Long:I thought I would share our PT success story...

First of all I want to say I read several methods... Including: 3 Day PT, Baby Signs Potty Training, and Potty Train your child in just one day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro. And I think there was another one too but can't remember the title!

Any way, we attempted training DD when she was about 22 months old with no success. She was able to tell us she had to go but not able to make her self pee. She was doing well with poop because she had a longer wait time.  We did the whole 3 day method and thought we should wait until she had better control of the muscles.

After her second birthday we thought we should give it a chance again. We took a slightly different approach this time. This is our 'hodge podge method' from all the different sources we read. 

I spent some time with DD making a potty chart. We decorated a chart I got at the dollar store with stickers and markers. We talked about what it was for. On every 3 spot I made a star and told her the stars would mean she would  earn a potty prize. The next day we went to the dollar bin at Target and to the dollar store and let her pick out her 'potty prizes'. We also went to the Library and took out ANY book that had potty in the title to read! The next day was D-Day! 

In the morning we told her we were putting all the diapers away for the new baby in Mommy's tummy. She was awesome about it and was excited about wearing her undies! We were surprised that only a couple hours in she really had the hang of it. Earning stickers and prizes were super motivating! She did will. She had 11 successes that day! We still have DD in pull ups for nap/bed. She was cloth diapered so we wanted to make them something really different.

The next day, well we hit a wall. DD acted like she could care less. It almost seems like she could care less. She was testing us to see if we were serious. Well we were... So we brought out the 'Pee Pee Bears!'- Gummy Bears. DD rarely gets sweets so these were VERY motivating to her. Needless to say since we brought them in to play we have had VERY few accidents! 

We remind her when she has had a lot to drink or when we were in more distracting areas (birthday party, at a parade, when we are with friends). We had a slight problem with Poop but after a couple days she was back on track. 

We have gone out of the house tons of times! Been to a birthday party and a parade. Dry all the time! We have a road trip Friday that is going to be tricky but we will bring the potty chair with us! 

Here are my quick tips:

1. Find your DC's currency... their motivator: Stickers, a small food treat, tv time, ect.

2. Ask your DC frequently to tell you. It reminds them and puts the bug in their head that they might need to go. Depending on your DC's age language is still really developing. DD is very verbal but getting the 'urge' and then having to come up with the phrase, and then to run to the potty almost always = mess! They learn pretty fast how to hold it but it makes them feel more successful when you remind them and they make it!

3. Don't feel like you have to nap/night train right away. If they aren't ready it might only make them feel less successful and not want to try the other parts of the day. DD is going less during these times.

4. In our house you must try to go potty before we get in the car, when we get back, and before/after bed. She goes almost every time we make her try. Sometimes, it is a battle but most of the time if one of us 'tries' too she will go no problem.

I know this is long... but I think sometimes hearing other people's ideas helps!