Toilet Training a Toddler: What To Actually Expect! (Part 1)

The time is 09:15, We’re on day 3 of toilet training Elsie, Me and Amy are still sick, and time is ceasing to exist…

Let me take you through the past couple of days of this journey to give you an insight of what to REALLY expect when attempting this feat!

Day 1: Me, my wife chanted “No More Nappies, No More Nappies” to invoke a type of positive response from the situation, Elsie chanted along with no idea what any of it all meant…

We had accidents all day in every room of the house (Im starting to think they were targeted urine attacks) and one poop… I didn’t know what to expect but to be honest, she sat on the toilet, she got excited about doing it and eventually had about 2-3 successful toilet trips, so 2 out of 30 isn’t too bad… right?

Day 2: Day 2 arrived like a thief in the night, started when we finished off (wondering, are we doing this right, like most parents) “Nic-Nic’s” on “No More Nappies, No More Nappies” chanted like cult leaders, and away we went.

Asking every 10 minutes:

“Do you need a wee”

“Do you want to go to the toilet”

“Do you need a poo”

“Remember to let Mummy and Daddy know if you need the toiled”

All whilst giving us a blank stare back and weeing on the floor. Day 2 provided us with more insights into what to look out for, patterns and signs of incoming dangers. Ultimetly, it’s important to let the “accidents” happen, treat them as not a big deal and ensure to keep your child engaged with the training. We have a book and a chart with stickers to help her engage more and “game-ify” the process (I’ll share some links at the end of the posts for things we are using that have been a great help so far!) Day 2 Ended with tired parents and a “relatively dry” daughter (still lots of accidents)

Day 3: (Current day writing this)

We’re still in the trenches, Learning as we go, Googling things like:

“Is it normal for your child to love weeing on the floor”

“How long is this going to take”

“Hy house stinks” stuff like that…

It’s currently 1pm, We’ve had minimal accidents, and we think she’s starting to understand when she needs the toilet, she has told us a couple of times which is great (still after the accident has occurred) but its good knowing she now associated that with the toilet. PROGRESS!

We haven’t gone out yet due to accidents ultimately happening elsewhere, not that im embarrassed but we’re not sure if it makes sense whilst she’s this fresh into training, maybe I'm wrong, what do I know, I’m just a dad!

I will update with a Part 2 to this when she gets the hang of it, might be next week, might be next year, who knows!

I’d love to hear some of your toilet training stories!

Links:

Who's in the Loo? Paperback – Picture Book - https://amzn.to/4tQ3R4X

Potty Training Reward Chart - https://amzn.to/3ZREFxg

Potty Training Pants - https://amzn.to/3Mt71uG

2PCS Waterproof Baby Car Seat Protectors - https://amzn.to/40nKuCD

And hands down the best purchase for this endeavour: Soft Close Toilet Seat with Child Seat Built-in - https://amzn.to/4s4Vgtp