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Push Beyond Those Initial Frustrations
Is there anything worse than potty training a toddler? Probably, but let’s be honest, potty training sucks! Seeing the initial stages of frustrations from the kids is brutal, because I don’t want to see them upset. So, how did we make it through? Here are our Winey Parent tips to help make the process a little easier and the clean up less daunting.
Why Potty Training Works During the Summer
For me, summertime is the best time to train the kids because we could be outside, where I didn’t care if they peed on the ground. Also, they could be naked or just in undies without worrying about being too cold. Also, as a teacher, I am home during the summer, so there’s no set back during the week.
Can you potty train other times of the year? Absolutely! Find what works best for your family and go with it.
Ready Your Home for Potty Training
I suggest reusable pee pads for any soft surfaces that you can’t just throw in the wash. I’m talking about sofas, chairs, beds…you get the idea. If you have area rugs and are training indoors, you may want to roll them up for a few days! Make sure you have a potty chair in the room or wherever you will be training (for us, this was outside in the backyard…ok, our neighbor’s front yard at times!). Also, make sure you have lots of underpants. I mean LOTS.
Prepare Your Child
Don’t spring this major milestone on them without preparing them for what’s ahead. Pump them up for the awesomeness of being a BIG KID! Get stickers, M&Ms or whatever else will motivate your child. Read books about the subject for at least a week leading up to it. And while you may not love it, let them watch you go potty too. Motherhood knows no privacy!
DO IT!
When you’re ready to do potty training, go all in! On the morning you decide to start potty training, get your child super excited to wear underpants. I would stick to just underpants, weather permitting, as it will make it easier to undress for the potty. Try to remind your child to sit on the potty every 30-45 minutes. Don’t withhold drinks, you want them to pee a lot. Cheer on all successes, even partial ones, and reassure them when they don’t make it in time.
Try not to get frustrated when they have accidents. There will be a lot of accidents in the beginning and you will want to give up. But when you feel like giving up, remember how excited your child will be when they achieve such a huge milestone – one step at a time. Plus, the cost of the diapers or the time it takes to wash your cloth diapers is an added bonus for us parents!
Take it Easy
Don’t plan on going out anywhere for a few days. Your child will need to be near the potty all the time in the beginning. Also, don’t stress about naps and bedtime. Nighttime dryness is not something that can be trained. It is a developmental milestone, not a training milestone. Every child is different. Don’t let anyone tell you that you just need to get rid of all the diapers and they will be able to stay dry overnight. It doesn’t work that way. The goal here is daytime potty training.
When you finally do venture out, make sure you pack a couple changes of clothes. Scope out the bathrooms wherever you go, that way you can make a quick run for it when your child says they need to go.
Share Your Potty Training Tips
What are some tips you’ve used that were successful or not? I think that jelly beans played a big part in both of our kids’ successes. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you like our content, please make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our page to get all of the latest posts sent directly to you.
Don't Forget to Laugh
I try to laugh at myself excessively. I try to be stupendously silly with an emphasis on stupid, because I’m way too serious at times. Don’t worry, I make fun of myself enough times where Meghan doesn’t have to. I think making jokes at my own expense make things seem more down-to-earth for whatever reason.
