How I Potty Trained My Toddler in Five Days – Part One
The dreaded potty training phase that most parents dread facing when their toddler is ready (or maybe some of you can’t wait…)
My son was two months shy of turning 3-years-old when I decided to give myself a week to potty train him. He had just started some weekly pre-school prep classes at My Gym and I felt it was time. We used the “Oh Crap Potty Training” Method by Jamie Glowacki, which I learned about through a Positive Parenting Solutions training I purchased this year. I didn’t really emotionally prepare for the ride and just threw myself into it and told my husband that the kids and I would not be going out for at least three days.
I found potty training to be one of the hardest phases of motherhood so far. It was emotionally and physically draining, but it was so so rewarding to see my son overcome his fears of using the restroom in public and also see him grow into a little boy. I still get annoyed at the constant “Mama I’M DONNNNNEEEEEEEE” when he needs us to help him clean himself up. But I am so glad to be over the diaper changing!
What you are going to need:
- Travel potty
- Potty seat
- Toys/activities to keep busy
- Salty snacks and lots of liquid (water & juice)
- An iPad or TV (if you are ok with screen time and I will explain why)
- Carpet protector if you have no space with floors/tiles
- Underwear
- Cleaning supplies
Click the images below to get more details on some of the products I used:
Potty Training Day 1:
When he woke up I told him he was going to be a big boy and make pee-pee and poo-poo in the potty. I took off his Pull-Ups and put him on the potty first thing. It was awkward for him and all he did was fart and laugh and say to me, “Mama, it’s not working.” I took off his pants and left his shirt on and told him when he felt like anything was coming to tell me and I would take him to the potty. He didn’t like that he wouldn’t have any pants on, but that was the best method, i.e. going commando so that they feel the urge to go somewhere to release.
Our apartment is carpeted so I thought living in the kitchen would be the best solution for us. Thankfully within the kitchen and dining area we have lots of places to play. I had my 12-month-old with us too (fun!).
My first mistake was waiting for my son to tell me he had the urge to use the potty. I assumed that because he was going commando he would just do that naturally. I mean who wouldn’t, right? As his mother I give him too much credit sometimes and expect a lot of him. So with every accident that morning it reminded me how he needed more prompting, reminding, instruction, and guidance.
With each accident, he got more and more disappointed. After the second and third accident, he successfully did a poop and pee in the small potty and was super proud of himself. It was very unusual for him, but once I told him what a great job he did he felt more motivated. He still had accidents and would run to me to tell me after he finished peeing all over the patio and floor. But he tried to. Bless him.
By 4 pm on Day 1, Ayyoub was cranky since he missed a nap. At around 5-6 pm this resulted in the biggest meltdown. He was refusing to stay without a Pull-Up. Due to the state he was in my husband suggested we give in and let him rest. It had mentally been a long and difficult day for all of us, especially since he had to keep going potty. So I gave in and surprisingly he slept all the way till the next morning.
That ended a half day of training on Day 1. Check back later to see how days 2-5 went for us!
