Parenting can be a rewarding journey, yet it often humbles even the most confident among us. My experience with potty training my daughter was a prime example of this. I had anticipated an effortless process, especially when I was regularly inundated with stories of toddlers achieving bathroom success on social media.
We began the potty training dialogue when my daughter was just 2½ years old. It was casual—no stress involved. She occasionally sat on the potty without any results, which I thought was fine. After all, I’d heard countless times that one day it would simply “click” for her. So, I waited and waited, but as she approached her third birthday with little interest in using the toilet, anxiety started to set in. I began to doubt my approach.
My Potty Training Plan
- Discuss the potty.
- Read potty-themed books.
- Invest in an overpriced potty chair.
- Stock up on character-themed underwear.
With enough character underwear to decorate a small room, I felt ready for success. However, reality had other plans.
After months of waiting, I resorted to an online search for advice. “Potty Train Your Child in 3 Days” was the first result, and I discovered countless articles endorsing the same method. Three days? Could it really work? After reading glowing testimonials, I was sold.
The strategy was simple: cover your furniture in plastic, dress your child in underwear, and take them to the potty every 20 minutes. With a timer set and a stash of Smarties as rewards, I was ready to go. I spent two exhausting days taking my daughter to the bathroom every 20 minutes—approximately 70 trips in total. Unfortunately, she didn’t succeed even once. By day two, I was left with a ruined rug and a very anxious dog. It was chaos.
Defeated, I opened a bottle of wine and called my best friend, who laughed kindly at my predicament. “Just put her back in diapers and relax,” she advised. “I promise she won’t be in diapers when she goes to kindergarten.”
Taking her advice, I put my daughter back in diapers and stopped worrying about potty training. A month later, she unexpectedly asked about the potty. I encouraged her, and to my shock, she used it perfectly. From that moment on, she was potty trained.
Fast forward a few years, and I now have one toilet-trained child and a 2-year-old still in diapers. As I prepare to tackle potty training again, I’ve learned to relinquish control and let my son take the lead. He’s shown some interest in the potty, but I’m not rushing things. I haven’t bought any character underwear for him, and I’m content to celebrate each small victory along the way.
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In summary, my experience with potty training taught me that patience and a relaxed approach can yield surprising results. As I prepare for a new round with my son, I’m embracing a more laid-back attitude and looking forward to celebrating every small milestone.