Potty training. It’s hard. Quite frankly, after the sleepless newborn phase, potty training is my least favorite phase. Thankfully, when Luke was around 2, my cousin’s wife shared the 3-day method with me and it worked so well with all three of our boys. I plan to start training Kenzie soon, so I thought I would share a link to the 3-day method and give some tips that I’ve learned in the process.
https://www.parenting.com/toddler/potty-training/how-3-day-potty-training-method-works
Tips:
1) Mentally prepare yourself beforehand. If you are a person that doesn’t like to stay cooped up in your home for three whole days, you will need to mentally prepare yourself for this time. It really is important to stay home during the three days and since I’m a person that likes to get out and about each day, mental preparation is super important for me. Plus, not only are you at home, you are cleaning up lots of pee and trying to teach something to a 2-year old they have never been taught before.
2) Stock up on treats, cleaning supplies, and undies.
*Treats – The method suggests some type of reward system for kids for each time they pee on the potty. I used a sticker chart and candy. Candy was the best motivator. And you know what? Mommy got a treat each time too!!! It’s a victory for both!
*Cleaning supplies – You will be cleaning up lots of accidents, so it is best to have several cleaners on hand for carpet, furniture, etc. Soft Scrub is my favorite!
*Undies – The 3-day method suggests kids either go commando or wear undies with no pants. My boys hated the way wet underwear felt so having them wear it helped to reinforce the potty training. However, you could possibly go through 7-10 pairs of undies a day so it’s good to have a large selection.
3) Stay at home for the three training days. I know it seems hard but if you will stay with it for three solid days, they will do so much better. I made the mistake of leaving during day 2 with one of our boys and it set us back. Plus, I was cleaning up pee in the Walmart aisle.
4) Have the child drink lots of fluids. During potty training, let them have copious amounts of fluids so they have to pee. My boys somewhat enjoyed potty training because they got candy and chocoloate milk. Can we say sugar rush?!?
After the three-day training:
1) Use the potty before leaving the house. This will help avoid accidents in the car seat.
2) When you get to your destination, stop at the restroom. They may not always have to go, especially if they used it before you left the house, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3) Keep a back-up pair of undies, pants, and socks in your car. Even if they do amazing during the 3-day training, they will more than likely have an accident at some point. Like, maybe you’ll be visiting someone’s house and your two-year old will pee on their couch. True story.
4) Keep asking and reminding about the potty. They will get into the routine of using the potty at your house, but in a different environment, they may need to be asked if they need to go.
5) Go buy yourself a tub of Blue Bell ice cream. You made it!!!
Words to Bloom 