From “3 Day Potty Training” by Lora Jensen:
1. The window for easily toilet training kids is from about 20 months to 2.5 years of age. Everybody is ready by 22 months to be dry day and night.
2. Have kids drink lots of fluids.
3. Have kids wear underwear.
4. Congratulate frequently on keeping underwear dry.
5. Do all kinds of things together – cook, colour, read books etc.
6. Rush kids to the toilet at first sign of accident.
7. Drop accidental BM in the toilet and treat as success.
From me trying to use the method:
1. I don’t need a 2 year old who can’t get up on the toilet, take underwear off and wipe themselves going when they “must go now”. I need to be in control of the process, and take them there on elective basis, rather then deal with emergencies. They will learn to recognize when they need to go in due time. In the meantime they need to at least give an honest try to releasing on the toilet.
2. I don’t need them to be dry in bed. It will mess with their sleeping schedule, and that is the foundation of everybody’s sanity. I want to get them out of bed when I am ready, not when they are ready, without feeling guilty that they might be uncomfortable holding it in.
3. Mild show of firm and loving force is necessary to assure consistent success.
4. Expectation of a definite and consistent reward is very important for motivation.
5. Little potty is probably more of an inconvenience than anything else.
6. Three days dedicated to toilet training a toddler is a priceless bonding time! It lets you traverse challenges and celebrate successes together, and it’s tremendous fun!