Go big or go home, right?

I remember reading some advice a while back: “The closer you wait until 3, the easier it will be,” and “They learn faster when you leave them naked.” So I took that to heart. Unless it was nap time or bedtime, my 2.5-year-old got full freedom—running around letting it all hang out. He was thrilled!

(If you want to know why we decided to start potty training now, you can read about it [HERE])

---

Day 1: The Novelty

It was all new and exciting! He made a game out of going to the potty, playing with the seat, and washing his hands. I reminded him every 15–30 minutes, but we still had a few accidents. Twice—even after we had just used the potty—he pooped on the floor. 😅

The real challenge? Keeping his 11-month-old brother (our enthusiastic crawler) away from the potty… and out of accidents before I could clean them. Fun times!

---

Day 2: Reality Hits

We started with a very poopy morning. You know those Roomba horror stories involving poop? Yeah, we don’t have a Roomba—but we do have a toddler with a twisted sense of humor.

He wasn’t as eager today. Every 30 minutes, I had to lead him to the bathroom instead of him running there. And washing hands? Totally lost its appeal.

Lesson of the day: if he’s wearing a diaper, he will use it. I might grab some regular underwear soon and see if that makes a difference.

---

Day 3: A Breakthrough

We pooped in the toilet! 🎉

Even better—he ran in there on his own to do it. The rest of the day was mostly a potty break, though, with church and grandparents taking up most of his attention.

---

Day 4: The Test

I was worried we’d have to start all over after a day away from home, but he proved me wrong—he pooped in the toilet again on his own! I was so proud.

Most of the day went well. He took initiative, but by late afternoon, he was overtired and started having accidents. Skipping naps is a surefire way to lose potty progress.

---

Day 5: Still Strong 💪

We started the day off great.

But the toilet excitement is definitely wearing off. Now I have to carry him to the bathroom when he’s too into his toys. A few accidents today—mostly on the deck, and one in the house.

One major win: I put a diaper on for his nap, and it was still dry when I sat him on the potty afterward. 🙌

---

Day 6: Setbacks and Silver Linings

He refused to go first thing in the morning. I didn’t push it—I don’t want him associating the potty with pressure or negative emotions.

Not long after, he ran in and pooped all on his own again. Relief! But it didn’t last. Less than a minute after he finished, he ran straight to the deck… and peed. On. The. Deck. 😩

---

Day 7: One Week Later

After one full week of this crash-course potty training, I have to say—I’m impressed.

Yes, we’re still having accidents if I’m not setting a timer and walking him to the bathroom. But when it comes to pooping? He’s pretty much doing that entirely on his own. 🙌

There’s still a lot of practice ahead, but I can confidently say: we are well on our way to being diaper-free.

---

Potty training tips I’ve learned so far:

• Naked time helps!
• Diapers during the day = setbacks (try toddler underwear instead)
• Don’t skip naps (tired toddlers = more accidents)
• Celebrate the small wins—they really add up

If you’re in the thick of it too, hang in there! You’ve got this (and so do they 💩).