Practical potty training tips

Follow these tips to make potty training less frustrating.

Potty training is a big step toward independence in the life of a child. Potty training is monumental in the parent’s life too, but it is probably for a different reason. According to Consumer Reports, parents can expect to spend around $2,500 or more on disposable diapers by the time their baby is potty trained, depending on the number of diaper changes per day and the brand used.

Unfortunately, this life event can turn tragic because potty training is the period in a child’s life where their chances of becoming a victim of abuse increase. Parents and caregivers may be eager for the child to be potty trained, but are unaware if the child is physically or emotionally ready. They become frustrated with the accidents and setbacks that occur with children during this time.

Parents are encouraged to seek their pediatrician’s advice when attempting to determine their child’s potty training readiness. The pediatrician will perform an assessment of the child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed the following toilet training guidelines to assist parents and child care givers in facilitating potty training success:

  • Is the child showing interest in the potty?
  • Are diapers ever dry after a nap?
  • How will you know when your child is ready to toilet train?
  • Can the child indicate wants and needs verbally?
  • Does the child have the motor skills to sit on and rise from the potty chair?
  • What is your plan for toilet training?
  • Are all caregivers in agreement with the toilet training plan?

Parents and caregivers should offer encouragement in the form of recognition and affection and refrain from insulting or punitive behavior. They can celebrate successful potty training attempts by putting stickers on a chart in view of the child. Consistency is the key in this endeavor and time devoted strictly to potty training must be allocated. Pressuring the child should be avoided. Additional changes in the child’s life should be kept at a minimum. Any change could cause a child to regress to pre-potty training behavior.

Additional information on caregiving or family issues can be found at the Michigan State University Extension and eXtension websites.

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