If you are a working parent, it might appear as if you do not have enough time to train your toddler on potty matters. However, a week-long holiday or just three days can provide you with an opportunity to train your toddler adequately. Once you have picked the days to start the three-day potty training, clear out your schedule. Arguably, the first day will be the most challenging of all, but it will get easier on the second and third. When you start training the little one, be committed, since you should ideally not go back to total dependence on diapers.
On the day of the training, your little one is sure to make some mistakes, make sure not to overreact or make a scene, since you don't want to hurt his or her feelings. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when embarking on three-day potty training.
Preparation for Potty Training
Once you have set a date for the three-day potty training, you will need to make some preparations. Among things, you will need for the exercise is a potty seat or chair, underwear, and a stool. You can also use potty dolls, treats, and potty books or movies to make the experience fun for your little one.
It is important to define a viable space where your toddler can roam and play around without you worrying about accidents because they will occur. Choose an area without carpets to ease cleaning. An area with tiles or hardwood floors is ideal for the training. Also, keep the little one busy and entertained but not so much as to forget potty time.
The First Day
Whether you are the kind of parent that makes a big deal out of such an exercise, it is helpful if you show your child that diapers are no longer an option. You can throw diapers away in their presence as you tell him or her they have to use the potty henceforth. However, you will need them later when they are asleep. Encourage them on how grown up they are now and how diapers are for babies. Kids love such kind of approval and will endeavour to live up to the expectations.
During this period, ensure nothing stands between them and the potty. If they cannot be completely naked, a shirt or a short dress makes it easier for your little one. If it is cold, crank up the heat and use leg warmers too. Give the little one lots of fluids to ensure he or she pees a lot for the training to set in. However, it is not a good idea to give them too much juice.
After this, bring them close to the potty and show them what to do. A celebration of success is very helpful too. When taking a poop, encourage and comfort them since it will probably be his or her first time sitting on a potty. The little one might get scared when he or she begins the process, so make sure to tell him or her that it is okay and that he or she is doing great.
The Second Day
If the first day went well, you may have to reintroduce pants, but if it did not, your little one may need to go without pants again. Do not introduce underwear just yet, since they are reminiscent of diapers. Make the little one wear pants but no underwear. The pants need to be easy to put off and on for easy potty access. Continue giving the little one a lot of fluids so they can go potty more times to perfect the training. Keep asking and reminding them to pee or poop on the potty. Additionally, keep using helping aides such as the potty movies, treats, and dolls, among others.
The Third Day
At this point, it is all about observation and encouragement. Tell the little one how you are proud of him or her for learning and being a good boy or girl for going to the potty by themselves. You may also give rewards when they successfully go to the potty. However, nighttime or napping time is still off the limits at this point.
This is a fast and easy way to train your little one on matters concerning the potty. If you do not achieve your goal in this period, do not give up or get frustrated. Eventually, he or she will get it right and make you proud.
Sources: yummytoddlerfood.com, todaysparent.com, amazon.com, lucieslist.com.