If you are in the throughs of potty training, be sure and check out these super helpful tips for potty training success. Remember no one goes to college in diapers!
Motherhood comes with all kinds of challenges, right? We worry we are messing things up a good percent of the time. But we mostly realize that kids are resilient and we are doing a way better job than we think.
But for all the things I was anxious about in being a mom, I admit that potty training ranked up in the top 3. Why? I don’t really know.
Maybe it’s because it kind of grossed me out…I mean, changing a diaper never fazed me. But something about cleaning up pee and poop from my carpet and couch gave me the hibeejeebees.
Or maybe it’s because this seemed like one of those high pressure mom moments. You know when you’re in a group with a friend and that mom who always has it together is going ON AND ON about how her son was potty trained in a day at 17 months.
Or maybe it’s because this is one of those things that was pretty highly dependent on me. Sure, some kids come to you and are ready to give up diapers but I think my girls would have been happy in them until at least 5.
But never fear…all those worries are really a waste of your time. There are some amazing carpet cleaners out there (here’s my favorite).
Those moms who feel the need to brag the loudest usually aren’t doing as well as you think.
And no one’s kid goes to college in diapers.
That said, I have learned a LOT of tips and tricks to make potty training easier.
Don’t Rush It – Don’t set a clear cut age when your child HAS to be potty trained. If you try at 2 and it’s a complete disaster, try again in a month.
Plan For Accidents – This is a totally new concept to your child. There will be mistakes.
Keep The Potty Close – We bought 3 potties and had them all over the house.
But Don’t Make It TOO Convenient – With my first, we let the potty be out in the living room. But then I read about how another mom did this and her child went and pooped by the couch one day (where the potty usually was) because he didn’t want to miss TV.
Use THIS Potty – We tried so many potties and adapter seats but this one is the ONLY one that worked. I have recommended it to so many friends who were struggling and it made all the difference.
Keep Your Cool – Your child’s never done this before. It’s weird and gross and scary. Be patient and please do NOT yell at them when they have an accident
ALWAYS Have A Change Of Clothes With You – Even socks and shoes
Offer Incentives – Find what motivates your child. They are NOT going to get too much sugar in that first week or two of training. With my girls they got 1 M&M for trying, 3 M&Ms for peeing and a small dum dum for pooping. You will know when they don’t need this anymore.
Have Your Child Try Every 15 Minutes – In the beginning this is the best time increment I found. By Day 2, we usually move it to 30 minutes. By day 4 they are usually telling you when they need to go.
Only Do Pull-Ups If You Want To Drag It Out – Yes, putting your child in a pull up when you run to Target is a lot easier but it also shows her you don’t think she can make it and gives her the freedom to prove you right.
Let Your Child See You Potty – I think we do this by default as moms but let them see how easy and natural it is to go potty!
Buy FUN Underwear – Let your child pick it out. Something that will make them really want to get rid of diapers!
Help The Fear Factor – We loved the book My Big Boy Potty because it demystified the whole flushing sound and where the pee and poop go by explaining how the pipes take the poo away!
Make Sure Your Child Isn’t Constipated – For whatever reason, most children learn to pee on the potty before they will poop! Fear makes them hold it in and constipation makes the issue worse. A little prune juice or pear juice during this time is super helpful.
Make Sure YOU Are Committed – Realize that potty training takes some real effort on your part. I always tell my mom friends that the First day is the worst! The 2nd day is so much better and by day 3, you will wonder why you didn’t try sooner. But if you give up on Day 1, you aren’t doing ANYONE any favors.
I hope these tips are helpful. And just remember…no one’s child goes to college in diapers!!
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