Parental Potty Training

Nobody said a word...

Have you noticed that nobody said anything at all to you about potty training before you got pregnant, during your pregnancy or even after the baby was born? Do you know why? It may be because it is every parent's least favorite thing to do with their children. With all of the books and advice on the market today about the subject you get the picture that there are many different methods of toilet training.

Indeed, we all know it - each child is different - and throughout their lives, we will be reinforcing this truth in them in order to build confidence and to establish their own uniqueness. This premise holds true in the bathroom as well. One method may work well with one child and be a terrible disaster with another. But, you don't know until you try.

When to begin potty training

Most parents begin potty training their children between 18 months and two years of age. The argument against starting earlier is that their motor skills may not be developed adequately or they still may be too immature to grasp the concept. On the other hand, there are many children who are potty trained before 18 months - so it's all relative. There are some parental disciplines which are necessary to help the project to be successful - hence this article.

She'll let you know

First, don't push your child into potty training. It's hard enough as it is without traumatizing the child. When the little one shows an interest in using the toilet, you've received a cue that she's ready for the adventure.

There are a few things which will help to reinforce the timing for you, such as possible mimicking of someone she has observed using the toilet. She may be able to tell you either just before or after she's gone that she needed to use the potty. If she's gone in her pants, she may feel very uncomfortable and want to take them off immediately. She may pull at her clothing or pull down her pants on her own and be able to "hold it" for longer periods than when she was younger. These are all signs that she's ready to begin toilet training in earnest.

You have to listen

Remember now, once the process has begun you will need a lot of patience and it won't hurt for you to become a little creative in terms of rewards and enticements. Try switching to pull-up diapers or training pants so she can get things started before it becomes too late. Consistency is critical, so you are in training as well.

Putting her on the potty after a meal, when she first wakes up and before bed as well as several times throughout the day are all important to develop the habit of using the toilet. You must be prepared to respond when asked - there's no saying "just a minute, honey" when you're potty training.

Be prepared (not just for boyscouts)

If you're adequately prepared when the day comes that your child indicates a readiness to begin potty training, you will be up for the challenge. Be prepared by trying the 3 day potty training eBook.

Get your copy now!