Embracing the “P” Word: Potty Training Here We Come!

Can I make a confession? Our firstborn is quickly approaching her third birthday, and I have yet to begin the dreaded task of potty training. (Bum, bum, bum!) I know, I know — we’re getting to it. I am fully aware that most preschool programs don’t allow untrained children to enroll, and it would be nice to only have one kid in diapers. But if you ask me, the whole ordeal seems terrifying and a bit unnatural. I grew up in a relatively modest home; the “p” word (and by that I mean potty) kind of freaks me out!

Once it became painfully obvious that my toddler wasn’t going to magically learn to use the “big girl potty” all on her own; I decided to get some help. After a little research, I purchased the book “How to Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day” by author Teri Crane. I won’t give away all of her secrets — you’ll have to purchase the book yourself if you want all the juicy details — but here’s the gist of our potty training plan of attack.

And yes, this is war.

Toddler, Meet Potty

So apparently the first step in the potty training process is to have your child become comfortable with the idea of using the toilet. I purchased our potty chair way before we were ready to use it, not long after my oldest child’s first birthday. She was barely walking, but it was so pink and adorable, I had to have it immediately. After collecting dust for about six months, my daughter discovered it was the perfect place for hiding small treasures from mommy, daddy, and baby sister. It also made an excellent hat. (You’ve gotta give her points for creativity).

Recently, I’ve tried introducing her to the commode in her own bathroom, showing her how it flushes, and modeling appropriate bathroom etiquette (including hand washing). We’re making some progress, but we’re still not completely interested. We’ve also begun watching DVDs and reading books about using the big girl potty in preparation for our “Potty Party”. “Bear in the Big Blue House: When You’ve Gotta Go” is one of our current favorites. We practice our “Toileteer” dance almost daily!

It’s Potty Party Time!

I know what you are thinking. A Potty Party sounds a little crazy, but I know some mamas who swear by it. And I am willing to try almost anything at this point. Besides, who doesn’t love a good party? Every party has to have a theme. Choosing a Potty Party theme will help you decide on coordinating decorations and potty training prizes. “How to Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day” has some fabulous party theme suggestions. It even comes with shopping lists and an itinerary for Potty Party day!

We’ve chosen a Princess Sofia theme for our party, as our little princesses are slightly obsessed with the newest Disney Junior royal. Everything will be pink, purple, and precious. At the end of the day, we’ll have a Potty Party celebration — complete with Princess Sofia themed gifts (think princess dress, shoes, and crown) — to commemorate her potty training success. Fingers crossed, y’all.

Potty Party Day is a surprise! Our little princess will wake up to a decorated house (especially the bathroom) and wrapped “big girl” presents galore: big girl underwear, training pants, potty training themed books and DVDs, and the big winner chicken dinner, a doll that we will spend the entire morning teaching to use the big girl potty. In the afternoon, Savannah will learn to use the potty herself — after successfully teaching her new dolly. I will admit I am a little nervous, but I am really hoping we can pull this off. There’s really no other choice. She can’t go to college in diapers. Wish me luck!

What’s the best piece of potty training advice you’ve ever received? What worked for your family? We would love to hear!

About the author...Born and raised in southeast Texas, Jessica currently lives in Billings, Montana with her husband, her two year old daughter Savannah, and their newest addition, one year old Emma Kate. Jessica graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. By day, Jessica works as a licensed Realtor, and moonlights as a freelance writer/photographer for several businesses around town.