Are you in the potty training phase? Have you been reading about different tips and methods that you can try? Do you feel overwhelmed? I will admit that I do. I am in the process of potty training my fourth child and I still find it such a hard time in life. I have tried and utilized different methods with each child. Just when I think that something is going to work, it generally ends up failing which can be so frustrating.
I wanted to talk about something a bit different than the tips and methods that you have already probably read about. I wanted to share with you tips for making potty training as stress free and simple as possible.
Tip # 1 – Remember that Each Child is Unique
Since I am a mom of four I am often asked for advice by my friends who are first time parents. One of the things that I always get asked is when they should start potty training and I have to answer them with “I don't know.” Then I go on to tell them that each child is different and unique and that you have to choose to potty train with each one when they are really ready.
Tip # 2 – Be Calm and Patient
Patience is not a virtue that I have been blessed with. In fact most of the time I am pretty speedy and like to just get things done quickly. I have had to learn how to be patient and how to remain calm when I am potty training one of my kids. If I am not patient and push too hard they seem to resist more. Likewise if I am not calm and get overly excited it seems to freak them out and can even cause them to regress.
Tip # 3 – Talk to Your Child
One of the biggest mistakes that I think that parents make is that they determine a child is ready for potty training based on their age. Some children develop differently so for me it is important that I discuss the potty chair, going potty and the process with my child. I have had one child fully potty trained by the age of two and one that was almost three and a half. So it really does matter a lot what they can comprehend and whether or not they can tell you that they actually have to use the bathroom.
Tip # 4 – Start Slow
Let your child pick out a potty chair or have a new one sent to them. I know that it might seem dumb to buy a new potty chair when you already have one but for us their own new potty chair is what helped each one of the kids learn how to go potty. For this reason I would encourage getting rid of the potty chair after your child is done, even if you believe strongly in saving all of your baby/toddler things for the next child.
Tip # 5 – Don't be Afraid to Try Something New
If you are trying one method you might feel like you have to be consistent. However if that is not working then it might be better to quit all together, wait a while and try something completely different. This can really help speed up the process with a child that has been resistant to one method.
Tip # 6 – Choose a Method that Fits Your Lifestyle
Another huge mistake that I have tried in the past is a method that has worked for one of my children. However since our life is constantly changing there are many reasons why some methods would not be right at this time for my youngest child. I have to remember to choose the method that is going to best work for the child whom I am working with.
As you can see there is no right or wrong way to potty train your child. Remember too that something that works for one of your children might not work for any of your other children. Be patient, calm and respect what your child is telling you and your potty training experience can be a stress free time that you can enjoy with your child.
Amanda Walton is a stay at home mom who works as a blogger and writer. You can check out her blog Simply Shawn N Jenn or check out her ebooks.
