Essential Potty Training Tips for Parents
Are you prepared to tackle the challenge of potty training? The journey of potty training can consume a significant amount of time and energy for us as parents. Whether it’s contemplating the right age to start, assessing how the training is progressing, or wondering if we’re doing everything possible to expedite the process, it’s a common topic that lingers in our minds when our little ones are still in diapers.
For example, I recently reunited with some mommy friends I hadn’t seen in nearly a year. Despite the time that had passed, the subject of potty training inevitably came up. It seems to be an unavoidable part of parenting! If you’re looking for more insights, don’t forget to check out my extensive collection of parenting tips!
Most parents begin to consider potty training when their child reaches around 18 to 24 months old, but there isn’t a universally perfect time to start—it’s truly dependent on the individual child. For instance, my eldest son didn’t show any interest in potty training until he was three years old. Even then, it took two separate attempts over several months before he finally grasped it. On the other hand, my younger son surprised me by waking up one morning and declaring he was ready to be potty trained. Compared to the first experience, his transition was remarkably smooth and effortless!
It’s interesting to note that many of us don’t openly discuss the challenges of potty training, possibly because our minds naturally block out the more painful memories. I vividly recall spending countless hours sitting on the cold, tiled bathroom floor, reading books to my child while he sat on the toilet seat. When I asked my mother how she managed to potty train both me and my brother, she simply stated, “One morning, I woke up, and you were potty trained.” I can’t help but think that it wasn’t quite that straightforward!
Here are some helpful products that can assist in the potty training process:
- OXO Tot Potty Chair, Gray
- Foryee Cute Frog Potty Training Urinal for Boys with Funny Aiming Target – Blackish Green
- Summer Infant Step Up Seat and Stepstool for Potty Training and Beyond, Easy to Empty and Clean, Space Saving 2-in-1 Solution
- BabyBjörn Potty Chair, Deep Green/White
Of course, selective memory can help us survive those challenging phases of parenting.
10 Signs Your Child is Ready to Potty Train
- Your child can remain dry for at least two hours during the day or is dry after a nap, indicating that their bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.
- Your child expresses discomfort with a wet or dirty diaper and requests a change.
- Your child shows a growing curiosity about the bathroom and its functions.
- Your child’s bowel movements are regular and predictable, making it easier to anticipate when they need to go.
- Your child is capable of pulling their pants up and down independently.
- Your child expresses interest in wearing “big-kid” underwear instead of diapers.
- Your child can communicate through words, facial expressions, or body language when they need to go.
- Your child can follow simple verbal instructions with ease.
- Your child can sit and engage in an activity for several minutes without becoming overly distracted or irritable.
- Your child is generally in a cooperative mood; otherwise, potty training can become a power struggle.
While it’s not necessary for your child to exhibit all of these signs to begin the potty training process, it’s beneficial if they display a majority of them prior to starting.
Do you think your little one is ready to embark on the potty training journey? For more strategies and tips, consider reading “Potty Training Made Easy: Strategies That Really Work.” Do you have your own potty training tips that you’d like to share?