Yolande

What is the best potty training method? Well that depends on how you define potty train. If you mean that your child will be completely accident free after 3 days, then the answer is NO. And any program that promises you that, you should definitely stay away from. Your child will have accidents and that is completely normal.


If you think that your child will be diaper free at night time after only 3 days, then the answer is also a resounding NO! Being able to hold urine in during the night is a developmental thing. Your child's bladder has to signal the brain and wake her up. That is something that happens with age. This is not something you can train or control. Sure a few lucky parents will take away diapers during the day, and their child will stay dry at night too. But those are a lucky few, and usually the ones that start potty training late, meaning the child has already achieved that physiological development.

Now if you define potty training as your child being able to control pee or poop and let it go in potty or toilet. You expect a few accidents here and there, and you don't think night-time control is a prerequisite. Then YES, it is possible to potty train in 3 days.

Now let's talk about the different potty training methods and programs out there.

Keep in mind that they all have pretty much the same concept. Which is that you get rid of diapers, devote yourself to at least 3 days of stay at home potty training, and not use pull-ups to sabotage the process. So I will discuss the main differences between them.

#1 Pick Start Potty Training Program, by Carol Cline

Out of all the programs I have reviewed, this one is my favorite potty training method. This program is created by a mother of 4, and daycare owner who has tons of experience with potty training toddlers. In this program, Carol teaches you an easy to follow method of potty training, with no pressure to nighttime train.What I really love is that she covers a variety of topics. She talks about differences between potty training boys and girls. She has special sections in the program for special needs children (autism, down syndrome etc). There is a section especially for twins/multiples, and older children who may be more difficult to train. The best part of this program is the "bumps in the road" section, which every potty training parent will face during potty training. In this section she addresses fear of pooping, wetting the bed, tantrums, regression, public restrooms and so much more. She also teaches you how to handle outings to places like the mall, fairs, pools, and even airplane travels. I also love the fact that you can ask her questions when they come up during the training process (and trust me, your always going to have questions). Carol offers a "lifeline" where you can reach her directly, with any unique questions you may have.

The personal consultations is what had me sold. This program goes way beyond a quick 3 day potty training method, Carol Cline literally helps you through EVERYTHING. There isn't a topic that she doesn't cover. You are truly getting your money's worth. That is why I recommend this program above any other. Don't be discouraged by the gimmicky sales page. The site could use a little work in the marketing department. I bet many parents are turned off by the silly video. But if you overlook that, it's a really great program. Another great thing about the program is that it's available for immediate download, so you don't have to wait to start potty training. Here is the newest version of the Start Potty Training Program .

No-Sweat Potty Training, by Dana Obleman

This is another popular potty training program. And as most of the other programs, you ditch the diapers, offer tremendous praise and rewards for success. The main difference with this program is that your child is allowed to wear diapers at night. Dana considers daytime and nighttime training as two separate entities. Dana says "you should also understand (and let your child know) that he’ll still be using diapers at nighttime, and that nighttime diapers are OK — even for big kids! (The fact is that bladder control at night takes longer to master.)" This alone is a huge plus in my book. I need a program that's going to offer a realistic method and approach, not a quick gimmick. What I also like about Dana Obleman is that you can get lots of freebies right from her site. Useful information that may answer your questions, before you even decide to purchase the program. For example, right now you can get a free PDF where Dana talks about potty training myths, and gives you tips on how to potty train. You can get that here without purchasing the program.

3 Day Potty Training by, Lora Jensen

A program that quickly gained popularity (I'm guessing it has something to do with title). The gist of this program is that you take away all diapers, put on underwear, and don't ever revert back to diapers. You offer liquids and high fiber foods. And you praise and reward your child for using the potty. It's a pretty simple program, straightforward and easy to follow. There are a few things I didn't like. First Lora has you refer to accidents as "yucky" or "pew".

Now my little girl had a very bad fear of "letting it go." (you can read about that HERE) Among all my research, I learned that kids with these fears usually view their "duty" as part of themselves and their body. In my opinion, the worst thing you can do is call "a part of your child's body", "yucky". That's a horrible idea, and will only make your child feel ashamed. The other thing that was a deal breaker was that Lora has you take away diapers, even at night-time. I agree taking them away during the day, but as I mentioned before night-time training is a developmental milestone, that matures with age. Lora says that if your child is at least 22 months old, they should be waking up dry and gives you a few different options of "nighttime training". I tried her method and it just didn't work. There is no way my 22 month old was going to stay dry at night. That is not something you can "train". She wet the bed over and over. When she woke up, the diaper had cold pee, and she had no idea she had done it. Meaning she did at some point during the night while she was asleep. Waking my daughter up from her sleep to take her potty just wasn't an option for us. And you can't really change things up either, Lora says you have to "follow the program to the T" for it to be successful. This program may work for others, but it didn't work for us.

