETmamakoala Pocket Cloth Diapers
NIGHTwegreeco Overnight / Nap Diapers
🧺 WASH, DRY & STORAGE
SOAPMolly's Suds Baby Detergent
HANGwegreeco Hanging Wet/Dry Bag
🧼 ACCIDENT LAUNDRY ROUTINE
1 · Cold rinse cold — hot sets protein stains.
2 · Soak 15–30 min in enzyme detergent (Molly's Suds).
3 · Wash & sun-dry — UV bleaches the rest for free.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Amazon Picks — Complete Gear • As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases 💛12
🚽
The 3–7 Day Bootcamp (Quickstart)
For a 2–3 yr old with no prior training • Block a long weekend at home
⛔ Check readiness FIRST. A forced, not-ready toddler just learns to hold it. Not ready? Wait 2–4 weeks.
1
✅
Ready? — needs MOST of these
Dry 1.5–2 hrs · curious about the potty · can pull pants · follows a simple direction · signals when going.
2
🍑
Day 1 — Naked & Aware
Bare bottom at home, load fluids, offer the potty every 20–30 min, cue sound, big party for catches.
3
🩲
Days 2–3 — Undies & Cues
Cotton undies (commando), stretch to 45–60 min, she starts telling you, one short outing late Day 3.
4
🔒
Days 4–7 — Locking It In
Fade reminders, real outings, tackle poop with footstool posture, move to the big toilet.
5
🎉
Celebrate catches, stay calm on misses
Clap & sticker for wins. For accidents: “pee goes in the potty” — never punish or shame.
6
🪑
Poop posture prevents withholding
Feet on a stool (knees above hips) helps her relax. Keep fluids + fiber up; never rush poop.
7
😴
Nights are a separate job
Keep a sleep diaper with zero shame — overnight dryness is body-driven and can take months.
🎯 WHAT “TRAINED BY DAY 7” REALLY MEANS
Daytime pees mostly in the potty, far fewer accidents, and she tells you. NOT zero accidents, not poop mastered for every kid, and not nights. That is normal — not failure.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • 3–7 Day Bootcamp Quickstart • Print & Laminate 💛13
🕐
Daily Potty Rhythm
Anchor sits to moments she already has — no nagging
💡 Don't ask “do you need to go?” — toddlers reflexively say no. Tie the potty to routines: “Potty time, then we leave.”
🗓️ WHEN TO START — match it to her age
0–18 mo
Optional · EC only
Only if you're doing Elimination Communication: make a cue sound ("pssss") after waking & feeds. No pressure — just build the association.
18–24 mo
Gentle start
Just 2–3 anchors — after waking & after meals (add bath if easy). 2–3 min, no expectation she goes. Stop if she protests.
2–3 yr
★ Full rhythm
Run ALL the anchors below, once readiness shows (dry 1.5–2 hrs, tells you, pulls pants). The bootcamp sweet spot.
🌅
First thing after waking — AM & naps
Her bladder filled all night — the easiest catch of the day. 2–3 min.
🍽️
~15–20 minutes after meals
Eating triggers the urge (gastrocolic reflex). After breakfast is prime poop time. 2–3 min.
🛁
Right before bath or shower
Warm water makes kids pee — get there first and save the cleanup. 2–3 min.
🚗
Before you leave the house
The “go before we go” rule — fewer roadside emergencies. 2–3 min.
😴
Before nap & before bed
Empty tank = a better shot at dry sleep. 2–3 min.
⏱️
Early days: also every ~1.5–2 hours
Days 1–3 offer often; as she gets it, lean on the anchors above and let her lead.
🪑 RULES OF THE SIT
Keep it short: 2–5 minutes, never longer. Never force her to stay or hold her down.
Keep it relaxed: bring a book. Praise the effort — if nothing happens, calmly move on.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Daily Potty Rhythm • Print & Laminate 💛14
🎒
Daycare Handoff — Your Prep
Consistency home↔daycare is what locks it in
🔑 Same cue words, same routine, undies (not pull-ups) in the daytime. No surprise daytime diapers.
