The title of this post is intentionally misleading because I don’t think that “Stress Free Potty Training” is actually possible. And that’s okay!  If you’re a magical unicorn mama who isn’t stressed with any element of potty training, well, we simply can’t be friends. I mean, we can but you have some SERIOUS explaining and life coaching to do with me.

That said, I really do have some things to share about our recent (and successful) foray into potty training – including a Printable Checklist that WILL reduce stress surrounding P-Day…

But, first a few thoughts and some vulnerability.

“Let go of who you think you need to be, and be who you actually are.”

This intention could apply to many areas of life but, at this season in mine, it speaks especially to motherhood and lifestyle.  A few months ago, I noticed myself feeling like I just wasn’t “enough” in the teeny, tiny corner of the internet/influence I’ve created,

• Not adding enough value.
• Not creating enough content.
• Not having enough influence.
• Not creating content IG worthy enough.
• Not being an exemplary enough mama.

Well, you know what I say to that? Pardon my abbreviated French but, “ENOUGH with that B.S.!”!!!!

If there is one  thing I’ve learned in the last year of being a stay and then work at home mama, it’s that being your most authentic self  makes you the MOST happy.

And, I’d rather ACTUALLY be happy than PERCEIVED as anything else.

This is a platform I built with the intention of expressing myself in the best way I know how (through writing), connecting with other mamas across the country/world, and inspiring them to find harmony + balance in #momlife and life in general.

I ran out of time and motivation for photo shoots and being “that motherhood + lifestyle influencer” I never intended to be, a while back (as evidenced by our simple party and post documenting Taylor’s 2nd B-day) but I still have a passion for organization especially as it can be applied to preparing for new phases of motherhood – and subsequently sharing that with you, dear reader.

I’m excited to finally feel okay with letting go of being 100% anything but myself. I hope you’ll still be excited about hanging out and doing #momlife with just plain old me. And I hope my inspiration can be for YOU to feel okay with being 100% yourself too!

Back To Potty Training…

All that being said, many of my Instagram and other friends have been messaging me about what we’ve been doing/using for potty training. If you follow me you read this update last week:

?Training {a strong-willed child} Update: After a week of struggle and not much success, in the last 2️⃣4️⃣ hours we’ve had ZERO accidents and 99% independence? ??. #gotaylorgo Wanna know my super secret potty training sauce?…. SHOPKINS {and pumping the pressure brakes}. Yes, these silly, pint-sized, bribery miracles. I’m not kidding, and I’m not above it. Willl I be writing a E-book on my methodology? Will our way work for all? No and no, but I have to tell ya this was the best $14.99 I ever spent ?. #cantputapricetagonsuccess #oramamassanity The further I get into this parenting gig the more I’m convinced that you can do all the research in the world, and try all the things everyone else tells you to do…..but sometimes you just have to do things YOUR way, knowing YOUR kiddo?.

A post shared by ASHLEY | Taylor-made Mama (@taylormademama) on Aug 5, 2018 at 8:54am PDT

Essentially, the #1 thing I recommend is waiting until your child, AND YOU, are prepared and ready. Yes, there’s a “window”, but if you stress the heck out of yourself to train before that window closes, you may not find the success you’re hoping for.

There are tons of great books, E books, manuals, family/friend advice, etc. and I encourage you to read them because I know always feel better when I’ve done my due diligence too. Here are some of the books I read myself or read to Taylor before and during potty training:

That said, at end of the day, you have to do what makes intuitive sense for YOU and your kiddo. Remember, you know your child best. If potty training is making YOU a stressed out mess (like it was me), then it’s probably not the time, or it’s time to switch things up.

Or buy Shopkins, or whatever…

Spend some time sorting that stress reaction out, ease off the pressure brakes, read a book (drink some wine?), get some supplies ready, THEN jump in when you’re ready to be the strong one in the boot camp relationship – it’s hard enough for the little one peeing and pooping themselves all day.

Free, Printable Potty Training Prep Checklist!

To access the printable Potty Trainig Essentials Checklist use this link or just click on the image below.  Print it, shop with it, then keep it in your kit to make sure you’re always stocked up. As a subscriber, you can access and download this and any of the other printables from my website by going to the Printables Library Page and entering the password I emailed to you when you subscribed.

I know this isn’t the most helpful Potty  Training post in all of Pinterest-landia, but I do hope you’ll find this free, printable checklist of the items that we used before and during potty training to ultimately find success helpful!! Make sure you also have your Toddler Car Kit put together because many of these things will already be in it!

There is nothing cuter than hearing that proud little voice say, “I’m so proud of myself. I’m big girl/boy now!!!” (and not feeling like you’re going to rip your hair out in the same moment).

Remember that, if you’re loving hard, it’s not that hard.

MOM your way, friend. You got this!

XO,

Ashley

P.S. Because many of you asked, we did NOT use a timer or specific intervals at all during potty training. I am considering doing another post of the good, bad and poopy of what we did do and what I would do differently. What do you think? Would you be interested?

Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:

• How To Entertain A Toddler On An Airplane – travel tips + a free printable checklist
• A Perfectly Packed Toddler Emergency Car Kit
• Tips To Make Dining Out With A Baby or Toddler Less Stressful – Restaurant Kit!
• What To Pack For A Vacation With A Toddler