Potty training your child can be an incredibly challenging experience. It involves a lot of time, a lot of patience and, probably, a lot of laundry. However, as tough as it can be, there are some things that you should keep in mind while actually potty training to make life much easier for you and your little one.
Timing
It’s hard to say if there is a set age at which you should start potty training, but, generally speaking, according to Gracepoint Wellness, it’s best to start somewhere between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. Remember that each child is different, and they will only be ready when their body decides that it’s time. How can you know when your child is ready? Your child may begin to engage in a few common behaviors, like announcing they are using the bathroom, using the bathroom less frequently and having bowel movements in a more regular pattern. They may also appear to dislike dirty diapers more often.
Clothing
When your child has to go, they have to go. Your job is to make sure that you minimize anything which can interfere with them using the bathroom as quickly as possible. This is why clothing choice is absolutely critical. When potty training time comes, you should switch out your child’s wardrobe. According to Potty Genius, you should make sure to dress your child in loose-fitting and easy-to-remove clothing. Belts, overalls, onesies, and tight clothing should be avoided. Put your child in clothing that they can easily take off by themselves.
Patience
Perhaps the hardest part about potty training for any parent is demonstrating the patience necessary to be supportive of your child while assisting them in their potty training. There will be many moments where your child was so close to making it to the bathroom, but, instead, you have a mess all over your car just while you are trying to get out the door and get to work. Try and keep in mind that your child wants to be potty trained, but their body doesn’t know how to get them there yet.
Potty training is a journey for more than the child—it’s a journey for the parent, too! Remember that your job as a parent is to guide them toward this new milestone, which is the next of many. You’ll eventually remember this period fondly. It just takes a little bit of time to get there!
Here’s another article you might like: How to Deal With Your Family’s Exorbitant Medical Costs