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Published : March 13, 2009 |
Author : sapphire921
Category : F. Baby And Child Care | Total Views
: 237 | Rating :  
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 sapphire921
A stay at home mom to 3 kids and happily married for 7 1/2 years!
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Potty training seems to be a dreaded moment amongst many mothers. Oddly enough, I enjoy potty training! Maybe it is the challenge or the "aha" moment when your toddler makes the connection between the need to go and putting it in the potty and the pride that everyone feels when this happens. It is one of the first more difficult milestones that you have a hand in helping your child master. It often brings a lot of unnecessary stress and frustrations, which do nothing but hinder the process. We must remember that we have essentially "trained" our children to use their diapers since their birth. They use their diapers whenever they feel the need to go with little thought regarding the process. They have never had to "hold" their bladders. They don't know the feeling of an overfull bladder. They simply release when they feel the need, and due to the absorption quality of disposable diapers, they feel very little of the wetness. Keeping all of those things in mind will help us be a little more patient and understanding when it comes to potty training our little ones.
The first step is introducing the potty. You can talk about the potty at every diaper change or let your little one accompany you to the restroom. Some children are overwhelmed by the big potty and do better with a childsized one.
The next step is making your child aware of his bodily functions and showing them that they can use the potty. Chances are, your child will need to use the potty upon waking in the morning as well as after naps. This is an excellent time to start. If you can "catch" it a couple times, they begin to make the connection. Children react so much better when you respond with lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Depending on the child's age, a sticker chart may be helpful. Another idea is to find a small treat such as an m&m. I recommend finding a treat that your child has never had before so that he will associate it with the potty. When you manage to catch it for the first time, clap, dance, sing, give a treat, whatever you feel like doing - after all, it IS a big deal and you and your child should be very proud.
Toddlers do not like to cease activity or playtime to go and sit in a restroom to potty. The way they see it, they can go in their diaper and never miss a beat with playtime. Why change that?? I recommend bringing the potty to your child. A small potty that can be set in the living room or play area is a good idea. If your child is playing with blocks and he may need to potty, just bring the potty to him and let him continue to play with the blocks while sitting! The child is much more likely to be more open to change if it doesn't disrupt them very much.
Another suggestion is to take several days...a week even - and plan to stay at home. Put your child in big boy/girl underpants. There will be accidents, but plan to see each accident as a learning experience. The child gets to "feel" himself go and will further make the connection of needing to go and where to put it. Do not make a big deal or be disappointed about accidents. Simply say, "oh well, we had an accident, maybe next time we will get it in the potty". Always make a big deal of success!
Be consistent, don't go back and forth between diapers and underpants...it sends confusing signals. If you feel that your child really isn't ready, you can put things away for awhile but keep continuing to talk about it!
Most importantly, relax! Most people don't consider potty training an "enjoyable" milestone, but it can be!!
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 Comments and Discussion Wall |
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 Posted by sapphire921 on March 14, 2009 |
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haha thats a cute story! I remember that I became so accustomed to clapping and making a big deal when I heard "rain in the potty", one time I was in the bathroom ALONE and as soon as i heard that sound, I almost instantly clapped and got excited. It only took a split second to realize that it was me and I felt really silly! lol
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| Posted by Sharon Grant on March 14, 2009 |
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I must say that I dreaded potty training my kids until I started and then I actually enjoyed it. You hear such horror stories from other Mom's and this really works you up to think that this is going to be a traumatic experience for both you and your child. I took the decision to make potty training as fun a time as possible. We sang songs, played games, read books - all while my toddler was on the loo. When they did their business I made such a fuss of them - clapping hands, praise, hugs and kisses. Both my children responded so well to potty training and both got the message pretty quickly. Yes there were accidents - but nothing that could not be cleaned up!! One of my fondest memories was of my daughter when we were in the middle of her training, we were in a public toilet at our local mall, she had done her business and then it was time for Mom, when I had finished my daughter clapped her hands and at the top of her voice cried out "well done mommy, well done!"
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