The American Reunion actress talks about her daughter, Satyana, 2, sharing special moments and every mom’s favorite subject — potty training.
Last week in Los Angeles, I hosted a Potty Dance Party for Pull-Ups. While some of L.A. was getting ready for the Oscars red carpet, my daughter Satyana and I were having a far more exciting time preparing for our big event — potty training! A bunch of my friends and their children came together to celebrate how easy and fun potty training can be.
I’ve learned that the most important thing is to simply pick a date and make it fun. We made our potty training celebration fun by doing the Potty Dane. At the party, Satyana learned how to do the Potty Dance, had a beautiful butterfly painted on her arm, and enjoyed playing dress up and doing art activities. It was truly a great afternoon with my daughter and friends!
I know many parents consider potty training to be a daunting task, but I’ve learned that there are ways to make it easier and fun. If I’m making this sound too easy, I assure you I’ve experienced some potty training setbacks along the way. Just last summer, when I was in Atlanta, Satyana and I were shopping in a grocery store and she had to go potty — I was so proud of her for recognizing this. Together, we headed into the grocery store bathroom, which was surprisingly nice. As we were right in front of the potty, Satyana started to look nervous about the automatic flush, then nervously assured me that she no longer had to go potty. Then, as I was standing there holding Satyana on my hip, she proceeded to have an accident down the side of my dress. We were both soaked!
As we air-dried outside (luckily it was humid), we decided to go home and set a date for potty training and better commit to a routine. We stuck to it and put a reward system in place. Organic vitamin gummies are a favorite of Satyana’s, and between Pull-Ups, gummies, and learning the Potty Dance celebration, we’ve continued to work together on potty training.
This summer, I’m expecting another baby, and I can’t wait for Satyana to be a big sister! As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that’s important to me. I absolutely love being a mom, and the best piece of advice I’ve received is to try and make everything you do with your kids fun, from reading to playing — and even potty training.
5 Questions for Alyson:
The one word that best describes you as a mom: Fun.
The perfect day with kids is: Have breakfast, take a walk, get a muffin, go on the merry-go-round, take an afternoon nap, bake muffins, and just hang out.
Your favorite way to celebrate potty training is: With the Potty Dance, an organic vitamin gummy treat, and lots of excitement and encouragement.
Your most memorable potty training experience is: When Satyana had an accident on me in Atlanta grocery store.
One potty training lesson you’ve learned is: Pick a date and make it fun with the Potty Dance. It’s the best way to motivate me and Satyana.