Potty Training. Ugh, yet another hurdle on the parenting journey. Another thing to wrestle with my toddler about, and another daunting milestone for me to even contemplate. Overwhelm just doesn't cover it.
I know it's a necessary step. I can't keep putting it off, and I sense my child is ready, but the question remains – how, how, how!?
I get it. You're wondering, "How can I make this process smoother?" Why? Because I've been in your shoes!
Sure, Potty Training can be a struggle, but guess what? It can also be straightforward, uncomplicated, and dare I say…FUN :)
While we managed to potty train our daughter in three days, I'm not asking you to set that as the gold standard for your child. For some, it might take a bit longer, and that's perfectly fine! We're dealing with tiny humans here, but most catch on pretty quickly, and 5-7 days is usually the norm. Some ace it in 2 days, and others take 3. The point is, it's speedy!
Here are the essential ingredients for your recipe of success, helping you cut the crap and liberate yourself (and the environment) from diaper jail!
1. Grab that window of opportunity
Yes, there's an ideal time to potty train, and if you seize that moment, the experience becomes much easier. Waiting too long makes it more challenging. After three years old, you're dealing with a child embracing newfound independence, loving to push boundaries. They might get set in their ways as pre-schoolers, making teaching this new skill possible but requiring more creativity and patience.
The younger they are, the more eager they are to please. They're not grappling with major developmental milestones, making it easier for them to pick up potty training. If they're too young and not ready, expect lots of pee and poop on your floor. The sweet spot? Aim for 20 months to 3 years old. We started at 24 months when we saw the signs and knew our daughter was ready.
2. Commitment to see it through - both feet in
The primary reason Potty Training fails is often not your child; it's you. Harsh, but true. Change happens when parents guide the process. If we're not ready, committed, or invested in guiding the process, consistency takes a nosedive.
Learning a new skill like Potty Training is a process, and it can get tough. But, like everything else (including sleep), it's worth it, and consistency is the key. If you're unsure, want to keep it "casual" or "see how it goes," you're likely to throw in the towel when it gets tough (this is precisely why I coach parents through this).
If you're sometimes using a diaper and expecting your child to use the potty at other times, confusion reigns. We set aside three days to start, committing solely to potty training during that time. Make the commitment – it's crucial.
3. Plan to avoid Meltdowns and the unexpected
Learning a new skill is a process, much like learning to walk. There'll be falls to learn what not to do. We can help our children through this, but we can't do it for them.
It's vital to set them up for success. Choose a time when all other factors are in place. If your child is struggling through another transition or not sleeping well, you're going against a tidal wave of emotions.
Teach this new skill when both you and your baby are at your best – rested, sleeping well, and ready to learn. Potty training only takes a few accidents for kids to learn. They're smart and know what they like and don't like; pee running down their legs is a definite dislike. If your child is overwhelmed, learning slows, and exhausted parents are less likely to follow through because it becomes more challenging.
So, have a plan. Plan when to start, and plan to have all your ducks in a row. If you don't have time to research, reach out, and I can get a plan for you.
We had a plan; we typed it out, printed it, and made sure our daughter was rested and ready...that WE were ready. We made it the new normal.
Potty Training is a significant milestone. Let me show you how to enjoy it, removing the stress, hassle, and dread. Make it another amazing aspect of your child's ability to learn, grow, and make you proud!
Reach out for a step-by-step and day-by-day plan and skip the piecing-it-together part!
Let the "Potty" begin!
