Preparing for potty training
We don’t just talk about pregnancy and new babies here at Happy Parents. Happy Baby. Our client’s babies are growing fast and parents soon find themselves getting to grips with life with a toddler. One of the key milestones at this stage is potty training but many parents can find knowing how and when to start quite stressful. You may wonder if you’ll ever be able to leave the house or go on long car journeys again.
It is important to remember that every child and family is different and you will need to look and listen for the right signs that your toddler is ready. Some children will be excited about the prospect of wearing pants whereas others may be quite nervous. Many will feel both emotions.
Camilla McGill from My Parenting Solutions says it is not just about buying potties, pants and children’s books. It is about learning the language and techniques to talk about potty training which suit your own child.
Here are her tips:
Make sure you are in the right frame of mind to get started – kids are sponges and if you are feeling very stressed with life they will pick up on it so you’d be better to focus on de-stressing yourself first.
Do some preparation work before you begin to get your child on board. Read some potty books, pick out a well-fitting potty (I prefer parents to start with a potty to avoid a child having fear of falling into the loo!), buy some fun underwear, take them to the loo with you and comment on what you are doing.
Really observe your child to see if they show signs before they do a wee or poo to give you information about their pattern.
Once you feel your child is ready then give them a good few days of naked time and don’t expect them to notice when they’ve had an accident, appear to be bothered about it or ask you for the potty. That comes in time.
Make sure all of the adults your child spends time with are involved in the training process. This could be grandparents, a childminder or nursery worker. Try to ensure they have the same positive attitude towards the training and use the same language as you.
Use easy to pull up and down clothing with elasticated waists and be prepared for a little more laundry than usual. Take spare clothes when you go out and maybe put a towel or blanket over the sofa for when accidents do happen.
Don’t put any pressure on your child. Don’t tell them they have to sit on the potty or to “hurry up” when on the toilet. Pressure will make them scared and they won’t want to cooperate with you.
Try to be patient. Some children are trained in a day or two whereas others can take longer. Don’t give up on a bad day.
Follow your instincts - you will know when your child is ready.
:: Visit Camilla’s page @myparentingsolutions for her free ‘Preparing for Potty Training’ or ‘My Child Won’t Poo on a Potty’ guides.
