Hi moms! My daughter is 3 and 3 months, and I would like to start preschool in the fall, but of course she must be potty trianed. She shows some interest, but has never done it. I think if I can just get her to do it 2 or 3 time that she would really start to get the concept.
Has anyone ever tried the potty training concept of sitting in the bathroom ALL day for one day? I've heard of this and need some tips. I want to take Saturday, make the bathroom comfy, have a DVD player, pillows, toys and lots of juice and water. Then I'll put her on the toilet every 20 to 30 minutes. I will have her prepare for it with me (to get her excited) by buying some prizes and treats and having a bucket of them in the bathroom. Also, we'll pick movies and toys to take on our "Bathroom Campout".
I'm just not exactly sure how to execute certain things. Should I tell her "today you become a big girl and wear big girl panties" and put her in them that day, or what....I need help!
Thanks in advance!
DO NOT camp out in the bathroom! She might just learn to hate that room!
Let her pick out "princess panties" or whatever she's into, - if you have a dolly that "wets," put the dolly on the toilet to show her it fun! Take her in first thing in the morning, then every hour or so. Yes, you'll have some accidents, but she's old enough to figure it out quickly. Once she understands the sensation, every 2 hours is about right. Good luck!
With all of my kids, that is exactly what I told them. We never did the campout in the bathroom thing, but I would take a week off and stay home and just focus on potty training. I had them pick out packages of "panties/underwear" and we made a big party about it. All of my kids, except one stubborn one, were potty trained in under a week.
check your local library for potty training books I know one of the ones I read awhile ago talked about potty parties. Which sound similar to what you are doing. They got a baby doll that pees and had the child train the dolly first and then transitioned to having the child use the potty. THey also gave treats and prizes. Sorry I can't remember the exact name but I'm sure the librarian could point you in the right direction. I haven't tried it but will be going through potty training my youngest in the next year.
Good Luck
Unless she is ready for the potty it could easily backfire and make training much more difficult. Age and interest don't necessarily indicate readiness. Does she stay dry for more than 3 hours at a time (like during a nap), can she tell you if she's wet or dirty, does she dislike being wet or dirty? Language skills are also important, so she can talk and understand what is going on.
Instead of camping out in the bathroom, I would suggest buying a package or two of the cloth training underwear - she can feel if she's wet but they are easier for cleanup than regular undies. Talk up how great it will be to be a big girl and go on the potty and let her pick some pretty panties for when she's done. Then, this may sound gross, but let her see that you go to the potty (mom only is great, she doesn't need to see dad do it) so she knows it's a normal thing that everyone does. Just leave the door open a bit and tell her "mommy needs to go potty. Do you want to try going potty too?" Modeling is the best way for kids to learn.
You may also want to talk to the preschool. Not all schools require kids be 100% trained at 3, especially if it is only a 3 hour program. And many kids who are 'trained' will have accidents once or twice at school, even in to Kindergarten, so they should at least be aware and prepared for that kids of thing. She can wear pull-ups and carry an extra on in her backpack. Again, seeing other kids go potty may be all it takes.
