Are you still changing diapers?

Helping your child potty-learn is an important milestone not only for you, but even more so for him. It is a skill that must be developed, exactly like walking, speaking or spelling.

It can be a very difficult phase for both mom and dad, as well as the child.

Maybe you feel under the time limits to watch him grow up and become independent, and he’s probably worried about meeting your expectations.

Your strategy is as important as your child’s unique learning ability.

There are numerous factors to consider when deciding whether to begin potty training. First, you need to understand the physiological growth and development of a child. Between 12 and 24 months of your child’s life, his elimination muscles will fully develop, making him effective in holding onto his excretion for a short period of time. This is also the period of time in which the feeling of a full bladder or bowel begins to differentiate. Children are usually better physically prepared around 18 months.

Even if your child is physically developed, it does not automatically follow that he is potty-ready. There are other factors to consider in order to know exactly whether or not you are ready.

You should be able to understand and communicate basic feelings, such as saying “pee” or “poo” every time you go to the bathroom in a diaper. You should have dry diapers regularly after naps at lunchtime and even after long intervals of time when you are awake. You can understand the basic instructions. He is at least partially capable of dressing and undressing himself and shows a determination to complete the task.

It is important for parents to learn to become familiar with their child’s cues. Each and every child is unique and each has a different preparation period to begin potty training. It’s also important to note that pushing him too quickly to master this skill can backfire dramatically.

This can create a condition called non-retentive encopresis or, in simple terms, retention of poop. It is a negative response from the child when he is forced to use the potty when, in fact, he is not completely ready yet.

Don’t force your child to go through potty training when he’s not ready mentally, physically, and emotionally yet. The right occasion will come naturally, as children will generally develop a sense of social awareness and will be attentive to and imitate other children’s habits. As they grow older, they will also tend to simulate same-sex parent behavior, including the way they visit the bathroom.

When you’re ready to support your child in potty training, don’t forget to use positive reinforcement, such as a very simple compliment, little gifts, or star charts. Young children love that sense of pride, especially when mom and dad are so receptive on the outside. Give a big, big, happy fuss when they get it right!

These types of small gestures will go a long way in motivating them to improve their potty training. It is simple but effective in achieving the good results you really want. Giving your child a treat or just clapping your hands and showing him how cool you are simply because you used the potty is enough to ensure successful results.