📦 PACK HER BAG (label everything)
PACK6–8 spare underwear
More than you think — accidents cluster early.
PACK2–3 full outfit changes
Tops, bottoms, socks. Weather-appropriate.
PACKA wet / dry bag
For soiled clothes to come home in — no leaks in the tote.
NAP ONLYA labeled “sleep diaper”
Nap/quiet time only, if she still needs it. Days stay in undies.
🩲
Undies in the daytime — not pull-ups
Pull-ups feel like diapers and slow her down. Reserve them for nap only.
🗣️
Use our cue words & anchor times
Share your word and the after-nap / after-meal / before-outing rhythm.
🚫
Take her at routine times — don't ask
Asking gets a no. Taking her on the routine sidesteps the standoff.
💛
Keep accidents calm & shame-free
Ask how they handle cleanup so she's never embarrassed in front of peers.
📝
Send a daily note home
Catches, accidents, any poop/holding — so you can adjust together.
❓ ASK ABOUT THEIR POLICY
Many rooms require a set number of dry days or "underwear-ready" status to move up. Find out their exact bar.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Daycare Handoff — Parent Prep • Print & Laminate 💛15
👩🏫
For Her Teachers
Hand this over — everything in 30 seconds. Thank you! 💛
🌟 We're potty training at home — keeping her routine identical here is what makes it stick.
Please take her
After nap · ~20 min after meals · before outings · and about every 2 hours
She wears
Underwear in the daytime (pull-up for nap only, if sent)
Two big asks
1 · Take her at routine times rather than asking "do you need to go?"
2 · Keep accidents calm & shame-free — soiled clothes go home in the bag
Please tell us if
She resists, holds it, or hasn't pooped — don't force, just let us know
📝 TODAY'S NOTE BACK TO US
Catches: Accidents: Poop?
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Daycare Handoff — Teacher Card • Print & Laminate 💛16
📋✨
Quick Reference Guide
Hang this page where both parents can see it • Sized as large as possible for print
✅ ALWAYS DO
🎉 Celebrate every attempt — not just success
🧘 Stay completely calm with every accident
🤟 Same cue sound + sign every time
👋 Flush + wave bye (make it fun!)
👖 Elastic waistbands only during training
📊 Track patterns — timing is everything
👨👧 Both parents use the SAME system
⏰ Anchor times (wake, meals, bath, bed)
🧸 Comfort items on the potty
💦 Bum spray before wiping
🎵 Sing the potty songs — cues work
🧴 A+D / Aquaphor during training season
📖 Potty books near the potty
🚽 Model it — let her see you go
🚫 NEVER DO
😡 Punish, shame, or show frustration
❓ Ask "do you need to go?" (just take her)
🌙 Rush night training — it's biological
👫 Compare her timeline to any other child
🏠 Start during major life changes
🍬 Use food as a potty reward
😢 Force when she's distressed
👕 Complex clothing during training
🙈 Ignore her signs or cue sounds
👥 Let caregivers use different systems
📉 Expect linear progress (regressions normal)
🚼 Back to diapers after switching
🗣️ Discuss accidents in front of others
📅 Set a deadline — her body decides
📖 CARD LEGEND
👨👧 = Dad + Child do this step TOGETHER
☐ = Checkbox — dry-erase marker, wipe clean daily
🤟 = Gold badge = ASL sign embedded for that step
🔗 = Affiliate link — replace with your Amazon URL
🎵 = Potty song — sing it during the step
"Every child's timeline is different. Patience is the system.
Consistency over intensity. Showing up over getting it exactly right."
— The Dad System • @the_dadsystem 💛
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Full guide, products, and print setup. Scan → thedadsystem.netlify.app
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Optional support if this system helped your family.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Quick Reference Back Page • Support the Project 💛17
