Diapers. When you are pregnant, you stack the tiniest size on your changing table in preparation of putting them on your new angel. Thousands of diaper changes later, you realize it is time to say goodbye to these and hello to potty training. The success of this endeavor depends on patience, consistency and a loving attitude.
When you have a baby, you're knee-deep in diapers. You tuck them your bag, stack them near the crib and even have a few stashed in the glove compartment of your car, just in case.
Diapers are such a part of your life you may feel like the day when your child will walk into the bathroom, pee or poop, wipe, wash hands, and walk back out without your even knowing it is a long way off. And yet, that day is coming—and it will be as glorious as it has been in your dreams! Between now and then, you and your toddler have a big project: potty training. You may be ready to make the transition, but is your little one?
Just like talking, walking and sleeping through the night, timing for potty training readiness is different for every child. There is no perfect age to start the process. How can you know whether your child is ready? He will show interest in various ways, including asking questions about the toilet, potty seats and underwear. Many kids show interest around 2 years old, while others couldn't care less until they're closer to 3. Though there are always exceptions, girls usually show interest earlier than boys and are quicker to get the hang of it.
Keep in mind that readiness is based on both physical and emotional development. Ask yourself some questions to gauge whether the time is right: Can my child sit on a potty seat and get back up without my help? Follow basic instructions? Tell me when it's time to go? Can my child pull down diapers, training pants or underwear without my help? Control bladder and bowel muscles and keep a diaper dry for at least 2 hours?
Teach your child that going to the bathroom is natural and necessary. Show him your dog’s toilet, the backyard, and explain the process. Try setting a timer to keep a routine. The timer not only reminds you, but also cues your child that when she hears a chime, it’s pooping time!
Use a child-sized potty chair and consider lining it with coffee filters for easy cleanup. Have your child practice the art of aiming and place a cheerio or fruit loop in the bottom for him to hit. Or consider putting food coloring in the water to attract your little one. If your child is afraid of falling into the toilet, have her sit on it backwards. This helps eliminate balance issues. You can purchase little toilet lids to place over public toilets for cleanliness and familiarity.
One young mom says, “I let my child run around the house naked, and this makes it easier to sit down quick on the potty.”
Another idea is to give toddlers an audience of their favorite stuffed animals, the family cat or dog. Make the event a party and use stickers to track progress on a special chart. Always remember to keep your expectations low, then when small successes happen, they are unexpected triumphs.
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
Sources: WebMD.com, ParentingPassage.com.