Dear, Mommy, Daddy, and Grandmom,

So, I’ve been having some high-level discussions with some of my toddler friends about a big turning point in our lives;  kicking these diaper vibes to the curb.  There are lots of ideas out there, but we are pretty clear that the final decisions should be a family affair – that means, you, Daddy, me, and the distinguished Grandmom (since she watches me sometimes while you work).

First, though, let’s consider some other big milestones we have been through.  Have you noticed that my toddler journey to becoming little human superstars isn’t exactly a “ta-da” kind of situation?  Like when I was learning to walk on my own, I went through different pre-walking accomplishments.  At first, I loved holding both your hands to get to different places and moving around with my walking push-toys.  Coffee table scooting and couch surfing were also favorite games of mine way back then.  Then I felt brave and more confident about wobbles, and so I started standing on my own.  For me, falling was not my favorite thing, but I hear that some of my friends don’t mind it that much.  As I got more practice with my balance and coordination, I remember taking a few steps in between the two of you. Sometimes Auntie was involved in those person-to-person stunts also.  Remember all those things I needed to get good at before I became the excellent walker that I am today?  Potty training is a progression too.  And guess what? I’ve got the scoop on those steps, from the experts.  Ready for this? I know you’re ready, so let’s dive into the epic saga of how I evolve from a diaper devotee to a big-kids pants pioneer.

First off, we’ve done some solid research, and it turns out this potty-training rodeo takes longer than you would think.  Roughly seven months to a year, give or take.  During this time, I’ll be unveiling a series of feats that’ll rival any superhero origin story.  I’m talking about potty chair investigation, sitting practice and legit conversations with you about when it’s time to pee and poop.  I’ll be honing my potty-sitting skills, and let’s just say, sometimes there might be surprises while I’m perfecting my sitting game.  And that’s just scratching the surface of this glamorous life of a potty conqueror.  But wait, before you start planning my diaper’s grand farewell party, let’s rewind a bit.  Before I start practicing my potty prowess, there’s a whole pre-potty training phase.  Think of it as the training montage before the main event.  So, let’s get Zen about it, shall we?  Just like how you zen-ly waited for me for around 40 weeks before I burst onto the scene, you gotta approach this phase with calm and patience-chill vibes are the secret sauce.  And hey, let’s not fret if things don’t proceed at the speed of light.  If I sense tension, and trust me, I can, I might see it as impatience or disapproval.  Don’t worry about it; I’m not planning on bringing any diapers to kindergarten.

Now, let’s talk about detective skills.  Apparently, even though most toddlers in the US start their potty journey between ages 2 and 3, some European researchers have found that starting even earlier has some health benefits.  But, enough about averages, let’s focus on my superstar self.  Since I’m in the 18 months to 2 ½ year range, let’s look for clues – signs that I’m ready to strut my stuff on the potty stage.  Not because my daycare pals are headed there or because everyone’s doing it.  No, we’re looking for my personal readiness indicators.  So, here’s the deal.  If I’m bossing tasks like walking, sitting, dressing myself (okay, maybe with a little help), and handling tricky things like zippers, Velcro, and buttons (fashion guru in the making, you know), it’s a sign. Dry diapers for extended periods Check.  Masterful pee sessions instead of peeing a little a lot of times?  Double check.  Oh, and expect some facial expressions and possibly some interpretive dance moves when nature calls.  Hey, a kid’s gotta do what a kid’s gotta do.  My language skills are leveling up too.  I’ll be using words, not just for my next masterpiece of toddler poetry, but to express when I’m feeling a bit…well, damp.  And sooner or later, I’ll be all “Hey, I need to hit the potty, pronto!”  But wait, there’s more – I’ve got some socio-emotional tricks up my onesies sleeves. I might just have a newfound aversion to soggy situations (we diapers, yuck!), plus a blossoming desire for independence.  Get ready for the era off “No, I do it!”  That’s my way of saying, “Watch out world, potty time is nigh!”  Look, this list might seem like a gargantuan feat, but remember, I’m a toddler superhero.  These signs might start flashing their neon lights around my second year of existence.  And no, I don’t need to tick all the boxes.

So,, gear up.  This potty-training journey is going to be a group effort – Team Mommy, Daddy, Grandmom, and me.  Tune in next week when I reveal more secrets of the pre-potty training steps.  It’s like my version of a cliffhanger season finale, only with a lot more giggles and diapers involved.

With love and giggles, Your Potty Prodigy