How to accustom a child to the potty? Useful advice from a practicing child psychologist.

Diapers or popularly known as "diapers" are an essential part for newborns, which provides comfort for the baby and reduces the hassle for the mother. But there comes a moment when you should gradually start to accustom the baby to the use of the potty.

Once the child realizes the meaning of the potty, he will become more independent, will learn to control his needs and in time to realize when it is necessary to turn "for help" to the potty.

How do I prepare my child to use the potty?

As a practicing child psychologist, I can highlight the following important and useful tips to help you teach your child to communicate their needs and start using the potty:

At what age to start

And so, the optimal age to start potty training is a question that worries many parents. It is important to realize that this process should happen naturally, without stress, conflict or pressure.

Now, let's get to the important point of how to determine when your child is ready to use the potty and how to go about the process correctly.

How do you know if your child is ready to go potty on his own?

As a child psychologist, I want to draw parents' attention to the fact that it is harmful to start training too early or too late. It is necessary to "see" and determine the right moment on your own or seek help from a specialist. To do this, you need to pay attention to three main factors:

• Understanding (psychological factor): The child begins to realize what is expected of him and understands what he needs to do.
• Physical development (physical factor): The muscles of the urethra become stronger and the ability to control natural urges develops.
• Lack of fear (emotional factor): The child, if ready, should not feel negative emotions when asked by the parents. Readiness should be manifested without whimsy, crying or obvious resistance.

It is important that maturity and readiness are manifested in all three aspects described above.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, maturity and readiness for potty training usually occurs between the ages of 18-24 months. During this period, babies begin to understand and recognize the expectations expressed by parents and others. They are already able to listen to their bodies and memorize information for several days.

All physiological factors usually mature by 12 months of age, so trying to potty train a child before this age is not only unjustified, but can also be dangerous. Coercion at such an early age can have a negative impact on the child's physical, emotional and psychological state.

Rules for potty training.

• First introduction to the potty: At the first stage, it is important to just put your baby on the potty and not demand anything more from him. It is not recommended to play with the potty at this time.
• Sit your child down when he or she needs it: Put your child on the potty when you think he or she needs it. Pay attention to changes in his behavior that may indicate this need - for example, crankiness, or the child is quiet, or he tries to hide.
• Solidifying the skill: It is important to reinforce the skill of using the potty and thus develop a useful habit. If your child gets confused and makes mistakes, instead of despairing, explain the correct way to go to the toilet and ask your child to show you where to go.
• Avoid swearing: Never swear, even if it seems that the child is doing it on purpose. Only through encouragement, persuasion and a positive attitude can the goal be achieved without harming the child's psychological and physical well-being.
• Formation of action sequences: For quick potty training it is important to fix in the mind of the baby a certain sequence of actions. For example, after waking up, the baby takes your hand and sits on the potty. It is also necessary to carry out this procedure before going to bed and taking walks.

Signs that your toddler is ready to use the potty:

1. Regularity of defecation: Defecation occurs at about the same time every day.
2. Moderate urination: Urination occurs about every 2 to 3 hours. You can check this by putting on a diaper and making sure it stays dry after this period of time.
3. Knowledge of body parts and clothing: The child knows where he or she and other people have different body parts and also knows the names of clothes.
4. Understanding the words "pee" and "poop." The child understands the meanings of these words and associates them with the processes of urination and defecation.
5. Imitation of behavior: The first signs of imitation of parents and others appear.
6. Reaction to a filled diaper: The child begins to show discomfort when filling the diaper, tries to take it off, is cranky and expresses dissatisfaction.
7. Self-dressing: The child shows an eagerness to dress independently.
8. Interest in the potty and toilet: The child shows interest in using the potty and the process of going to the toilet.
9. Minimum age 1.2 to 1.5 years: Although it depends on the individual characteristics of the child, minimum age to start potty training is usually 1.2-1.5 years.

Basic tips for potty training your child:

1. Patience and understanding: Remember that potty training takes time and patience. Be prepared to repeatedly explain to your child how to do it and clean up after him or her.
2. Continuity: Potty training should be consistent. You should not pause on weekends or holidays and not give up using the potty on weekdays.
3. Nighttime habituation: Nighttime training should be started only after the child has learned to control urination during the day.
4. Pot visibility: The potty should always be visible and easily accessible to the child. This will also help at night time.
5. Creating a ritual: Make going to the toilet a ritual. After successful potty use, teach your child to take the potty out, empty it and wash his hands.
6. Encouragement: Encourage your child each time he or she successfully uses the potty. Positive reinforcement helps to establish a positive experience and a useful habit.
7. Creating Convenience: Make sure the environment for potty use is comfortable for the child. This may include a soft potty, a comfortable potty location and access to the potty at the right time.
8. Self-care training: Encourage your child to participate in self-care by taking out the potty and washing hands after use.

By following these simple tips and approaching the process with understanding and patience, you can more effectively train your child to use the potty.

Choosing the right potty and preparing for potty training:

1. Potty convenience: The potty should be comfortable. Prepare yourself for the fact that at first you may have to try several options before your baby feels comfortable. The shape of the potty should be anatomical, with a rounded shape for girls and an oval shape for boys. It is also important that the potty is stable and has a backrest.
2. Simple design: A potty with a simple design, with no sound that can distract the child's attention, is ideal. Avoid potties with unnecessary features so that your child doesn't associate it with a toy.
3. Materials needed:
   • Paper: Used for wiping after going to the restroom.
   • Toilet pads: Can be useful for training, especially when traveling or when potty training is not available.
   • Diapers: Disposable or reusable diapers can protect surfaces from "accidents" and make cleanup easier.
4. Gradual acclimation: Remember that potty training is a long process and you should not expect everything to go smoothly. Be prepared to explain and support your child for a long time.
5. Regularity of habituation: Continue potty training daily, avoiding potty breaks. Do not give up the potty on weekends or holidays.
6. Nighttime habituation: Nighttime potty training should be started only after the child has successfully mastered the use of the potty during the day.

Prepare in advance, create a comfortable environment for your baby and follow the natural pace of acclimation so that the process is positive and harmonious for your baby.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age should I start potty training my child?
   The optimal age is between 18 and 24 months, when the child begins to recognize his or her needs and is able to control urination and defecation.
2. How do you know if your child is ready for potty training?
   Signs of readiness include: ability to stay dry for 2-3 hours, interest in adult toilet habits, ability to remove and put on clothing, and understanding simple instructions.
3. What are your recommendations for choosing a pot?
   The potty should be stable, comfortable, without unnecessary distracting elements. It is better to choose a simple design without music or light effects, so that the child perceives it as a means of hygiene, not a toy.
4. What is the right way to potty train a child?
   Start by explaining the purpose of the potty, using toys as an example, and suggesting that they go on the potty after naps and meals. Praise for successes, do not punish for failures, and do not force the process.
5. What should be avoided when potty training?
   Avoid pressure, punishment and shame. Do not compare your child with other children or start training during illness or stressful situations.