Potty training is a memorable time for every child’s development. But it can sometimes be incredibly stressful for a kid, leading to multiple issues that make it more of a disaster than a success. How can you turn the tables? Here, you’ll find four tried-and-tested methods to ease the process. We’ve combined the opinions of experts and parents to give you unbiased advice on how to achieve potty success.
The Basics of Potty Training
Before jumping into giving you advice on ditching diapers for good, let’s first give you a simple fact of life. Just like you can’t force a picky eater to try a new taste, you can’t force your kid into potty training before they’re ready for it. With that in mind, let’s find out how to make the process more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
So, how can you be sure your kid is ready for toilet training? Firstly, they’ll be actively engaged in the process. They might be interested in how you’re using the toilet, etc., which will show you it’s time. Also, you can nudge them toward the process by giving them freedom and the opportunity to be actively involved in the process. This could mean letting them choose underwear or using a portable toilet seat.
Make Sure They’re Comfortable and Eager to Learn
We mustn’t ignore that using the toilet is a monumental task for children. So, it can be very frustrating for them to learn how to communicate their need to go potty. Some children simply lack the vocabulary to express themselves, while others can’t determine the urge to use the toilet. In this case, you can help children tell you when they need to use the restroom by introducing regular toilet breaks. Ideally, create a habit of encouraging them to use the potty every 30 min to one hour.
Acknowledge That Toddler Life Is Busy
Is there such a thing as being too busy to use the potty? Apparently so. Being a toddler is a busy time for our kids. They have to juggle play dates with playing with their toys. More often than not, your kid will lose themselves in games, leading to being less focused on their body’s signs. It’s a good idea to include potty training into their play routine by coming up with a reward song or simply adding it to their daily routine after meals, etc.
Cope Up With Potty Training Anxiety
Potty training anxiety is very real. It can be anything from fearing the sound of the flushing toilet to feeling anxious about this new unfamiliar routine altogether. There’s no universal way to cope with this problem, but you should nevertheless try helping your child overcome it. You can introduce sitting on the potty for just a couple of seconds and slowly building your way up.