How I potty trained Anna in 1 day 1 week.... maybe... :
Day 0: Read the book, read online articles and personal success stories, bought 30 pairs of underwear, stocked up on salty snacks, sweet rewards, and fun incentives. Prepped and excited to go!
Day 1: Followed every stinkin' step in the 1 day method... Taught bunny how to go potty, taught Anna how to use the potty, cleaned up 12 accidents... ate most of the skittles and snacks myself, watched two melt downs, and had to seriously considered what I had just started. Anna asked multiple times for her diapers and was not impressed by the underwear about 3 changes in. By 7pm I was done sitting on the floor checking she was dry every 3-5 minutes and was just counting down seconds until pull ups and bed time.
Day 2: I came to the realization that this might take a few weeks and
that was okay, we would push forward. Anna pooped her pants, and then
once in the toilet (sweet victory!!), I only had to clean up 6
accidents. We figured out keeping the potty in view of the TV and close
to the kitchen and her toys helped keep the accidents down and going
potty more motivating. My butt was pretty done with sitting on the floor
waiting for every success.
Day 3: Huge tantrum before the
underwear went on in the morning that resulted in a full bladder
accident that happened all over both of us, but that was it, no more
accident until her friend came to play and she didn't want to stop
playing. 12+ waking hours and only 2 accidents.... hope was growing.
Day
4: One accident after going on a walk when she couldn't get her boots,
coat, and pants off fast enough.... totally my fault. By this point she
was starting to forget about the rewards for going poop or pee in the
potty and was just excited to give high fives for 1. lowering her pants
herself 2. sitting and going potty 3. wiping and pulling her own pants
up 4. dumping out her little potty in the toilet and flushing 5.
replacing potty seat and washing hands. By this point you could tell she
was starting to feel empowered.
Day 5 (Friday): She was happy to
pick out her underwear for the day. Not one accident. We braved taking
her to my brothers senior showcase play. She stayed dry in the car, went
potty on a big toilet like 5 times between acts, and stayed dry through
the remainder of the night. I was on cloud nine. I felt free! I knew
for sure that now I could make small trips out of the house as long as
there would be a toilet close by. The relief was indescribable and Anna
was noticeably proud and feeling so grown up.
Day 6: Ran
errands and went out to dinner without a single accident. Anna was
finally to the point where she would tell me if she had to potty or not.
Usually it was me asking and her saying no but every once in a while
she would say yes or ask me to go. Nursery was finally sounding like it
might be possible on Sunday.
Day 7: She made it through church.
This was a huge land mark for me because I couldn't be with her for two
hours! And even when I check on her she said "no, I'm okay" and she was.
I wish I could tell you the magic trick, the key to
success, and a cure all. I can't I have no idea what made the difference
for her, and I honestly don't think it was me at all. I think she made
the decision on her own and made in happen. I know accidents will happen
but I feel confident that she has the skills to make them few and far
between. So proud of my big almost two year old.
