Potty Training
- Don’t make potty training a big deal. Children’s bodies develop at different rates and this development is not a reflection of intelligence or a parent’s ability.
- Potty training is a learning process in which accidents are normal and should not be thought of as intentional misbehavior.
- Potty training cannot begin until:
- muscle control is adequate (usually after 2nd birthday)
- communication can take place, such as ability to speak or give some sign that the child needs to go to the bathroom
- Some signs that toddlers are ready to begin the potty training process:
- Running to the corner, squatting
- A dry diaper for several hours
- A dry diaper after naps
- Regular bowel movements
- Tugging at diaper when it’s dirty
- Brings you clean diaper when dirty
- Diapers can be used for travel, nap time, night use
- If the number of accidents outnumber the number of successes, go back to diapers for a few months. It is better to postpone this learning process than to create stress for the child.
- Relax, take your time and be patient.
- All children will eventually be ready to be potty trained!
Remember:
This teaching period is a wonderful opportunity for the child to increase positive self-esteem through an accomplishment he can claim as his own. Insisting on early toileting steals that opportunity away from the child.
