If you’re a parent, then you know that potty training is one of the most dreaded tasks. It’s not just because your child may be resistant to the whole process–it’s also because it can feel like an endless battle. No matter what method you try, there will always be accidents and missed opportunities for success. But don’t give up!
There are many different ways to potty train your child so that they have a happy experience and learn quickly. Potty training methods range from letting your child wear big-kid underwear to going commando while at home.
Read on for some helpful tips on which potty training method might work best for you and your family!
The Problem of Potty Training
Parents dread potty training because it is a difficult and often frustrating process. Children may resist learning to use the toilet, and there are always accidents and missed opportunities for success.
Despite the challenges, it is important for parents to persist with potty training so that their children can have a happy experience and learn quickly.
Different Potty Training Methods
There are many different ways to potty train your child, but the most important thing is to find a method that works for you and your family. Some parents prefer to let their children wear big-kid underwear, while others use a reward system to incentivize their children.
Some parents choose to go commando while at home, using only diapers for outings and special occasions. This can be a great way to make potty training more fun and less stressful.
One popular style is called “elimination communication” which involves only using diapers during naps or nighttime sleep while underwear is worn during waking hours at home. This has been proven by studies in Japan where babies were trained on average in under two weeks with this technique versus taking up to six months with traditional potty training. The idea is that the child eventually trains themselves by recognizing their body’s signals. The downside of this method is that it can be hard for parents–especially if you don’t live in a climate where there are many warm days during which your child can or wants to go outside naked.
No matter what method you choose, it is important to be patient and consistent. Remember that your child will likely have some accidents along the way, but don’t give up! Persistence is key to successful potty training.
Tips for Choosing a Potty Training Method that Works for You
Here are some tips for helping you choose a method that can work with your lifestyle:
- Look at the schedule you already have. If you’re lucky, then your child may be able to use the potty as soon as they wake up and 30 minutes after every meal. However, this isn’t always easy to predict.
- Time how long it takes your child to go through a whole diaper. This can help you know how often they need to use the potty.
- When exploring different methods, choose one that will also work for your daycare provider or any other caregivers that may be watching your child when you’re not around. Your kids might love wearing big-kid underwear at home, but they might freak out if that’s not how their daycare provider trains them.
- If possible, try to start potty training at a time when you are on vacation or have extended access to family members who can take over childcare duties if need be.
Potty Training Methods are Different for Everyone
Every child learns differently, and every family operates differently. These circumstances make it nearly impossible for there to be one potty training method that works for everyone.
Even though there are many different ways to potty train your child, the most important thing is to find a method that works for you and your family. Try out a few different styles until you find something that works for you!
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Here are some helpful pros and cons of different potty training methods:
- Potty Training by Accident: If left to their own devices, most children will eventually learn to use the toilet on their own. This can take a month or two depending on the child.
- Potty Training in One Day: Some parents try to potty train their children all at once on a single day by taking away diaper privileges, limiting liquids, and rewarding good behavior with stickers. While some kids will catch on quickly, others may need more time to learn about the new method.
- Potty Training while Still Wearing Diapers: This method starts when a child is wearing diapers but gets them used to going to the bathroom in the potty instead of in a diaper. After a while, parents can put their children into big-kid underwear.
- Potty Training with Underwear only at Home: If you’re not comfortable putting your child into underwear when they’re out and about, then this method is for you. Your child wears underwear and diapers during naps and nighttime sleep and only gets to wear underwear at home during waking hours. This can help them get used to using the potty while limiting accidents. The downside of this method is that it may be hard for your daycare provider to understand.
- Potty Training with Underwear only at Home and Daycare: This method is similar to the one above, but it also takes into account your child’s daycare needs. This option works best for children who are in care during most waking hours. If you choose this method, start training when they are on break from daycare.
- Potty Training while at Grandma’s: If you and your child will be spending a lot of time with family or friends, then choosing the method that works best for them is probably easiest. This option also allows parents to leave their children with their chosen caregivers when they’re on vacation. However, this may mean that your child misses out on some of the benefits of potty training at home.
- Potty Training by Sticker Chart: Stickers are a popular reward for children, so making them work towards something they want is often appealing. Underwear with rewards stickers are just one version of this method that may help you train your children faster.
- No Potty Training at All: If you don’t want to bother with potty training, then this is the method for you. This method works best for parents who are looking for a break from constantly reminding their children about using the bathroom. However, some children will not be able to stay dry on their own until they’re at least 4 years old.
Quick Tips That Actually Work!
Here are some helpful tips that work for most potty training methods:
- Let your child pick out their own underwear, if possible. If they’re excited about wearing big-kid undies, then you can bet they’ll be more likely to use them!
- Make using the potty fun! Use Elmo or Minnie Mouse seat covers instead of just plain toilet paper.
- Reward your child with stickers when they have a dry day, especially during the beginning stages of training.
- Let your child use their imagination when you’re in the bathroom together. For example, they might pretend that the potty is a boat or a space shuttle.
- Let your child pick out their own potty seat. Even if it doesn’t fit in your bathroom, they’ll still want to use it just because it’s “theirs.”
- When using the commando method, let your child run around without pants when they’re at home. They might catch on sooner if they don’t have to sit down on the potty.
- Try not to make it a fight. Sticker charts and rewards are more likely to work if they aren’t used as punishments or threats.
Conclusion
Potty training can be a long process, but it doesn’t have to be miserable.
With some patience and creativity, you will find the right method for your family. Whether you choose to go traditional or try out a new approach, it is important to remember that every child is different so what works for one may not work for another.
Try out a few of these methods and see which one works best for you and your family!
Also, do share these tips with your friends who are also struggling with potty training!.
