This article gives five mistakes that parents commonly make when potty training their child, as well as solutions to make the process easier.
Potty training is a time that many first-time parents worry about. How will I know when my child is truly ready? When I do begin to potty train; do I give up diapers completely? How do I teach her? If you can relate to these questions and concerns, do not fret. It will happen when it happens, and the less time you spend worrying about it, chances are, the sooner your child will be diaper free. However, there are some things you can avoid doing that should make the transition a little easier for your little one when you do begin the potty training process.
The first thing to consider is that many children are not really physically or emotionally ready to leave the diapers behind until they are about two years old. Many parents do not realize this and attempt to train their child at 18 months, and sometimes as early as a year. This can be a major mistake if your child is not ready. He will only feel forced, which may cause him to not want to try at all.
Another mistake parents commonly make is that they begin before the child shows any signs of being ready. This can also cause unnecessary frustration and delays. Some signs that indicate your child's readiness are that he: (1) Might show an interest in it, (2) Can stay dry for two hours or more, (3) Can pull pants up or down, (4) Is aware of when he has to go, (5) Is open to trying to use the potty seat as opposed to soiling diaper, (6) Might display obvious discomfort after soiling a diaper.
The next thing to remember is to avoid pushing your child too much. If you ask your child if he has to go to the bathroom and he says no, accept that as his answer. Forcing will only frustrate both you and your child, and most likely, he will develop a great dislike for it all together. Tantrums may result, and then you will have to postpone potty training for another couple months.
It is also easy for parents to make the mistake of putting their toddler in clothes that are just too complicated for potty training. Keep clothing simple. Make sure he wears loose pants that pull up and down easily instead of those that snap or button. Overalls should also be avoided because the shoulder buckles are too hard to unbuckle. Use regular shirts, and sweaters, as opposed to those that snap in the crotch.
A final thought to consider is that toddlers do not automatically know how to use the potty chair. They have been trained since birth to soil their diapers and so the concept of going potty in this way is new to them. Often, parents mistakenly expect too much from their child sometimes even punishing them for having an accident. This is the wrong approach to take. Do not punish your child for accidents. Instead, offer your child positive reinforcement. For example, if he successfully makes it to the potty then offer him some sort of reward. Rewards can be as simple as praise and a hug, or a favorite cracker or treat.
Following these suggestions will help, but accidents are still likely to occur. When they do be patient and keep a smile on your face. Encourage him with words that let him know you love him and believe in him. Tell him, "It's ok, sweetie, you will get it next time." Remember that potty training can be a time consuming process, and that all your child really wants to do is please you, and in the long run, he will. Good luck with your potty training efforts!