So there you have it! A quick guide to the most popular 3 day potty training programs that promise to potty train your child in a few days. If there are any you would like me to review that I haven't mentioned please leave me a comment below, and I will try my best to get a copy for review

I love Teacher Appreciation Week...and not just because I am a teacher ;)

Of course, my reasons are two-fold.

Reason #1 I love Teacher Appreciation Week because I AM a Teacher and it's always nice to be appreciated. Yes, teachers get 3 months off...blah blah blah. BUT we have one of the hardest jobs there....I spend 5 hours a day with 150 7th graders who are 12 & 13 years old.... who are going through puberty. THAT is no easy task. It's exhausting. I am not only trying to teach them math (which is probably the least liked subject out there) but I am also trying to maintain classroom management and teach these kids important Life Skills like time management, teamwork, being KIND and being a good citizen.

Reason #2 I love Teacher Appreciation Week is because my girls are also in school and I LOVE giving gifts to their awesome teachers. I truly am thankful for and appreciate their amazing teachers and want them to know how much they are appreciated, even if it's a small gesture.

I think Teachers have one of the hardest jobs out there and as a parent, I want to make sure my kids teachers KNOW how much I appreciate them.

I like giving little goodies to my kids teachers throughout the year (and giving them THIS questionnaire at the beginning of the school year is super helpful)

Here is what you need:

- Bundlets from Nothing Bundt Cakes (or make your own bundt cake)
-Printable (found at the bottom of the post)
- Cellophane wrap
-Bakers Twine (or ribbon)
-Scissors
- Hole Punch
- Pen

Here is a close up of the Printable that I made...I made 2 color combos.
A peach/pink one:


 Brown/Blue:

It says "How Sweet it is to be Taught by You" and then at the bottom it says "Thanks a bundt-ch for all you do"You know I love a good play on words :)

 These are SO easy to put together.
I like the Bundlet size because it comes in a container!

Red Velvet is my favorite :)
Fill out the printable, cut out some cellophane wrap & tie a string around it.
Both my girls are in speech, so we are giving one to their speech teacher also :)

I loved how these turned out...so cute & easy to make!

{Click to download. Right click & then Save.}

{Click to download. Right click & then Save.}
I also made a version that doesn't say "Thanks a bundt-ch for all you do"
Not everyone has a Nothing Bundt Cakes near them, so I wanted you to be able to use it for something else.
I have it saying "Thanks for all you do"
This way you, you don't have to use a bundt cake.
You could attach it to cupcakes, doughnuts, candy apples, etc....Anything sweet...the possibilities are endless!

{Click to download. Right click & then Save.}
{Click to download. Right click & then Save.}


I hope you will be able to use this printable!

Need more Teacher Appreciation Ideas?
Here are some other free printables that I have on my blog that would be perfect for Teacher Appreciation and/or End of the School Year Gifts!

Dinner is on Us:

Free Printable {HERE}

Cupcakes in a Mason Jar + Free Printable:

{HERE}

I'm so lucky to have a teacher like you Printable (I add a gift card to this)

{HERE}

Thank you for being my Teacher (Cookie in a CD Sleeve with gift card)

{HERE}


Thanks a latte for all you do:
Get the printable {HERE}

I love this idea because this is what is inside the box....my favorite Anthro mug & coffee gift cards :)

Thanks for helping me bloom printable:

{HERE}

The World Needs S'more Teachers like You Printable

Printable {HERE}


 S'mores Bar Recipe {HERE}

In the Cookie of Life, Teachers are the Chocolate Chips:

Free Printable {HERE}

So, there you have it.
Several easy (& cheap!) gifts you can give the teachers/coaches/office staff in your life as a way of saying Thank You. These work for Teacher Appreciation Week, End of the School Year or Just Because!
And, the beauty of these gifts is that you could always attach a $5 or $10 giftcard to any of these treats (if you want to) 
Hope some of these ideas are useful to you!

 See you back here tomorrow for What's Up Wednesday!
Our bonus question is: What's your Favorite Mother's Day gift to give or receive?

I was dying.  between feeling like I was going to puke the entire day and then not having eaten AT ALL.. and the pressure to hide my bump that was completely NOT hide-able at this point.

BOY.  what in the world am I going to do with a boy?!