Oh Crap! Potty Training

characterized by a funny look on his face. This look is part interest—
there’s a certain fascination for him in watching himself pee, to be
sure—but he’ll also probably look at you like a deer in the headlights.
“Uh-oh . . . what the hell am I supposed to do now?” Keep an eye out
for this look. Often it comes right before the pee, and it can help you
get your child to the toilet in time.
The first day proceeds. By the third pee, she’ll probably know it’s
coming one to two seconds before it actually starts. Rush to the potty.
Each time she pees, she’ll know a little further in advance, which will
buy you a bit more time to get her to the potty. Watching your child
closely this first day will also give you an idea of what kind of pee-er
you have. Some kids do five little pees after taking in some fluid;
others wait an hour and then do one huge pee.
Being naked, your child may very quickly catch on and sit by
himself. A quick note about boys: definitely have him sit down to pee
for now. Hold his penis down for him and tell him what you’re doing
to teach him how. Don’t have him attempt standing and aiming yet.
Somewhere in Block One, you should start to get good at noticing
“that look” in your child’s eyes, which is generally accompanied by
some sort of physical signal that you’ll begin to recognize. You may
see him standing perfectly still or stop playing. He may or may not
signal with his hands and/or words. When you see the look and/or
signal, help him get to the potty. Are you seeing how this day works?
Again, with all the fluids he’s drinking, there should be a fair number
of pees. Even if your child is a camel, though, remember: no asking if
he has to go. Just prompt him every so often. Expect success. Most
kids I’ve worked with “get it” remarkably fast. You may even be