By Issa of Issas Crazy World This Boot Camp Style Potty Training course is a four-day process. Be prepared and be scared (not really!).
Tired of endless diaper changes and frustrated by the slow progress of traditional potty training methods? Then it’s time to unleash the Potty Training Boot Camp! This no-nonsense approach is designed to get your toddler dry in just four days, with minimal mess and maximum results.
But before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room: the cold turkey method. Yes, we’re ditching the pull-ups and diving headfirst into underwear territory. Why? Because pull-ups are essentially glorified diapers that confuse the heck out of toddlers. They feel the wetness but it’s not quite the same as a full-blown diaper explosion so the urgency to use the potty isn’t as strong.
So, are you ready to embark on this potty training adventure? Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride!
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Success
- Make sure your child is truly ready. This isn’t about your timeline; it’s about their developmental stage. Look for signs like verbal communication, awareness of bodily functions, and an interest in using the potty.
- Transform potty training into a fun event. Turn it into a family affair! Get your child excited about becoming a “big kid” who uses the potty like mommy and daddy.
- Gather your arsenal. Stock up on fun underwear with their favorite characters, a potty seat that fits comfortably on your toilet, and a stash of jellybeans (or stickers, if candy isn’t your thing).
Day 2: The Underwear Revolution Begins
- Ditch the diapers and pull-ups for good. No turning back now! This is all about creating a clear distinction between wet and dry.
- Invest in a potty seat. This makes the transition to the “big” toilet less intimidating and more comfortable for little legs.
- Embrace the accidents. They’re inevitable, so don’t get discouraged. Clean up calmly and matter-of-factly, reminding your child that accidents happen, but we try our best to use the potty.
Day 3: Taking the Show on the Road
- Pack a single change of clothes and underwear. This reinforces the importance of using the potty before venturing out.
- Make frequent potty stops. Aim for every 20 minutes to an hour, even if you don’t think they need to go.
- Reward success with jellybeans. Every time they pee in the potty, celebrate with a sweet treat.
- Turn “accidents” into learning experiences. If they have an accident, calmly explain that we have to go home now because we don’t have any more clothes. This helps them understand the consequences of not using the potty.
Day 4: The Moment of Truth
- Head to your child’s favorite place. But remember, you’re packing light – no extra clothes or underwear this time.
- Remind them of the “no-accident” policy. Emphasize that if they don’t use the potty and have an accident, you’ll have to leave immediately.
- Be prepared for the inevitable meltdown. Stay calm, ignore the tantrum, and head home without making a fuss.
- Afterward, have a heartfelt conversation. Explain how much it saddens you to leave fun places early because of accidents, and ask them if they find it uncomfortable to be wet or dirty.
By the end of Day 4, you should have a mostly potty-trained toddler. Remember, consistency is key. Keep reminding them to use the potty, and gradually phase out the rewards.
Congratulations! You’ve conquered the Potty Training Boot Camp. Now, go forth and enjoy those diaper-free days!
Bonus Tips:
- Be patient and positive. Accidents will happen, but don’t let them derail your progress.
- Make potty time fun. Sing songs, read books, or play games while they’re on the potty.
- Celebrate every milestone. Big or small, acknowledge their efforts and progress.
- Don’t compare your child to others. Every child develops at their own pace.
- Seek support from other parents or a potty training expert if needed.
Remember, you’ve got this! With a little determination and the right approach, you’ll have your little one saying goodbye to diapers in no time.
Make Potty Training an Event.
Potty training ought to be completed over the course of a week or a long weekend when you can spend time at home with your child and oversee the procedure. Invest in some kid-friendly underwear featuring your child’s favorite cartoon character and some jellybeans; if your child has a preference for something else, then go for it. (I don’t buy chocolate, just because it seems unfair to only give out one measly M&M. But that’s just me. ) If you’re against candy, go with stickers. If you have a an especially willful child, invest in both. Whatever works for you.
Go cold turkey. No more diapers. Do not buy Pull-Ups.
This is very important. There is no place for these things in Boot Camp Potty Training. They are a waste of time and they ruin the process. Pull-Ups are still diapers, just ones that leak after a while. Yes, I know this is harsh, but it works wonders. Then there is no confusion. But please for the love of all things sane, warn her for a few days beforehand. Talk about being big and using the potty like mommy and daddy.
Instead, buy a little kid seat that fits over a regular toilet seat cover. It keeps you from having to empty a tiny potty, and in my unqualified opinion, it functions more effectively and quickly. Kids like the idea of doing what we do. With the little seat, your child will learn to use a real toilet without falling in and not view it as a toy, so why in the world should we buy a different version of what we already own? This is important since toilets are not toys.
3 Day potty training! Sadie goes cold-turkey… Day 1 Highlights
FAQ
How long should you try potty training before stopping?
What is the 3 day potty training rule?
What is the hardest day of potty training?
Is it OK to pause potty training?
What is three-day potty training?
Three-Day Potty Training is a cold-turkey method, requiring you to get rid of all the diapers in the house and trust the process. I generally followed the plan laid out in Lora Jensen’s 3-Day Potty Training ebook, but with 50 pages of guidelines, it is extremely specific, and I can’t say that I did everything exactly her way.
How to get your child to potty train?
Make Potty Training an Event. Potty Training should be done over a week or on a long weekend when you can be at home with your child to monitor the process. Buy little underwear with your kid’s favorite cartoon character on it and buy jellybeans too! If your kid likes something besides jellybeans, go for that instead.
How do I teach my child potty training?
Explain and show your child that after you pee or poop, you wash your hands. Pulling pants up and down: Since the goal of potty training is helping your child gain toileting independence, being able to pull pants up and down is a completely necessary skill. But this is tough for little hands and bubbly buns.
Is there a place for pull-ups in boot camp potty training?
There is no place for these things in Boot Camp Potty Training. They are a waste of time and they ruin the process. Pull-Ups are still diapers, just ones that leak after a while. Yes, I know this is harsh, but it works wonders.