“Potty training” should be called “POTTY GUIDING”, and it is first and foremost a LEARNING process.
Our child is acquiring and practicing A NEW SKILL and we are only “supporting” him in this course.
Potty training is a significant developmental MILESTONE and is closely linked to the acquisition of INDEPENDENCE – Our parental role is to empower our child and to encourage her to do many things on her own.
Remember our child is THE MASTER OF HIS BODY – Thus, he can choose if, and when, he wants to let go of the nappy.
Try to start at a time when YOUR CHILD is emotionally available to learn – So preferably not a time when other big changes are happening in his life.
Try to start at a time when YOU are available to contain your own disappointment, to clean and to wash a lot…
Avoid talking about pee or poop like SOMETHING DIRTY, or show any repugnance around the subject.
Help your child connect to his BODY “CUES”, how it feels like, by talking about it, by modelling it – “My body is feeling like it has to go to the toilet, I’m gonna try…”
Try to not react with anger, stress or disappointment when “accidents” happen – Respond in a CALM and PRACTICAL manner.
Let go of control - stop telling your child time and again to go to the bathroom – Instead, create HEALTHY HABITS and “anchors”, like going to the bathroom first thing in the morning, or just before going to bed, and more.
