Can you imagine teaching your child to go to the bathroom in one day? I can see some of you shaking your head at this point, thinking, “Are you kidding? There’s no way on earth that’s possible!”

I admit, potty training isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to take as long as it usually does. How long does it normally take a parent to potty train their child the correct way? Three months? One year? This is where Dr. Phil can help. By following Dr. Phil’s recommended potty training method, his son may be potty trained in a day. This program has been created by the well-known therapist Dr. Phil and uses imitation and positive reinforcement with the help of a doll. The idea is to train the child to use the potty instead of using the diaper.

The problem is knowing when to start trying. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting to start until your toddler is two years old. However, don’t think this rule is set in stone. What it really comes down to is that the “when” is largely up to the child, not you and definitely not the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some children are ready earlier, while others should be later. The child needs to be excited and eager to please, but also show signs of becoming independent. You don’t want to try Dr. Phil’s potty training method if it turns into a battle of wills. Parents must be patient, regardless of the method used.

It will seem okay if the toddler follows you into the bathroom, removes your diaper, climbs on the potty, or verbally tells you bodily sensations. If this is the case, you need to get a doll that dunks. Have your child name and play with this doll. Give the doll a drink. Then, walk the two of you to the potty, pulling down your underwear and sitting on the potty. Show your toddler what happens once the doll goes potty. After this, you’ll want to have a potty party. Wear party hats and loud horns to let the child know how special this occasion is. Then tell the child that once he goes to the bathroom, he too will have a potty party. Before the big day, be sure to buy special “big boy” underwear.