I am by no means a potty training expert, but I do have a fair amount of experience. We’ve been through it already with Thing 1 and Thing 2, neither of whom were what you’d call a quick learner, so we had to try many different approaches. Thing 3 has basically been potty training for the last 6 months with only limited results. And I’ve been answering questions on the Pull-Ups facebook page all year so I have seen and heard it all.
Now I’m ready to reveal the secrets to potty training.? Follow these easy steps and your life will be so much easier and your child will be using the potty someday.
Don’t Start Too Early
Everyone wants their kid to be potty trained as soon as possible. Diapers are a pain and expensive. They won’t let your kid into preschool unless they are out of diapers. So it’s understandable that parents sometimes push their kids before they are ready. Don’t do it. Especially if your kid has the slightest stubborn streak. There will be screaming, crying, frustration, and a lot of pee on the carpet.
Don’t Take It Too Seriously
Many parts of parenting are important and should be taken seriously. Your child’s education. Teaching them not to talk to strangers. Applying to college. Potty training is not one of them. In hindsight, most of what happens during potty training will seem very funny. Just have a look at some of my potty experiences so far. If you aren’t laughing now while cleaning the poop off the floor, you will later.
It Will Happen When It Happens
This is without a doubt the most important secret I have discovered. Being able to use the potty is a stage of physical development. Just like crawling, walking, and talking. Despite what some people think, you cannot change when these milestones are reached. It just happens and you are along for the ride. So it is with potty training. Have you ever heard of someone who never learned to go potty?? I didn’t think so. ? It will happen, probably by the time they start kindergarten, no matter how much or how little you do to help or hurt it. So stop worrying about it, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Note: I am a paid Pull-Ups Potty Training Partner
Is there an age limit to when my son is supposed to be able to poop in the potty? He is 3 years and 4 months, does fine when it comes to pee. He knows when he wants to poop and tells me so, won’t mind sitting in the potty but for some reason unable to “go” unless he is in his pull-ups. He’ll sit on the toilet for a few minutes then tells me that he doesn’t want to poop anymore. But after that once I put him in his pull-ups, he poops. He doesn’t mind doing this in the bathroom, but he always asks for his pull-ups. What should I do?
Heck if I know. I’ve got the same problem right now with Thing 3 and he is 3 years 6 months. They all get there eventually I hope
Well, I have to say I’m a bit relieved knowing he’s not the only one. Here’s to hoping.