the same exact expression, tone, and words for pees that do and do
not make it into the potty, your child is going to assume that both are
acceptable.
Think of it this way: when your child hits another kid, you employ
expression, tone, and words to communicate that his action was
wrong. You say, “No. We don’t hit.” You physically intervene and
stop the hitting. You most likely will have a frown or a facial
expression that communicates displeasure. Same thing with potty
training; you don’t have to be mean about it, but do be clear. There’s
a right way and a wrong way. You want to teach your child the right
way.
They Get It, They Lose It, They Get It, They Lose It
This situation is very similar to the “it’s not okay” scenario. Once
your child has had a couple of successes in a row, you know he can do
it. The learning process is over. Yes, there can still be accidents, but
there will generally be some clear reason for them. If there isn’t, head
over to chapter 13, “Behavior vs. Potty Training” and give the ideas
presented there some thought. Once your child starts to use the potty
correctly, you know he can. From there, unexplained backsliding is
usually a behavioral issue, either the result of resistance or “laziness.”
Pooping in Nap/Night Diaper
So you’re a couple of weeks into potty training, and it’s coming to