How to Potty Train a Child in One Day

By eHow Parenting Editor

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The thought of potty training often makes parents cringe. This transition from diapers to big kid pants, can be exasperating and may leave many parents feeling defeated. If you're frustrated by potty training, try this method and get it done in a day.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Potty training doll
Child-sized potty or potty training seat
Big kid underwear
Potty training DVD

Step1

Watch your child for signs indicating potty training readiness. Toddlers who are ready for potty training often exhibit the following behaviors: dry diaper for hours, regularity of bowel movements, fewer bowel movements at night and urinating a lot at one time. You toddler may also start pulling on his pants or squatting when he has to go.

Step2

Buy the materials necessary for potty training. These include potty training doll, child-sized potty or potty seat, big kid underwear and a potty training DVD. Be sure your potty training doll takes in and eliminates fluid.

Step3

Allow your child to play with the doll for several days. The child can feed the doll and then change the doll's diaper. Show your child the doll's big kid pants and tell your child that the doll is going to wear them soon. Then, show your child her own big kid pants and tell her that she also will wear them soon.

Step4

Plan a potty party for the "big day" when your child sheds diapers for underwear. Hold the party on the weekend when everyone is home to congratulate and encourage your toddler. Hang balloons and streamers. Make a cake and give your toddler presents.

Step5

Celebrate. Have your child ceremoniously throw the diapers in the trash and put on the big kid underwear. Then give your child cake and presents and seat the doll so it can participate in the party. Your child can then watch a potty training DVD.

Step6

Instruct your child to remove the doll's underwear and sit the doll on the toilet or potty chair. Ask your child if she has to go potty. Keep asking and bring your child to the potty frequently. Celebrate when your child urinates in the potty.

Step7

Make the doll have an accident to show your child how you have to clean up after an accident. Keep this interaction positive, but be sure your child is involved in the cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

Prepare for about 2 weeks of potty accidents after the "big day." This is normal and should be handled in a positive manner.
You cannot potty train in one day without advance preparation and follow up.

Comments

soccermatrix said

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on 6/23/2008 OK, this article makes no sense. It is not a really a One Day deal if you are forcing you child into potting training, and at the same time you tell parents to prepare for 2 weeks of potty accidents. Of course there are going to be accidents if you are forcing the child. Also, preparing the child for weeks before the "big day" counts as the potty training process, so again, it's not a "One Day" thing. Whatever.

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