Potty training success w/o the 3 day method

newestmrsmason

I rarely post here (or on any board for that matter) but I thought I'd post my partial success story here for those that aren't doing the 3 day method.

I live in an area where there are very limited resources in terms of books, etc. about potty training and to order one online would have taken at least a week, so I picked up the Baby Whisperer book from the library which has a short section on potty training. 

I verbally prepped DD for the use of underwear and the toilet (we used a toilet adapter ring and a step stool bc I don't want to deal with the transition from potty seat to toilet) on a Wednesday.  On Thursday I would put her on the toilet whenever I had to go (which is alot being 6 months pregnant).  She wasn't happy about the toilet but she did it bc I did.  Not sitting on the seat wasn't an option, I offered her the option to either go first or I did.  When on the seat I offered her the option of a book or flashcards.

By the 2nd day she was totally anxiety free about actually sitting on the toilet.  Although she sat she still had about 4 accidents that day.  I had her remove her own wet clothing and partake in the floor clean-up.  During the accidents I never showed any emotion (+ive or -ive) but was very matter-of-fact about making sure to clean up our "own" messes.  She also had to at least go during the times scheduled on her picture board (wake-up, lunch, snack, and dinner) but also when I saw any signs she needed to go more often.

 By the 3rd day she only had 2 accidents and she had one success. During her success I explained to her all the feedback of actually going on the toilet (the sound, the letting "go", and gave major verbal praise and a physical reward).  BTW I used pull-ups for her naps and diapers for overnights.  

We went out to church and she had an accident but the same rules applied there...you make the mess, you clean it up. 

By the end of the weekend we were back to our regular activity filled week so I just packed extra clothes and made sure to keep telling her it was time to go during our usual schedule. She only had one other accident during the beginning of the week  while out and about but also refused to go while out =(.  

By the end of the week she started refusing to wear the pull-up at naptime insisting that she keep on her "panties."  I allowed her this and have been pleasantly surprised since she has only had one nap time accident in the week since she stopped wearing the pull-ups for naps.

By her second week (the following weekend and beyond) she started telling me when she had to go instead of me telling her and having excellent bladder control for holding it until we make it to the bathroom.  

I've invested in one of those portable toilet seats bc she doesn't like to go while out in public (I think its related to seat height and bowl width) but she has gone at least twice now.

Two weeks ago I was almost ready to give up (but I felt like I didn't...luckily) and now I have a daytime potty trained toddler now.

Now to only get her to poop on the toilet instead of holding it until she gets her overnight diaper.  

Sorry so long but it IS a process.