That last one was my biggest surprise success, as I was fully prepared for drawn-out doom.
My shipments of Huggies took longer to arrive than that.
Spoiler alert: It worked!
I couldnt believe it.
Now whenever parents ask me for details about those three days, I gladly share the whole story.
A dizzying assortment of methods exist, from the popularOh Crap!
plan, to the low-pressureWait-and-Pee process, to the gradual training-pants-to-underwear transition.
Youve got to choose what feels comfortable for you.
(This may be tough for parents working full-time, I know.
You kind of have to imagine yourself being holed up in a bunker.
She was on board.
I reminded her about this every day before the training began.
We said bye-bye to them.
Nobody was sad about it.
Kid underwear(20-30 pairs).
Check the Dollar Store.
Liquids and high-fiber snacksto feed your kid.
(Youll want the child to drink more than usual during potty training, but dont force it.)
Small incentives and rewardslike stickers or tiny treats.
Extra sheetsin case of nighttime accidents.
Towels or paper towelsfor the inevitable messes.
Stuff to do indoors with your kid.
(At least for the first day or so, youll want to stay close to the bathroom.)
If you have any beautiful vintage rugs lying around (which, why would you?
You have a toddler), youll probably want to store them away.
Its best to potty train on hard, wipeable floors, but of course, thats not always possible.
Your child should be wearing just a T-shirt and underwear.
Also, they can feel the sogginess of accidents when they happen.
Also, I dont like commando butts on the sofa.)
Aside from that, you and your child can go about your regular activities.
Color, do puzzles, watch a TV show.
But as you do so, keep saying, Tell me if you better use the potty.
Say it every five or 10 minutes.
Tell me if you’re gonna wanna use the potty.
Tell me if you oughta use the potty.
Tell me if you’re gonna wanna use the potty.
Youll get tired of your own voice.
Dont ask, Do you gotta use the potty?theyll most always say no.
Take off their underwear and plop them on the potty chair or toilet.
If they get justone dropinside, go nuts.
Jump up and down.
Tell them theyre a big kid.
Give them a little reward.
Theyll be really proud of themselves.
Repeat this every time.
On the first day, my daughter had four or five accidents before it finally clicked.
There are more specifics about the method, including troubleshooting tips, in Jensens book and thisParenting magazine piece.
Remember, every child is differentbe patient with whatever process you choose.
And definitely keep some of those treats for yourself.
