There comes a time in every parent’s life that we are faced with a big “how to” question and that is “How do I train my child to use the bathroom?”
It may sound simple, but any veteran in the world of parenting will tell you it is complex and a stinky subject. If you were looking for an arsenal of information to combat this parenting task; then you have found it.
Facts on Potty Training Your Child
The very first thing to know is something you can easily identify, is your child a girl or boy? Many people think the task of potty training is a cut and dry subject, but depending on the gender of your little one makes all the difference. For some reason, girls are far easier to potty train than boys are. Simply put, girls develop the fine motor skills to get the job done faster than boys do. So if you have a son just know he will be ready for the gauntlet of potty training a pinch later than your daughter will.
One of the most important things to remember when potty training your little one is to create a mutual understanding between you both. Positive reinforcement is always a better route than punishing your child for something he/she is ignorant on. By mutual understanding we mean you need to let your child know what you expect and make an atmosphere where they will feel proud to do this task correctly.
Potty Training Do’s and Don’ts
- Make potty time fun for your little one by playing songs or have some sort of game to make
these moments interactive for them. One of the best ways to make a child learn is to impression
them at the moment of doing the right thing. - Normally you will not want to start potty training too early because the child has not yet developed the right motor skills to perform the action. If you must start based on time which we do not recommend then most people prefer 18 months old to be a good starting place.
- Easily download potty training songs and interactive videos from the Google play store that you can stream instantly in the bathroom with ease. This will take away from the stressful environment of trying something awkward and new for your child. Let the power of technology assist you and relax them.
- Children develop control of bowel movements earlier on than bladder control so just because your child can perform the action of going to the bathroom does not mean he/she will be able to stay dry through the night. Usually this comes with practice and time.
Common Mistakes When Potty Training Your Child
Most parents make the fatal mistake of counting the age more so than the ability of their child. Sure, age is an indicator, but nothing compared to the signs given by the child. As a parent, you know by now when your child is having a bowel movement by the expressions of their face, but do they also stop the activity they are doing? Is your child grabbing their diaper when they are experience bowel movements? All of these are signs indicating your child has developed to the point necessary to start learning the ropes of potty training.
Parenting, in many ways, is more difficult than any task you will ever do, but it does not take a university degree or intern program to be a successful parent. Build a close relationship with your child in the bathroom. Even let them sit on the toilet fully dressed at first to build confidence and create a comfortable atmosphere for them. Remember to make it fun and have a mutual understanding and you will find yourself free from the world of expensive diapers. If you’re in a hurry to potty train your child successfully, you can check out the Start Potty Training: 3 Day Method program.
You can contact us at any time should you have any questions or concerns.