Potty Training
Between 18 and 24 months most kids are ready to ditch the diapers and start wearing “big kid” underwear and using the toilet. There are many strategies to encourage this transition as well as numerous incentives to offer so your child develops clean habits and adult behavior. However, there is no exact science to potty training and it can often become a game of wills between you and the child in seeing who can control whom. As with most child-training the key is patience and maintaining your control.
As with most steps in a child’s development he will have to show signs of being ready. If you force potty training or any other kind of behavioral change on a child you can easily cause resentment and other potentially debilitating conditions in his thinking. Watch for these signs that will indicate a child is ready to begin toilet training: knows the terms for ‘toilet’, ‘urine’ and other potty related words, shows discomfort when he has messed his diaper, shows an interest in the potty and in using it and is aware of when he has to urinate or have a bowel movement and is letting you know as well.
The key to any successful training is of course a positive attitude. If you encourage your child with positive reinforcement, a sense of humor and kind words the chances of him wanting to please you increase. Consequently a bad attitude, showing anger or frustration and harsh words will only make the child feel ashamed of his self and lead to deeper problems down the road. When you and the child are ready for the task set a good example be exercising your adult patience and encouraging him every step of the way.
Set up the bathroom for success. Place a potty chair in the bathroom and encourage the child to sit on it. Even if he is clothed the more comfortable he is with sitting down on the chair is a big first step in teaching him how to use it. You can also schedule potty breaks, times when the child will sit on the toilet for a few minutes at a time to familiarize him with the equipment. Watch your child for signs that he is relieving himself and rush him to the potty. Soon he will associate the act of relieving himself with the potty seat and once the connection is made he will understand the process a lot better. This is also a good time to start showing kids how to wipe themselves and to wash their hands when they are done. Good hygiene is essential to healthy living and the sooner they learn the better.
Many child psychologists and doctors will suggest using incentives to reward a child during the potty training process. You know your child and what he likes so offer more of his favorite things when he shows effort in trying to use the toilet. Rewards should not just be given for successful trips since accidents are part of the learning process. Always remember to reward effort and trying as well. You may want to hold off on any type of gift if the trip is not a success but always use encouraging words and a positive attitude when he shows the effort to try.
If you have a potty routine with your child make sure others are following it too. Grandparents, babysitters, friends and siblings should know about the process so he doesn’t deviate from it.
When your child has reached the age of 3 and has not had an ‘accident’ for at least six months most experts agree he is potty trained. Again, there is no formula for success and it is just another step along the development process known as life. Be patient and encouraging and both you and your child will learn from this experience.