Parents of toddlers often ask me for advice on three things: keeping their kids busy, getting them to eat healthy food, and potty training. Toddlers have a strong will and are not shy about expressing their feelings, sometimes quite loudly. So, when it’s time for potty training, it can quickly become frustrating.
Here are some tips for getting through potty training without losing your mind. Although it’s been a while since I’ve dealt with it myself, I remember it clearly and have friends going through it now. Potty training is a personal experience for both parents and children, and there are several methods to explore. The key is to wait until your toddler is ready.
Typically, children are ready to start potty training between 18 months and 3 years old, though some might not be prepared even at 4. You can look for signs that indicate readiness, such as developing some control over their bladder and bowels. However, being physically ready is different from being emotionally or mentally prepared. Parents should trust their instincts and assess readiness based on these signs.
If your child is anxious or fearful about using the potty, it might be a sign they’re not ready, or they might need some help to work through their fears. You can make it fun by playing games or using dolls that “wet” themselves to show the process, which can help ease anxiety.
There are different potty training methods that generally fall into three categories:
1. Child-Led Potty Training: With this approach, you wait for your child to show interest and support them without using rewards or bribes. It mirrors natural development milestones like walking. As a parent, you can still prepare by ensuring everything is in place without rushing the process. This method can take time, possibly resulting in later toilet independence, which can be an issue if your child needs to be potty trained for preschool.
2. Intensive Potty Training: Developed by psychologists Richard Foxx and Nathan Azrin, and popularized by Jamie Glowacki in “Oh Crap! Potty Training,” this method involves a more focused approach once readiness is identified. It’s like a potty training boot camp and can be done in a few days but might be too intense for some children.
3. Brazelton Method: Created in 1962 by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, this method was designed in response to early potty training issues. It offers a more laid-back, slow introduction to the potty, appealing to some parents. It can take over a year to complete, which might overwhelm some parents.
For those with even younger children, there’s a method where you learn your baby’s signals and help them use the bathroom instead of diapers. Some parents find great success with this, though it’s not supported by extensive scientific research.
Avoiding common potty training mistakes can help make the process smoother. Remember, every child eventually learns to use the potty, so try to keep things positive.
Potty training boys may differ slightly from potty training girls. It generally requires lots of patience, time, and laundry detergent! A good potty seat can aid the process; many kids prefer a toddler-sized one over a modified regular toilet seat.
Some children are ready for daytime potty training but not nighttime, and it’s usually fine to use pull-ups or diapers at night. Just be sure to remove them in the morning. Cloth diapers or more natural materials for pull-ups can be good alternatives.
Success in potty training can take many forms; it’s about finding what works best for you and your child. Focus on the relationship with your child rather than specific techniques. What worked best for you? What might you change in the future?
