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Things To Avoid When Potty Training Your Toddler

Teaching your child to use the toilet can be a frustrating experience. Indeed, it can try the patience of any parent. But, by the time your toddler has reached 18 months in age, he’ll proactively let you know that he has soiled his diaper. That’s when you should begin potty training him.

photo credit: abardwell

As you might expect, some strategies are more effective than others when trying to encourage your little one to use the toilet. In this article, we’ll provide a list of four things you should avoid doing in order to ensure that your child makes a seamless transition to the potty.

Tip 1 – Avoid Setting A Deadline

Adults are used to deadlines. We deal with them at the office, with our monthly bills, and even on the weekends when we’re supposed to be relaxing. By contrast, young children are not accustomed to them. So, setting a deadline by which your toddler must be potty trained is unrealistic.

Many experts suggest planning to spend three months training your little one each day to use the toilet. But, that’s only a guideline. In truth, every child is an individual and will make the transition according to his or her own schedule.

Tip 2 – Avoid Treating Accidents Like Catastrophes

Accidents happen. The important thing is that when they do, you don’t treat them like disasters. The truth is, few toddlers who are potty training can make the transition without having one or two accidents along the way. If you react as if it is a catastrophe, your child will probably become stressed. Instead, treat it as an unfortunate event. Have your little one help you clean up the mess and encourage him to use the toilet next time.

Tip 3 – Avoid Unrealistic Expectations At Night

Even though your little one will learn to successfully use the toilet during the day, he may still wet his bed at night. That’s because his ability to control his bladder and bowel movements are limited to when he’s conscious (at least in the beginning). When he’s sleeping, that control is fleeting. It’s not uncommon for children to wet their beds through four years of age.

Tip 4 – Don’t Stress Out

Even though it may seem as if your toddler will be in a diaper when he graduates from high school, he will eventually learn to use the toilet. The fact is, some children simply make the transition a little more slowly than other children. Don’t be alarmed. Offer encouragement every day and he’ll begin to naturally adapt. Learning to use the potty is one of many skills he’ll learn throughout his life. This is one of the few that you’ll be able to participate in.

Despite the occasional frustration, you’ll look back in several years with fondness and you’ll recall how your little one looked to you for support.

Source: Maternity Months