they are occurring. So when you hear one of those miraculous stories
from your friend/neighbor/sister, they got lucky is all.
Before you actually begin any potty training, you will need to do a
few things in preparation for getting started.
Set a date.
You need to pick a date to start the process. You can pick any start
date. I usually recommend starting about two weeks after reading this
book, but really, tomorrow is fine, too. The two-week waiting period
is to prepare you and to give your mind a break. Chances are, you’ve
been spending a lot of time lately reading up on potty training,
thinking about it, asking around the playground, fending off the
know-it-alls, and feeling a little guilty every time you change a
diaper. Give yourself two weeks NOT to think about it. Set a date
that will allow you, and hopefully your partner, to focus fully on potty
training for three or four days. Holiday weekends are perfect. This is
the same sort of preparation period people go through when they pick
a date to start a workout routine, a diet, or to quit smoking. It gives
you that last hoorah. Set your date and luxuriate in diapers for those
two weeks. The waiting period also preps you for a major transition in
your child’s life—from baby to little kid. I find some parents have a
fear about giving up their baby. It’s a bittersweet time and worth self-
examination. It’s my personal philosophy that we shouldn’t try to
hold our children back to fill our own emotional needs. In a bit, I’ll
offer some advice to help both you and your child cope with the
emotions of the transition.