Any parent who has ever potty trained a child knows just how frustrating a task that can be. Some children take better to potty training than others, and what takes one child a week to accomplish takes other children months on end. For parents whose children fall into the latter category, a one-day potty training system might sound like a godsend.
What Is One-Day Potty Training?
The One Day Potty Training program is a system that was created by speaker/author Teri Crane. In her book, "Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day," she gives parents the tools they need to help their child become an accomplished "big kid." As outlined by Crane, the one-day potty training system accomplishes its goal by engaging the child. When potty training doesn't seem like a chore, many children are more willing to be a part of it. The more willing a child is, the quicker the potty training can be done and over with.
The Premise: Having a Potty Party
Potty parties are one of the engaging elements of Crane's one-day potty training system. The premise behind such a party is that it will motivate the child to be more willing to move on in life and use the toilet as "big kids" do. "Giving your toddler motivation is critical to your success, because when it comes to becoming toilet trained, most kids have absolutely no incentive," says Crane in her book. "When you look at it from their perspective, why would they? Life experience has proven that it's fast, easy and convenient to go in their diapers." To combat this way of thinking in children, Crane suggests potty parties to bring an element of fun to the potty training experience. After all, what do parties mean to little ones? "Fun, games, cake, candy, presents and prizes," suggests Crane in answer to this question.
The Stages of Potty Party Training
The potty party isn't like any party your child has probably ever had before. During the first stage, the child helps to "potty train" a doll who wets. As the child explains the potty training process to the doll, they begin to learn it themselves. During this stage, books and videos are used as visual aids to the potty training process.
The second stage involves something very similar to the first stage, but the focus has shifted to the child and his use of the toilet rather than a diaper. This is where the fun and games are built in, so that the child has a way to be rewarded with his potty successes.
The third stage of the party includes everyone else in the family, and perhaps a few close extended family members or friends, if there are no siblings to attend. During this stage, everyone makes a big deal about the potty training process, congratulating your child on her success and for teaching her doll how to use the toilet as well. This is where the gifts, treats and games come into play.
Why Does the One Day Potty Training System Work?
There is no surefire way of knowing whether or not Crane's potty training system will work for your child. Every child is different and has different needs when it comes to potty training. Some children are not physically nor mentally ready to begin potty training, and these children are bound to prove more difficult when it comes to applying this process. The idea behind the system is to take the negativity out of the potty training experience, giving children something to be excited about. Just as children are excited to learn about a new game or toy, the one-day potty training system is designed to get them excited about moving on to the next stage in life.
Dr. Phil's One Day Potty Training System
Crane's one day potty training system is not the only one out there. Dr. Phil is known for having a very similar system in place, potty party and all. The premise behind his system is to build muscle memory by having a child sit down on the potty 10 times once they have an accident. Once they successfully go on the toilet, the family has a potty party. This system also involves using a doll that wets, and it is designed to be accomplished in just one day.
