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How to Mismanage Potty Training (In Just 3 Days)
Becoming a parent has been one of my proudest milestones, yet it has also brought me to my knees more times than I can count. One of those humbling experiences? Potty training. I was convinced it would be a breeze. After all, every other parent seems to be celebrating their toddler’s bathroom victories on social media.
When my daughter turned 2 ½, we started casually discussing potty training—nothing too serious. She would sit on the potty occasionally with little success, but I was reassured by the age-old advice: “One day, it will just click.” So, I waited for that magical day.
As her third birthday approached and she still showed little interest in using the potty, anxiety began to seep in. I second-guessed our approach and contemplated whether I should be doing more.
Here’s our game plan:
- Discuss the potty.
- Read potty-themed books.
- Buy a ridiculously overpriced potty chair.
- Stock up on character underwear.
We had enough character underwear to decorate a small room. I was convinced my daughter would conquer potty training. But, as it turns out, she didn’t.
After months of waiting for the proverbial lightbulb moment, I became the overly anxious mom that I swore I wouldn’t be. I dove deep into internet research and stumbled upon “Potty Train Your Child in 3 Days.” The title alone was enticing, and the glowing reviews sounded almost divine. “Little Timmy went from diapers to the Ivy League in just 72 hours!” I was all in.
The method was simple: cover your furniture in plastic, put your child in underwear, and take them to the potty every 20 minutes. I set alarms, stocked up on Smarties, and prepared for success. Over two days, I escorted my daughter to the bathroom about 70 times—an exhausting number for a toddler awake 11 to 12 hours a day. The outcome? Zero successes. I found myself tossing out the living room rug and considering dog therapy. It was a full-on disaster. By the end of day two, I tossed the three-day plan out the window and poured myself a glass of wine, calling my friend to vent. She chuckled and advised me to put her back in diapers, assuring me, “She won’t start kindergarten in them, I promise.”
With that sound advice, I did just that. I let go of my obsession with her potty habits. A month later, she surprised me by asking about it. I told her she could use the potty whenever she felt ready, and to my astonishment, she said, “I want to try it now.” I prepared myself for a flood, but she walked into the bathroom and used the potty like a pro. I almost fainted. From that moment on, she was fully potty trained. I swear on a pile of Eric Carle books, that’s the honest truth.
Fast forward a few years, and I now have a potty-trained superstar and a diaper-clad toddler. It’s time for round two in the potty training ring, and this time, I’m ditching any rigid plans or lofty expectations. I’ve set aside my anxious tendencies (well, mostly) and will let my son steer the ship. He’s shown some interest in using the potty, which is great, but I’m fully aware that he might stay in diapers for a while. That’s perfectly fine with me. I haven’t bought any character underwear and don’t plan to anytime soon. I trust it will happen when he’s ready, and I’ll celebrate every little success along the way.
If you want to learn more about this journey or find additional helpful resources, check out this informative article. For couples navigating their fertility journey, Make a Mom provides great insights. Additionally, for expert advice, ASRM is an excellent resource worth exploring.
In summary, potty training can be unpredictable, but patience and a laid-back approach can lead to success.