Dealing with other people's sh!t can be hard.... especially when it comes to your child and potty training!
I got my daughter to be completely potty trained in less than a week, right after her second birthday. I didn't realize how much of an accomplishment that was until it was time to potty train my other two toddlers!
Princeton has the concept for the most part but I still wouldn't say he's completely "mastered" it just yet. I still get nervous when I take him out in only undies lol but so far so good!
Here are a few steps that have helped me in potty training all of my kiddies:
1. Don't Rush It!
Don't let the internet or invasive family members rush you into getting your toddler potty trained if your child is not interested or getting frustrated easily. I know some parents who have successfully potty train their kids at 18 months and others who succeeded when their child was 3 years old!
They will get it!
I remember trying to start Isaiah potty training early on (a few months before his second birthday). I was pregnant at the time and wanted him to be fully potty trained before the baby came. It was a mess... literally! I spent over two weeks running behind him to do his business. I read so many blogs and watched YouTube videos because I thought we were doing something wrong.... we weren't. He was just not ready & I decided to put it on pause and continue a little later.
After his second birthday, we tried again and things went way smoother!
2. Model Their Behavior
I told my kiddies to let me know when they had to go but I also announced to them when I had to use the restroom so that it can seem somewhat normal for them to do the same. I also asked them "are you proud of me" or "did I do a great job at using the bathroom?" This seemed to hype them up for when it was their turn.
I never incentivized my toddlers with candy or gifts but I ALWAYS cheered them on with their successes along the way (and even their attempts).
3. Once up, Take them to Pee!
As soon as they wake up take them to the potty. Even if they've already soiled their night-time pull-ups, take them. This will initiate the expectations for the day and it's typically a time they'll will have to go.
4. Don't Stress
With all the mistakes that come with potty training, it's easy to get frustrated. Even if it doesn't seem like your toddler is putting as much effort as you think they should be, do not stress. Once you do, they will shut down and regress.
Please don't punish them for making mistakes. I know it can get tough on you but it can be equally hard for them as well.
I suggest having them help you clean the messes and expressing the importance of doing their business in the potty. "Wow, you peed on the floor. Let's try doing that in the potty next time ok?" "Here's a paper towel, let's clean this up". Something simple but not harsh.
5. Try Joining a Facebook Group or Community Like Baby Center.
If you don't have the Baby Center App, it's a real game changer. You put your childs birthdate in and you get information about their milestones. It also connects you to other parents who have children the same age (Iv'e been using it for eight years now). There are forums you can use to talk about the experiences you're going through. Whether it's potty training, eating, tantrums or anything else you may be experiencing, these forums are tyically a safe place where parents can write about what's going on with their little ones. You can ask questions or give advice whenever you need!
You can also do the same with Facebook groups. A family friend suggested a group called "Oh Crap". I haven't joined it but it is the same concept. Just knowing your'e not alone can ease your mind sometimes.
6. Try Setting a Timer or Potty Watch
Once they grasp the concept, you can move on to using a timer. I've always used my phone but potty watches are a thing and something I've definetly considered buying. You set it for however often you want them to try to potty & place it on their wrist. Once the timer goes off they know it's time to try.
I love that concept because it can get your toddler excited about going. I'm not mad at any extra motivation I can get to help!
7. Ditch The Potty
With Princeton, I realized he did not like using the potty. I'm not sure why but instead of fighting him to go where I wanted him to, I got a step stool and toddler seat and allowed him to use the toilet.
Once he got to use the "big potty" as he calls it, he was more eager to go!
Closing
Potty training looks different in a lot of cases. The most important thing to do is to continue to encourage your kiddies and know that they will get it.
I've also linked my amazon store front where you can see some of my recommended potty trining essentials.
Hope this helps someone!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! <3
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