May 14, 2008
When is your toddler ready for potty training?
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You’ve just returned from the grocery store, and spent another $14.99 on pull-ups or premium diapers. Your toddler is showing signs of readiness to potty train…..so what do you do?
First of all, you need to stop, and think about whether YOU are ready to be a potty trainer. Here’s a little checklist I put together, to determine what I like to call, “parental potty training readiness.”
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Are you a stay at home parent, or do you have a couple of weeks vacation to stay home and do nothing but work with your child on using the potty?
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If your child is in daycare, or has an in-home provider, is that provider ready to work in unison with you, to ensure your child is offered potty times throughout the day?
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Can you completely clear your schedule, stay at home, and devote yourself to the job of potty training your child?
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Do you have underwear for your child – (do not use diapers or pull-ups while actually potty training, or it will take 10 times as long.)
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Do you have a potty for your child?
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Are you ready to set your alarm at such a time, that you will be awake approximately 10 minutes before your toddler wakes up – so you can begin his or her day on the potty?
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Are you mentally prepared to drop absolutely EVERYTHING over the next couple of weeks, when your child tells you – “I HAVE TO GO POTTY.”
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Do you have 100% dedication to completing this task at this time – and will not give up?
Potty training is a learned behavior by toddlers and young children. Like everything else your child will ever learn, it requires practice, practice, practice – as well as patience on your part. Give you and your child a solid two week learning curve, and if you can honestly check off each item I’ve mentioned in the above checklist, then you’re ready to get your child potty trained.
Remember, a child can learn this life skill, only as well as they are taught. If you are not consistent in placing your toddler on the potty – you will have major set-backs. If you cave in when your child does not want to go on the potty – you will not be successful. You are your child’s mentor and role model. Make this experience positive, and reward them with your love and attention when they do what you have asked. Most importantly, give yourself, as the “potty trainer,” pats on the back for sticking to your commitment, and JUST DO IT!
From one potty trainer to another – YOU CAN DO THIS!
Until next time,
Christina Archer
Bout Babies Blog
