Potty training is one of those things that you can't really understand until you've gone through it. There are so many different opinions on what the best way to potty train is.
We talked to a group of moms who have been through it, and got some interesting responses. Here are a few excerpts from our chat. It seemed like some moms focused less on the methods they used and more on when they were ready.
Timing
"I tried with my first at 2 and quickly saw that she wasn't ready so I waited until she was 3. At that time she was ready so it was almost easy.... It's easy to be pressured into doing it early, but I think the best thing is to wait until both of you are ready!"
"I have two boys and the first born was a breeze. The second was very difficult. We tried before he was ready and that's a huge mistake. It becomes stressful for everyone if you try too soon."
"Potty training has been a challenge for both kids. I stupidly thought I would get it done early with number 1 and had a big surprise. With his autism diagnosis we didn't have him potty trained until 4... But I have tons of size two unused underwear. The second time, we waited! Probably longer than we should have and he definitely put up a fight."
For others, it was sticking to a routine that did it for them
"We stayed home for about a week and focused solely on that. She just went bottomless the whole time (and pull ups overnight) and that really seemed to do the trick. We also used M&M's as a reward. Did the same thing with my son and had the same success!"
"I would say skip the pull-ups during the day. My advice spend a long weekend in your home with the child wearing underwear and t-shirt. No pull-ups except at night. Not easy but very successful."
At the end of the day, these moms agreed that it all depends on the kid
"My first was a breeze. She basically told me she wanted to go on the potty and from there she was trained. Her only accidents ever were due to mom forgetting to ask her before we got in the car. My second was great with peeing on the potty, but was longer in a diaper because pooping was not something he was comfortable with. My advice would be do what works for you! There is never a right time or a right way; trust yourself as a parent (sometimes the hardest thing to do) you know your child!"
"My first was so easy! If it were up to me I wouldn't have changed a thing this time around. I think that it's not as much about the process as it is about the kiddo! Both the twins are different than my oldest and not interested like he was at this age. And then even between the two of them, one will sit on the potty for fun and one wants nothing to do with it! I think it's up to intuition about your kiddo, keeping it light-hearted, and introducing/observing/encouraging. We shall see how this twin potty training thing goes. Send wine."
In the end, every parent is going to have their own experience with potty training. Just like with all parenting decisions, trust yourself, trust your kid, and do what's right for you.
By Stacey.