Are you a new mom with a mission to do everything right for your kiddo? I’ll be honest: We all have those thoughts early on, but as time goes on, we realize there are things we can control, and things we can’t. For those things we can’t, there are things we can do to encourage “our way” but there really are no guarantees.
Encouraging potty training
Everyone has their tips and tricks, and we mentioned some previously here, but there are some things that we, as parents, can do to make potty learning happen, without even discussing potty training. Really!
- If you want to encourage potty learning, consider switching to cloth diapers, at least part time. Why? Cloth diapers, while absorbing, are made differently, so babies and toddlers can “feel” that they’re going. In many disposable diapers, they are so absorbent that a child can go pee a few times before they even recognize it. Yes, they may just feel too comfortable to realize there’s a reason to want to go potty.
- Relax! Understand that potty and behavior go together, but they aren’t the same. Like eating, potty training is something that we “see” as parents, but it is also connected to a child’s feelings. For this reason, it is important that parents not stress a child over using the potty. Then, it becomes a control issue.
- Let your child see you go potty. While I know that it is a time when we, as care givers, get a moment to yourself, if your child sees using the toilet as something natural, they may take to it a little easier. If you really aren’t comfortable with it, consider books about potty training.
By making potty training a bit more natural, your child will understand that the transition is one they can make. Sometimes, we all need to get a bit uncomfortable for change to happen. Yes, it is easier to let your kiddo use a diaper when you’re in the car, but really, it also affects consistency. So once you get started on potty training, don’t back track. If things aren’t working, see your child’s doctor to rule out any issues. Then, encourage your child, set a timer if necessary to give reminders, but don’t stress! It doesn’t help the process, and it doesn’t help you either.
For veteran parents, what did you use to help make potty training happen?