How To Toilet-Train A Child
- Posted by MetropolisMom on May 19th, 2008 filed in Smart Parenting, Toddlers
Photo by dkimages
How can I toilet-teach a child who resists it? All of our friends tell us that their children were toilet-taught by the time they were 2. Our daughter is 2 1/2 , and she is still using diapers. If you have tried everything and you have the same dilemma that we had before, here are some tips to help you.
If you have tried everything, the next step is to try nothing. I am serious. My point is that, in the end, it really does not matter whether your child masters the potty by age 2,3, or 4. I would become a little concern after that.
It sounds as if your concern stems from your own feelings of competition with your friends. This is a losing proposition. You will always be able to find children who did something earlier or better than yours, just as you will always be able to find children who did those same things later or with less proficiency.
There is nothing unusual about a child your child’s age wearing diapers. (My daughter still wore diapers at that age too.) It is not a reflection of his intelligence or predictor of future success.
Your toddler will come to use the potty when he is both physically mature-aware of the nerve impulses that signal his need to eliminate, and able to control his sphincter-and emotionally ready to control his bowels and bladder in the way that you want.
Finally, remember that your child has ultimate control-it is up to him to decide when he is ready to give up diapers. If you turn toilet-teaching into a power struggle, he will probably assert his control by doing the opposite of what you want.
That is why you would be wise to back off. Remember that this is a difficult time for him, too. Reassure him that you love him, no matter what. Praise him for trying, not for just success.
Read more about the right way to discipline children here.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Ah, toilet training, I’m about to embark on that adventure again with my two year old. I’ll keep your tips in mind.
May 30th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for visiting my site. Good luck with the potty training. As for my little girl, I am not adding any pressure to her as I see she is not yet ready for it. Good Luck! Do visit me here again for updates. ;)
Cheers!
Metropolismom
June 5th, 2008 at 9:49 am
My son will be 3 in August. He will poop in the potty, but he still wears pull ups because he pretty much refuses to pee in the potty. It’s been a difficult battle. He’s starting to come around a bit. But, it is very frustrating. :(
There are all sorts of “methods” available for trying out there. But, I really think that the best solution is just to let them go at their own pace (unless they are starting Kindergarten!).
June 5th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hi Crazy Working Mom!
Thanks for visiting Metropolismom. Just let them go at their own pace. The time will come when your little one is ready for it.
Cheers!
Metropolismom
June 16th, 2008 at 5:03 am
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