Hannah would be proud to announce that she is a BIG GIRL now!
A week and a half ago we undertook the HUGE task of potty training. We decided that we'd try the three-day potty training method (loosely!). The premise is that you go cold turkey on the diapers and spend three days holed up at home (with occasional trips outside) and supposedly the kiddo figures out the process enough that the rest of the training process goes much more smoothly. That, plus, we were really banking on Hannah wanting to be a big girl so badly.
So Saturday (after prepping her through the week for what was to come), we took the diapers off when she got up and put her in panties. T-shirt and panties and socks, nothing else (we were also fortunate to have a warm weekend). We put her small potty chair in the front room where we typically spend our time. Then we put her on the potty every 20 minutes by the kitchen timer. Saturday morning went great because she was so excited and we were pretty attentive. Nap was a rather wet experience - we decided that we'd stick with diapers for any sleeping activities in the future, at least until she is consistently dry at naptime. The afternoon did not go well... all in all, I think we washed 8-10 pairs of panties. :)
Did I mention that every mention I've seen of the three day potty training suggests that by the end of the first day, you'll think that you are crazy?! Definitely!
Sunday, Hannah and I stayed home from church to keep practicing. Still putting her on the potty every 15-20 minutes. Still having accidents - BUT, she was actually telling me she had to go sometimes and much more potty actually made it in the potty. Pretty proud of any potty that made it in the potty. Only washed 5-6 pairs of panties on Sunday!
Then.
On Monday, Hannah decided it would be easier if she just let me know when she needed to go potty... She'd get a surprised look on her face, "My wanna go potty," and run for the potty. We'd get there and her panties would be slightly (drops) damp and she'd put the rest in the potty! I think I only changed her panties one time all day! Even with playing outside!
On each of these days we practiced going potty right before we went outside. Practiced what you need to say when you need to go potty. Practiced the "going potty routine". Got praise, dancing, hugs, candy and the whole nine yards whenever she had any amount of success.
Wow! Well, I was a little nervous about sending her back to dayschool! Sent 6 pairs of changes, just in case!
Tuesday they took her potty every 20-30 minutes - when I picked her up from school she was still in the SAME panties I'd taken her to school in! and very proud!
Wednesday she had 2 accidents at school - learned they were still taking her, she wasn't asking to go. BUT, that had an impact!
Thursday, she made up her mind that she'd better tell someone when she needed to go! :) Again, came home in the same panties! Same thing on Friday!
We had a great weekend too, even when going to the Ag Fest for 2 hours she remembered to tell us when she needed to go! Sunday she was a little nervous going to church and having to remember to tell someone when she had to go - but had great success!
Total, in the last week (since our potty training boot camp weekend), Hannah has had 5 accidents (more than just damp - enough to change clothes/panties)!
I am so proud of our big girl! And she is so proud of herself. She informed me last week one evening that when baby sister comes she cannot wear panties, because "panties not for babies!" I'd say we're well on our way!
Now, if she'd just figure out how to put the poopie in the potty too! (she's saving that for when she's got a diaper on!)
Everyone Helped!
