The Potty Train

When our #7 was about ready to potty train, I said something to him about it, and he responded with, “Train? Potty choo-choo?” Ha ha! That sounds just like our train-loving, silly boy. 🙂

He picked up on using the toilet pretty quickly, which was a blessing. Especially considering that #6 had been hard to train, and #8 was way harder!

One of the hardest things about potty-training is never knowing how long or rough the ride will be. There is such a wide range of “normal” when it comes to learning that skill. Each child is very individual. It’s so easy when we look at other children to compare and either feel bad or boastful, but in reality it only matters that they’re on the right track.

How do I know if I’m on the right track for potty-training? 

When I was starting to teach our first one about using the bathroom, I looked at several different books and articles just trying to find out what to expect and exactly what my job was in this new adventure. I was disappointed when all I found were tips on how to do it better or faster. Have you seen those things that say you can potty-train in 3 days? I really don’t get that, because in my experience that just isn’t realistic.

So after taking the “potty train” 9 times, I’m ready to write those instructions I was looking for.

All aboard the Potty Train!

When you and your little one are ready to potty train, you’ll have to pause a lot of your daily tasks, because this ride will keep you busy!

Potty-training Phase 1: At the Station

• Parents’ job: Help them figure out what the bathroom is used for by helping them practice the bathroom routine. Don’t expect them to actually go in this phase, but if they do, give them lots of praise encouragement to help them know that’s what the goal is.
• Little one’s job: Start learning what the bathroom is for and start learning the routine. (The song from Daniel Tiger comes to mind, “Flush and wash and be on your way…”)
• Expected time frame: A few days to a few weeks.

For a positive potty training method for phase 1, see my other post It’s Potty Time!

Potty-training Phase 2: Climb on the Train and Start Chugging

• Parents’ job: Once they get the concept of using the toilet, it’s time to practice. Set your timer for about 45 minutes to start with, and adjust as necessary. Talk to them about paying attention to the signs their body is giving that they need to go. You can find all kinds of tips for this phase. It’s important to keep it as positive as possible for both you and your little one, but the main idea is to practice, practice, practice.
• Little one’s job: Keep trying until they learn how to control the muscles used for going potty and how to recognize when they need to go.
• Expected time frame: A few weeks to several months.

Potty-training Phase 3: We Have a New Conductor!

• Parent’s job: Escort your little one to the bathroom when they tell you they need to go. This is so exciting when they start telling you instead of you telling them!
• Little one’s job: Tell parents when they need to go, keep working on paying attention to body cues, work on details of pants up and down, handwashing, etc.
• Expected time frame: A few weeks to a few months

Potty-training Phase 4: Hopping off the Train.

At some point on this potty journey, every child that I’ve known of has had accidents, and a period of more than normal accidents. Whether it’s from distraction, boredom, worry about other things in their lives, or just being tired of all the work of potty training, they just want to do something else. This is normal. I know how discouraging it can be when you’ve given it so much time and effort and they seem to discard it, but don’t take it personally. Say things like, “What a bummer,” or “I know you can do it next time,” instead of scolding them. With some encouragement and reminders, they’ll get back on track.

Potty-training Phase 5: Reach the destination of bathroom independence! Woo hoo! You made it!

The past couple weeks our little #10 has told me “pobby” several times. Once we’re in the bathroom she backs toward the toilet. Hehe! So cute!

I don’t know if I’m really ready to board the potty train again, but knowing that we’re coming up on 20 strait years of having a little one in diapers, having the end in sight is exciting. So ready or not, I’m back at the station.

If you have any questions about potty training, leave them in the comments.

Thanks for reading my blog post. If you like it, tell your friends. And go enjoy your adventure.

For more on potty-training, click below.