One of the smelliest things (yes I said smelliest) you will come across with your child will be the potty training process. I mean who thinks about potty training anyway when you’re thinking about having a baby. No one thinks about the yuckiest fowl smelling parts, because why would you?
Let’s be real, outside of the well predicted late nights and early feedings, the idea of potty training is a distant thought if even that. None the less, once your child is that age (and honestly parents, it should be between the ages of 2yrs and 3yrs.) there are some things that you should consider and some basic steps that you should take.
That’s what we are going to talk about here. How to tackle the beast that is potty training.
*Potty Training Readiness- Yes, It Is a Thing
Before thinking about what is the best procedure to follow, you should check in with your little one and see if they are actually ready to potty train.
Potty training an be difficult, and new experiences can be scary, so this should be a balanced participatory act. It is important to check in with your toddler and observe their behavior prior to starting the process.
Are they curious or beginning to get curious about the toilet?
Are they asking about questions about the bathroom?
Are they taking note of their functions?
Do their diapers remain dryer for longer periods of time?
All of these are signals that they are more than likely ready to move to big boy or big girl toilet time.
But, before we go in to different possible methods please note this, it is absolutely okay if you want to start potty training early. No one ever suffered from potty training too early. Perhaps it may be a little more intense but that’s about it. It is more about how much you want to take on when it comes to potty training early. However, potty training too late, and everyone’s going to be wondering why your kid is playing tag with a diaper popping out of their pants. Let’s not go there.
*Popular Methods of Potty Training
So, now that we all agree that you should begin potty training today, let’s review two of the most current popular methods, the “semi-independent” method and the “long weekend” method.
Semi-Independent Method
This method is based on what we discussed earlier and leads with the curiosity of your child. They become independently curious about normative bathroom practices and subconsciously begin keeping their diapers dryer.
Once you notice this, it is the parents role to foster their curiosity and initiate the potty training process. Introduce them to the potty in a gleeful manner, have conversations about it, have them practice just sitting a few times and getting comfortable. Let them know that you do it to! It is a great way to establish comfort.
Once the introduction has been made and potty training is to actually begin, make sure that you prepare them for underwear. Once you start, do not go back to diapers or it will cause a lot of confusion and only elongate the process. This is where the dedication comes in.
Next make sure they are having enough fluids that would require them to use the bathroom more often so that they can practice more often. Remember, practice makes perfect! It is best to begin by sending your toddler in 15 minute increments when first starting. Again, even if they do not use the toilet it’s okay, it’s the practice and routine that is being created. Then as they begin getting the hang of it, extend the time in between you sending them.
The Long Weekend Method
This method can be slightly more controversial but it does not mean it is not positive or successful. It is! It just depends on what you, the parent, are most comfortable with. This method is a bit more labor intensive on the parent side.
So, this protocol involves you blocking off an entire weekend. A three day weekend is very much recommended. You will go through the same basic processes aforementioned including having introductory conversations with your child about the bathroom prior to beginning.
Then when you assign a weekend to this goal, you will go diaper free all weekend. Some families even go as far as going clothes free the entire weekend, but that is completely your preference.
It is then your responsibility to watch your child like a hawk. Like a hawk I tell you! And as soon as you observe them having any sign of needing to use the bathroom you immediately frolic with them to the potty.
Now this method involves a lot more spot clean up if you can imagine. There are no frequent bathroom trips, no frequent reminders, just your keen observations. Your child remains without a diaper or underwear and you must consistently go with them to the bathroom when you think they may need to. However, since there are no timed check ins, accidents may occur more frequently around the house in the beginning stages. So be ready for that.
But the concept is tried and true. Simply put, it’s cutting a habit cold turkey. Bye bye diapers and hello potty training success! But remember, it will take patience and endurance for this method to work. If followed thoroughly, most children will be potty trained in just a few days, well that is the hope.
One thing to keep note of, regardless of whichever method you choose, is to NOT switch back and forth between diapers and underwear. I know I mentioned this before but the point must be stressed. There is nothing more confusing to a child then having underwear on one day and being expected to run to the bathroom, and having a diaper on the next day and being allowed to use it.
If you are going to go with the pull-up route, do that prior to potty-training. Once you start potty training, stick to underwear. If you want to do over night diapers that’s fine. That can be the second part of the phase out process. But while your child is awake, make sure you commit to the process as much as you expect and want your child to.
*The Poop Dilemma- Yes, This Is Also a Real Thing
This is the least fun topic but none the less needs to be covered because many parents become anxious over their child’s bowel movements. Let’s keep it short and sweet; when potty-training your child may have some anxiety or hesitation in releasing their bowel movements in the beginning. This is completely normal. The more they become comfortable with the process, the more easily they will be able to go.
But! Please do not put a diaper on them just so they have a bowel movement. That will impede their progress. Remember, commitment is the key to success!
*Summary
All in all it doesn’t really matter which method you choose, it matters that you stay dedicated and patient to make the potty training process as painless as possible.
Begin having “potty discussions” prior to the actual implementation. Choose a method that is comfortable for you, the “semi-independent” method, “long weekend” method, or another you like better. But stay committed with your eye on the prize. Have lots of extra clothes ready for frequent changes and remember to stay calm. Your child always reflects your energy. So if you want the process to be as painless as possible be calm and patient as much as possible.
If you know of any other popular method leave it in the comments below. I’ll see you there!
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