Potty Training Your Toddler
Potty Training isn't One Size Fits All:
Let me begin by stating that I am not an expert in potty training, I am a teacher and a mom and these are the things that worked for me and my family. We tried The Oh Crap We Are Potty Training Method, but it didn’t work for us. Now before you start yelling at me through the computer screen, I know this method has proven successful for many families, just not mine. In parenting it is really easy to fall into the comparison trap but by doing that we rob ourselves of testing strategies and learning what works best for us.
Timing is Everything:
At the time we started potty training Rose was two years old and I was breastfeeding my then 5 month old. Rose was pushing some boundaries, was incredibly stubborn and was adapting to our new family dynamic. Potty training in three days quickly became a dashed hope. The following is a list of 8 tips and tricks that helped me get her potty trained. Meaning that she is independently going potty when her body instructs her to do so.
Make Sure You Prepare Yourself Mentally:
Prepare yourself as this endeavor is going to require your time and effort and it is incredibly unpredictable. Read books and get informed on the various methods that are out there. Ensure that you begin on a week where you have slept well and you don’t feel rushed, you need a clear schedule. Be confident and mentally rested before embarking on this journey.
Gather Your Supplies in Advance:
We found that a floor level toddler potty was better than a toilet topper . Also shy away from toilets that are more like toys, they can become a distraction. Additionally, being on the adult toilet was intimidating for Rose. We purchased underwear, pull-ups, and extra cleaning supplies. In addition we found extra rags and a large plastic office mat to use in the living room for those naked days. We also got books from the local library that talked specifically about using the potty.
Don't Be Afraid to Try Different Methods:
Be consistent in the methods you do choose, and don’t be afraid to combine methods. All children are different, and so is the way they learn. You know your child better than anyone else. Different home dynamics, parenting methods and the age of your child will all impact the way in which they take to potty training.
Talk Openly About Poop and Pee:
I grew up in a rather proper and British home so this one was tough for me. Rose had a lot of questions about poop and pee. Ultimately, our conversations often occurred over snack time or at the dinner table. I still to this day can’t pee alone, overshare I know. but such is life with toddlers.
Be Patient:
That’s it, be patient with yourself and your child.
Accidents will Happen, So Celebrate Any and All Progress:
This may seem silly but potty training is messy, and my laundry responsibilities doubled during these months. Poop in undies is terrible to clean… My mum told me that the best way to clean soiled nappies or undies is to clean the solids off in the toilet before taking them to the sink or wash bin. This was a really helpful tip which I used often.
M & M's Are Your Friend For a Season;
The idea of incentives while potty training seemed to be a split argument amongst different methods of potty training. For a season, we gave Rose two minis for pee and four minis for poop. It was our small way of celebrating Rose’s milestones in a tangible way. As time progressed we moved on to a bead jar which acted as a visual aid for her progress.
Let Your Child Lead:
Lastly, this was the most valuable lesson I learned late in the potty training game. When potty training, it is important to model the behavior you wish your student to emulate, which is putting pee and poop in the toilet. Then as the teacher you have to step back and observe how much of the lesson was absorbed and re-teach any areas that were lacking. As a teacher I know this wholly, as a parent I forgot it. I let my pride get in the way and took accidents personally. I yelled a little too much, especially when the “accidents” were deliberate. Rose would wait until I was engaged in something, demand my attention potty-side .Then, refuse to get on the potty and pee on the floor right next to the toilet. There were times when I responded with grace and when I didn’t. I hope to do better with my second and apply these 8 tips to his experience.
Happy Potty Training!
-Patience
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