Potty Training
Potty trained: The child is capable of using the toilet, but it is the adult who is trained to get the child to the bathroom on time. Accidents occur often. It is the first step in the total process.
Potty Learned: The child is not only capable of using the toilet, but has the developmental ability to express the need to go. Accidents occur, but infrequently.
Potty training will begin when your child is ready, and that will make the task easy and quick. If a parent undertakes the task of potty training when they want it to happen, the task is arduous and painful for all concerned. Twenty four to thirty months of age is a good rule of thumb to start checking for signs of readiness. When we agree that the time is right for your child and until he/she is totally successful in his/her toileting, no wearing of overalls or clothing with suspenders, snaps, buckles, belts or zippers. Elastic waist pants or dresses are preferred. Any thing else sets your child up for failure. In addition, your child’s “Personal Bag” must have several, complete change of clothes, in case of an accident. I prefer Pull-Ups over diapers during training period, easier for your child to help with their training. If your child does not have immediate success, he/she will be put back into diapers and after a reasonable amount of time, the process will be attempted again. This does not harm the child in any way; in fact, keeping a child in “grown-up” pants when they are not successful can be harmful.