Being a potty trainer out in the world isn't easy, I tell you. If I happen to mention it on the playground I'm either flooded with questions or defenses. But one question keeps coming up and I thought I'd hit it head on here. It used to be, "What's your trick?" But I think people finally realize there's no trick.
Now it's, "So, what's your method?"
It used to annoy me because I'd be like, Um…wrote a book. Don't have a soundbite.
But recently a Dad questioned "my method". And I got a little pissy. Because it turns out, I don't have a method.
And, I DO have a soundbite.
Ready??? Here it is:
THROW AWAY THE DIAPERS. DEAL WITH IT. I think the subtitle is: Be a good parent and deal with this transition with patience, grace and consistency. (I also really like "Just Do It"…but Nike totally already nabbed that one)
That's it folks. There are no METHODS out there. If there were a specific method that guaranteed absolute success in any and every child THIS SHIT WOULD BE ON OPRAH.
IT WOULD COST $500 AND IT WOULD BE VIRAL IN 3 SECONDS. We would all know about it.
I don't have a method. I have written down HOW TO potty train. I have written down the EASIEST way to handle this transition. I have written down the MOST COMMON reactions that children have to this transition. I have written down the BEST WAYS for you to help your child with this transition.
I support you in the forum. I'm really, really good at seeing what's beneath a situation. I'm really good at hearing what might not be being said. I'm really good with kids and behavior. And I'm REALLY good at talking moms off the ceiling.
I DON'T HAVE A METHOD.
I have patience and a strong sense of accountability. I want YOU to succeed because I know you can. I want YOU to connect with your child through this transition. I want your child to feel pride in self mastery. And I want this all to happen with anyone going crazy.
I simply know how to do something you may not be sure how to do. THERE IS NO MAGIC.
STOP THINKING OF A METHOD. Start thinking of this as just another thing you are going to help your child learn.
And breathe.
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