When starting the potty training journey, patience is critical. Many parents find that the most effective strategy is to wait until their child demonstrates readiness and shows cues that they’re interested and not bow to pressure from friends or family because your child is a certain age.
Potty training shouldn’t have strict time limits. It takes a complex skill set for the brain to develop. You know your children best.
Learn about when to teach children to use the toilet and what to expect.
Your child may be capable of saying they’re ready to start potty training. He might say, “I peed” or “I pooped” after soiling his diaper. This communication is an excellent sign that it may be time to start potty training.
Once they have used these phrases, ask them to tell you when they need to pee or poop. This heads-up gives you a window to rush to the bathroom for them to use the toilet.
Occasionally children are delighted when bowel movements occur (“I am pooping!”). A common potty training technique is to give rewards like saying they are becoming a big-girl or big-boy.
Don’t use punishment if they go potty or poop in their underpants. It may make the child afraid to make a mistake. Let them know they tried, and they will get it next time. Fear of punishment can even lead to constipation.