Parenting can be a wild ride, especially when it comes to potty training. If you’re gearing up for this monumental task, prepare yourself—it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to getting through it.
Gather Your Supplies
Start by picking up a large poster board and some Sharpies. Make sure your lines are straight, or risk the wrath of your toddler. Next, grab a mountain of stickers—approximately 3,000 should do, especially if your child fancies Star Wars, Peppa Pig, or Paw Patrol. Don’t forget to select some fun underwear; you’ll likely end up buying way more pairs than you actually need. Thanks to the endless options at Target, you might feel like a kid in a candy shop.
Prepare for the Challenge
Once you’ve amassed all this gear, mentally brace yourself for what’s to come. It would be wise to make a quick pit stop at the liquor store on your way home. You’ll need it.
Expect to bring out every single pair of underwear you just bought, as your toddler will test out their ability to pee in each one. Your patience will be stretched to its limits, and you’ll find yourself repeating, “This is worth it,” more times than you can count.
Your partner, full of enthusiasm on day one, may quickly find themselves overwhelmed. It will be every parent for themselves. Meanwhile, your older children will be eager to “help,” though their contributions will likely just add to the chaos. They’ll express their dissatisfaction about not receiving M&M’s or stickers, which will only add to the noise.
At some point, your toddler might embark on a nonsensical diatribe about their love for diapers and their desire to wear them forever. How could you possibly deny them that comfort?
The Breakthrough Moment
Eventually, there will be a moment of triumph when your child pees for a brief second in the potty. You’ll celebrate so enthusiastically that they might stop mid-stream and then promptly wet the floor. Welcome to the cycle of potty training.
After what feels like an eternity of intense training (though it’s really only been a few days), you’ll notice consistent successes in the potty. You will emerge victorious, albeit with the caveat that pull-ups may still be present during naps and bedtimes.
Unfortunately, this won’t be the end of your challenges. Just when you think you’ve conquered potty training, you may face new issues—like bedtime accidents spurred by a sibling’s questionable movie choice.
And just like that, you’ll find yourself navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, with all its challenges.
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Summary
Potty training a 3-year-old can be a daunting yet rewarding experience. With the right supplies, patience, and a sense of humor, you can navigate the challenges that come your way. Expect messes, chaos, and breakthroughs, and remember that every child is different.