Are you ready to dive into the world of potty training? Buckle up, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Start by grabbing a poster board and some colorful markers. You’ll want to map out the days of the week—trust me, your little one will notice if your lines are crooked. Stock up on stickers—lots of them. Aim for about 3,000, because you’ll need a variety for your toddler’s interests like dinosaurs, unicorns, and superheroes.
Next, take a trip to pick out some fun underwear. You might end up buying way more pairs than necessary, but hey, who can resist those cute designs at the store?
Now, get ready for the real challenge. After a quick shopping spree, throw everything you just bought into a corner because this weekend is going to test your patience like never before. Maybe swing by the liquor store on your way home for some parental fortification.
Prepare for chaos: you’ll be pulling out all those new underwear frequently as your child learns the ropes. The determination you thought you had will be tested, and you’ll find yourself repeating, “This is worth it” like a mantra. Just when you think you can’t take it anymore, your toddler will likely transform into a tiny monster, complete with imaginary horns, and yes, they might even pee on you.
Your partner, who started the day with the same enthusiasm, may either step up to the challenge or retreat for some peace and quiet, leaving you to pick up the pieces. Meanwhile, older siblings will attempt to “help,” but their efforts will mostly result in chaos and complaints about not getting enough treats.
At some point, your toddler will launch into a heartfelt speech about how much they love diapers and how you’re the meanest parent for taking them away.
But then, the moment you’ve been waiting for finally happens: they manage to pee in the potty for a split second! Your excitement might just make them stop mid-stream and then, in a cruel twist of fate, pee on the floor moments later. But hang in there, because soon enough, they will start to get the hang of it.
After what feels like an eternity (though it’s really only 3-4 days), you’ll emerge victorious! Sure, they’ll still wear pull-ups during naps and bedtime because, let’s face it, they know how to get what they want.
And just when you think you’re out of the woods, you might face a new dilemma—like bedwetting after your oldest shows them a scary movie.
In the end, you’ll all find a way to navigate the ups and downs of this journey together.
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Summary
Potty training a 3-year-old is a challenging yet rewarding journey that involves preparation, patience, and a sense of humor. With the right approach and mindset, you can navigate the ups and downs of this experience and emerge victorious, even if it takes a few tries.