Many parents struggle with potty training their kids. They don’t know when to start it or how to do it? There are always signs to look out for when it is time to start it off finally. But what you need to understand is that you need patience and that every child is different and learns at their own pace.
What are the signs that my child is ready for potty training?
There are sure signs every parent can follow and know that their little bag of happiness is ready for potty training:
- Fewer diapers to change: All kids frequently pee until they reach about 20 months of age. Check if your child is keeping dry for at least an hour. And if they are, it is a sign that they are gaining control over their bladder and slowly approaching potty training time.
- Their bowel movements are becoming regular: You are surprisingly pulling out the potty chair like clockwork.
- The child is using verbal or vocal cues for you to go to the loo: You will be happy to know that when your kid starts using words or signs like facial expressions to show that they need to go pee-pee or poo-poo, your child might be ready for potty training.
- Your child is noticing the dirty diapers and running away from it: Cheer up when your kid decides that they no longer like playing around in their soiled diapers because it is gross. Guess who has decided to join the team against diapers?
What is the right age for my tot to start potty training?
Most of the kids are generally ready to potty train before they are 2½ years old. But it is not a hard and fast rule, and some children are not even ready till they are 3 ½, so it takes time—all you have to keep in mind is that all kids are different and you need to be patient. There is no use pushing your child to the potty when they are not ready.
Some tips on getting your little one started with potty training
Potty training feels like an achievement unlocked for most parents, or should we say all parents. The journey is not comfortable, obviously.
- When you start your child’s potty training, let them run around in the house with bare bottoms. The idea is to make your child aware of their body signals. They cannot ignore pee-pee or poo-poo if they are not wearing a diaper to hold it.
- Use positive reinforcement whenever your kid tries potty so that they feel proud and happy. It encourages them to try again next time.
- Lead your child by example, and show them how it’s done. Let them come with you to the loo and see how you use the potty.
- It’s okay if there are few unsuccessful attempts, they are just kids. Politely talk to your child and try it after a few days when you feel they are ready again.
- Set up a routine and use a potty training chart with colorful stickers. Put up stickers with your kid whenever they try the toilet. Kids love to be involved in creative and colorful activities, and this is another way to do it.
- Show them that handling potty and cleaning it up is a messy and smelly job. While you do this, slowly affirm that potty must go in the toilet.
- During long trips, the automatic flushers at gas stations and hotels tend to scare some kids. Just put up a post-it note on the sensor, and it won’t go off while your child tries the potty.
- One thing that you need to learn as a parent is to be patient. It is a slow learning process and varies from child to child. There is no use comparing your little kid with others.
The lesson to learn!
Potty training is not an easy feat to accomplish. Some kids learn fast, and some take their time. If your neighbor’s kid learned to potty train overnight and your kid doesn’t, it is not like something is wrong with your kid. Remember to be patient, and it will happen when it is meant to happen. Consult your pediatrician to give you more advice.