A potty-trained toddler…the Holy Grail for parents who have had enough of diaper changing. For moms who have been lugging around an overflowing diaper bag for over a year, nothing sounds better than a toddler going to the bathroom on their own.
Well, a full night’s sleep and a Mommy-Duty-free weekend might sound better, but a toddler being able to “potty” without help sounds pretty good. It is at least up there with gourmet chocolate and good coffee.
It’s time!?!?
Of course, every toddler is different, but the average potty training milestone is the second birthday. At this age, most children are ready to start learning or approach.
There are some signs that may indicate that your little one can start the first steps in the process.
They stay longer. If your little one can go two to three hours straight in a dry diaper, that’s a good first step. Even better is when they can sleep through their nap, and at least the occasional night, without getting wet.
Around the time of this milestone, you will probably notice that your bowel movements become more regular and happen at about the same time every day.
Can communicate. “I have to go to the bathroom!”
Ohhh, to hear those words! That’s one of the best signs that your little one is ready… when he tells you, sometimes without words, that he has to go. Even the “peepee dance” with the legs crossed and the expression of urgency counts!
Before they tell you they need to go, most toddlers go through a stage where they tell you they’ve already left. When they let you know it’s time for a change, they’re preparing to tell you they feel the need.
Also required is the ability to follow directions on easy tasks, such as “let’s try going to the bathroom” or “go get your shoes.”
They are able to undress. If your little one randomly undresses to run around the house naked, he’s got this cold. Even if you don’t have a stripper, you can watch out for signs that your child may pull down their underwear.
Now is a great time to introduce training pants…whether they’re disposable diapers that fit like underwear or thick, absorbent briefs that can be washed.
How long will it take?
We all secretly hate the supermom of the group who can’t stop bragging about her little angel who went from diapers to potty training in ten days… Of course, that was after she learned to read at eighteen. months. “.
Yes of course. There are some children who learn to use the potty quickly, but most need a few weeks or months of practice. The key here is to allow your munchkin to set the pace. Just like eating solid foods, when your baby is ready, it’s time. If the baby is not ready, now is not the time.
Of course you can encourage and praise your little one, and gently remind him that there’s a potty waiting for him… but you can’t push it too hard or you’ll actually drag out the process.
What can I do to help them learn?
There are many things you can do to gently push your child toward the potty.
Show them
The best way for a little one to learn what to do is to watch Daddy or Big Brother demonstrate it. Girls learn by watching Mommy or Big Sister. So let the curious toddler follow you into the bathroom and see what it’s all about.
Watching you go can also alleviate the fear of the unknown and show your little one that he won’t be swallowed down the toilet and thrown into an abyss. Hey, little kids have great imaginations, and this is actually a pretty common fear!
You should also move the changing table to the bathroom so that your child can begin to associate the place with the process.
feel it
Chat with your child, at any opportunity, about things that are coming up, have just happened, and are happening. Learning before and after is an important concept. These terms are helpful when teaching your child to tell you when she is “about to go potty” or “just finished.”
give them the advantages
Young children usually don’t understand why this is so important, it’s just apparently what “big boys” do. At this age, most children can understand a simple explanation, so let them know that potty training…
It’s more comfortable, since diapers are bulky and no fun when wet.
It will keep that nasty rash from coming back.
Keep them from having to stop playing to change a diaper.
It’s what big kids do!
give them the vocabulary
Some people place great importance on using the “correct” words and phrases when potty training their child…
However, it’s not really necessary, and it can actually get tedious to worry about. There’s nothing wrong with using words like “toilet,” “pee,” and “poop” if you and your child are comfortable with it. They can learn to “pee” and have a “bowel movement” later…right now, the funny words might even help their cause!
The only real rule with sentences is to make sure they are clear. If you tell your child to “go to the bathroom”, they will probably just walk into the room…”go to the bathroom and go to the bathroom”, or just “go to the bathroom”, is more effective. Little children are literally little creatures.
practice
Most parents find that a potty next to the big potty becomes a hit with the little ones who follow you to the bathroom. While you do your business, they pretend to do theirs. Even fully clothed, practice is practice!
You can also help them learn to take their pants off and put them back on. When using the bathroom, getting dressed after a shower and changing clothes for bed are good times to demonstrate and let them practice on their own.
Motivate them!
The best reward for taking a new step in potty training is a pleased parent, so be sure to let them know when you’re proud of their dry diaper, or when you’re excited that they ran to the bathroom when they felt the urge to. .
However, do not overdo it. If you’re too excited about every little step, your child may be afraid of letting you down when there’s an accident. So be encouraging without throwing a party at every turn.
On that note, remember that all children have accidents and don’t make your little one feel bad about it. It’s okay to remind him to “remember to go potty next time,” but don’t punish him or get mad about it. Remember, this is brand new to them and they don’t have the practice that you have!
