My son was 21 months old, and although I felt huge as a whale, grouchy,and frumpy, I was excited on one beautiful fall Saturday, because my cousin and his wife, Marvin and Robin, were coming to spend the whole day with us. My second child was due to be born in two weeks, and the company would keep my mind occupied with adult talk…Woo-hoo! We enjoyed a breakfast together, and then my cousin asked if my 21 month old son, Ben, was potty trained. I replied that he wasn’t. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I didn’t know where to start, so it had never happened. Robin said the she would be happy to start the process for me, and that at the end of the day, the ‘worst’ would be over. She walked me through the process, and within 3 days, Ben was potty trained.
The same process worked for all of my children, along with other people’s children that I have helped along the way.
Here goes:
Pick a three day period that you know you’re going to be captive in your home. Put in on your calendar.
Talk to your child a few weeks in advance about the special event that’s about to happen in his life. You can say things like how much fun it’s going to be to wear big boy pants. Or, explain that he will use the potty and be just like daddy, or Uncle Mike. REALLY talk it up!!!!!!!!!
Buy a small potty or contraption, and purchase rewards that would be special for THAT child.
Pray for wisdom and success!
When the special day arrives, take off the diaper. Tell them how important this day is, and explain that there will be rewards for obeying and trying really hard. Every 30 minutes put your child on the potty. Only have him sit for 3-4 minutes, and repeat the process until bedtime.
My firstborn LOVED having me read books to him more than anything! While he was on the potty, I read to him. When he successfully used the potty, he received a brand new book. EVERY time he was successful for those 3 days, he received a book.

I think that one of the secrets to potty training is mom’s attitude. (Doesn’t it seem like it’s always up to us!!!!!??????)
I’ll share about ‘that’ attitude, more of the nitty-gritty, and nap and bedtime potty training tomorrow!
I’ll also share my Friday Finds!