Potty Training: Ready, Set, Go!

Potty training is a time that parents both welcome and dread. Potty training means the end of diapers, but the beginning of a lot of hard work and persistence. The idea of wet laundry, the tears and the amount of time that we think must be invested in this process can give anyone a headache.

The good news is that parents can start “potty training” their child as young as one, so that when potty training time actually comes they have an easier time with it. Here’s how:

Prepare Them

The easiest way to begin potty training your child is by familiarizing them with their bodily functions. Your child undoubtedly knows they wear a diaper, but do they know why? Feel free to show your child what’s “in” their diaper, and tell them what it is (i.e. “This is your pee-pee” or “This is your poo-poo”). Let them know when their diaper is wet or dirty. Show them a diaper wipe and describe what you’re doing (i.e. “I’m cleaning off your pee-pee”).

If you are a parent who is not on the “shy side” of potty training, bring your little one to the toilet with you when you go to the washroom. Tell them why you are going to the washroom, and what you are doing. You are taking a pee, you are wiping yourself, you are flushing the toilet and washing your hands. You can even allow your child to flush the toilet for you (a task that most children certainly will not say “no” to!).

When you know your child is going to the washroom in his or her diaper (most of us parents are well aware when our child is having a bowel movement) actually tell them that they are peeing or pooping in their diaper. You may then choose to put the poop in the toilet and allow them to flush it.

TIP: Children as young as one can also respond to simple commands, such as “can you go get your sippy cup?” or “could you please carry this for me?” Get them used to following simple commands to prepare them to potty train.

Prepare your Home

Many parents choose to buy a potty chair (or you can buy a potty cover for your own toilet and a stepping stool), several training pants and pull up diapers to help children potty train. Begin by familiarizing your child with these items and explain what they are for. Put the potty in the washroom and encourage your child to sit on it without actually using it. This works wonderfully if you are using the toilet yourself.

Prepare Yourself

It is important to read some information on potty training and different methods so you can decide what will work best for you and your child. Ultimately, what will work is explaining the process and being patient. Remember, night time dryness will come along much later than daytime dryness. Children may not be fully physiologically ready to “hold it in” all night until they are any where from 3 to 5 years old.

And so the training begins…

Be aware of your child’s toileting queues. If he or she looks as if they may have to use the toilet, tell them, “let’s go to the potty!” Bring your son or daughter to the toilet and encourage them both to sit down (boys can stand and be taught how to hold their penis down a little later on). Try to keep your child relaxed and free from any pressure by reading a book, talking about his or her day, or even by singing to them.

Whether or not your child has actually used the potty, encourage them to wash their hands and make some colorful soaps and hand cloths available for them to use.

When away from home, be sure to bring a potty seat, and extra pair of pants (or two) and to visit the toilet frequently so as to avoid accidents.

Most importantly, remember that your child will have accidents. Do not punish your child; remember, they do want to please you and learn how to go to the potty as much as you want them to (if not more)! Clean it up and tell them that you will both try again next time and give them a hug. Reassurance and support are the two main ingredients to potty training success.

TIP: If your child seems less than eager or even angered by the potty training process, stop. Give it two weeks so you can think about your training, and also see if your child is actually ready for the potty training process. Books may say children as young as 2 may start, but it may not be until your child is 4 before he or she is willing.

photo by Raul Harnasch