Potty training is one of the biggest milestones of a child’s life. It is not just for the kid but also for the parent. Once our kid celebrates the first birthday, we want to get them potty trained before they start pre-school. Most schools work with parents when they start potty training at home. But a few schools are pretty strict while others are ok even if the child is not 100% trained. Whatever the rules are, potty training is one such skill that every child has to learn. Some kids learn it fast, others take time. We cannot force them. When they are ready, they learn it in no time. So, how to decide the right time for the training? Personally, I don’t believe in the notion that girls learn it faster than boys. I believe in the readiness of the child. I believe in the fact that depending on the child’s acceptance and other developments, we should go forward with this.

 

• Is the child able to understand and express: If the child is able to understand what is expected from him/her then the process becomes easy. Similarly, if the child can tell the need to go to the potty then it is faster. Sometimes, if we start the training too early and they don’t understand what is expected from them then it gets challenging.

 

• Is the child able to feel the sensation: Some kids feel the sensation when they have to use the potty. Once you see the child is getting that sensation, I would say that is a good time to start. But sometimes even in spite of the sensation, they are not ready to sit on the potty. What to do in such cases?

 

• Wait for some more time: Yes, that’s the only thing we can do. There is no point in forcing them, pressurizing them or bribing them. Yes, I said bribing. Don’t take me wrong. But I have seen parents promise a candy or a present when a child uses the potty. They see it as a motivation or encouragement but the fact is kids dot need such form of encouragement. A big hug or a hi-fi or just a few words “good job”, “well done” or a sticker are more than enough. This is a life skill that they have to learn.

 

• Don’t compare your child’s potty training milestone with other kid: That’s the biggest mistake parents do. Unknowingly, parents compare their kid’s milestones to other kids. I am not against following time factor in terms of reaching milestones. Obviously, certain milestones have to be reached at their desired time. But when a kid’s readiness and acceptance comes in the picture, parents should have patience.

 

• It’s okay if the child is not potty trained when you wanted: As I said when the child is ready, they learn it in no time. That’s very true. I am telling this from my own experience. My son has just turned 3. Honestly, I wanted him to be potty trained before 2.5. He was getting the sensation for a very long time and he used to tell me that his diaper is wet but he wasn’t ready to use the potty. I never forced him. I knew he was ready but wasn’t ready to accept it..::)  Also, since he used to go to school twice a week so there used to be a break in our training routine. He had a few success potty training sessions at school but at home he wasn’t showing any interest. So, I decided to wait for the summer break to start. Once the break started, I removed his diaper and told him that now no more pull- ups. Day 1: had two accidents (I took him to the restroom at 30 minutes intervals). Day 2: 1 accident. Day 3: zero accident. I haven’t started putting him diaper free at night yet. But will start doing it pretty soon. One more thing,  I haven’t stayed at home the whole day since he was under training. Just that I kept the distances or the outdoor time limited. Overall the process was smooth. I feel sometimes, waiting a little longer helps. 🙂

 

There is no “right time” for potty training. It varies from child to child. The secret is to tune in with your child’s unique learning style. Never punish or show that you are upset if the child refuses to use the potty or has accidents. Sometimes, even after accident-free days or sometimes months, suddenly they have a wet day. It’s okay. Keep encouraging them, follow their signs. How was your experience with potty training?