Growing up...Peaceful Potty Training

Teaching your child to use the restroom instead of wearing diapers is a huge milestone for everyone involved. Here is some practical advice and some recommended materials for you to consider. ​

Take your baby with you to the restroom whenever possible so he becomes used to what happens there. This is a perfect way for your baby boy to learn that mommy doesn't look like him but daddy does and vice versa. It is natural and easy. When your toddler begins to speak, answer the questions with the simplest response. I prefer to use correct anatomical language for body parts, penis instead of wee-wee. But that's simply my preference. Just be consistent. As your child grows older, around age 2, and you start thinking about potty training. The Mayo Clinic suggests  you consider if your child is ready by asking yourself these questions...

• Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?
• Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
• Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go?
• Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?
• Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?
• Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
• Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?

When you decide to start, make it as fun as possible. Cheer profusely when your toddler is successful. Use a rewards system, an edible treat or a special outing. Stars or stickers on a chart can be very motivating for some children. When they wet their pants, say something like, "I don't like having wet pants either. When you pee in the potty your pants stay dry." Then change their pants. Don't punish or scold for accidents. Encourage them that they will be potty trained soon. Stay aware of your child's body language to indicate they need to go potty. If they squirm, dance in a wiggly manner or hold themselves, they probably have to go. Try to schedule potty breaks every hour or two to get them used to going.

If your child is truly ready to train, the potty train in a day/weekend method really works. But not unless the child is motivated. In this method you will push liquids, lots of clear drinks your child will enjoy. I recommend water. But switching up with weak (watered down) fruit juice is OK too. I would not give soda with all the sugar/corn syrup or diet sweeteners, or milk or hot chocolate since they are thicker, and more food-like.

Leave off your child's diapers/pull ups and have them sit frequently on the potty. The point is to help them be motivated and learn their body's signals that indicate they have to use the restroom. Normal age range to potty train during the daytime is up to 7 years old, but most train by age 3-4. If my child consistently has wet pants during the day, I usually put them back into pull-ups and tell them to let me know when they are ready to potty train. Usually a month or two goes by when they tell me they are ready. When they own their training, they do it. I've known kids who train as early as 1&1/2 and others as late as 4 for daytime and some much later (early teens) for night time without accidents.
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Article written by Ruth Grunstra
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