Gentle Approaches to Potty Training

When it comes to potty training, each child is different and will often end up potty training in their own unique way.  Some little ones will learn how to use the potty over night and never regress, while with others it will be a longer (and sometimes stressful) process.  The important thing to remember when potty training is to try and keep calm, and do what is best for both your child and yourself.  Forcing a child to potty train when they are not ready can lead to an even longer time in diapers, and will often bring un-needed stress to the situation.  

Here are a few tips for a gentle approach to potty training :)

1.  Work with your child.  Potty training is a partnership and making sure you recognize how your child is reacting to potty training is important.  Having a plan is great, but if your child detours from that plan,  you need to understand where they are in the process and figure out a how to get back on track calmly so no one gets too stressed.   As they say, "you can lead a child to the potty, but your can't make them go".

2.  Have a positive attitude about using the potty.  Before your child even starts to potty train, make sure you have an upbeat attitude about the bathroom and the potty.  When it comes time to potty train, make it an exciting event and something that 'big-kids' do.  

3.  Make sure you have the proper essentials.  When it is time to potty train, take your child shopping to pick out 'big-kid underwear' or give them some as a gift.  Your little one will see this as a special right of passage and a motivation to potty train.

4.  Don't rush the process.  Earlier potty training doesn't mean you are a better parent than others.   Each child is different and research shows that toddlers are being potty trained at an older age than in the past.  You need to do what is right for you and your child, and when your child is truly ready, the process should be must easier then if your try to force potty training at too young of an age.

Potty training is quite an event, but the most important thing to remember is that you need to do what is right for you and your child.  Each and every child will train differently so take is one step at a time, and know your aren't alone on the wild ride of potty training :)