Lots is said of the Potty Training in Three Days Method. While much of it undoubtedly falls in-line with what we believe to be Potty Training best practices, below is a list of our 'Yes, Absolutely!' to-do's, and also some areas in which a bit of personalization is recommended to help set your kiddo up for potty-training success - and a lot less stress for you! :)  Take a read below and let us know what your favorite tips and tricks are!

The Good

• Wait Until Your Kiddo is Ready and Shows Signs!
• Talk About Body Awareness - what it feels like to need to go potty!
• Create a consistent routine!
• Be COMMITTED!

1. Wait Until Your Kiddo is Ready and Shows Signs

One thing that is almost guaranteed to cause A LOT of frustration - especially for the parent - is to try and force Potty Training when the child may not physically be ready. We know so many parents that have lost a lot of sleep (and hair) trying to force their child to potty-train. While some kids may be ready but just don't know it, potty-training proves to be significantly easier and more successful if you do it when the child shows signs of being ready. But what are those signs?!

Great question - we're glad you asked! There are many common signs to watch for. So keep an eye out for actions or comments such as:

- Your goes to the corner or seeks privacy to go potty in their diaper

- They verbally tell you they went 'peeps' or 'poops'

- Your child is staying dry for several hours - perhaps even over night

- Is interested in the potty and the toilet

Those signs are almost guarantees that your child is ready. Once they start showing any or all of these, literally jump at the opportunity to get potty-training started!

2. Talk About Body Awareness

 This falls closely in-line with the first point. Many kids will begin talking about the need to go potty when they are ready. If you're feeling particularly anxious to get started and your child hasn't started talking about it, don't hesitate to proactively speak with them about it. What it feels like to need to go pee-pee. What it feels like to need to go poop. How it feels to pee in a diaper, or even peeing their pants or bed. Children grasp that and can quickly learn. Do NOT hesitate to begin speaking with your child about how it feels to need to go potty!

3. Create a Routine!

Routine. Routine. Routine. We can't say this enough. Children thrive mentally and emotionally in consistent and stable environments. This is no different for potty-training. By having consistent routines, your child can quickly assimilate to potty training expectations. Specifically, we always recommend the following:

- Include going potty a part of the bedtime routine (brushing teeth, reading, etc)

- Begin limiting liquids around dinner time

- Once you're committed, stay committed. Don't deviate from your routine and plan!

4. Be Committed!

Potty training can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are ambitious and are pushing your child to learn quickly. When your child pees all over your new rug, you're going to want to go straight back to the diaper. DO NOT GO BACK TO THE DIAPERS! By doing so, you may be confusing your child and their understanding of potty-training. Yes, it may be hard to take your child to go potty every hour or so (or less), but by committing to it and following through, your child will learn much more quickly. Just like you tell your precious kiddo, we remind you - "You can do hard things!" Be committed, have patience, and your kiddo will learn!