Potty Training

It's been almost a week since I have blogged as I have been preparing for finals before graduation!

Potty training is very close to my heart after going through so much with my middle child four years ago. I know there are so many parents who have high hopes that their child will pick up potty training quickly only to become frustrated, angry, even depressed because their child refuses to use the potty.

It's a combination of many things why a child refuses to go potty. When a parent is frustrated they will feel the tension and resist. When a parent disciplines their child because of potty training problems they will resist. There may come a time when a parent will have to step back from potty training for both them and the child to recuperate.

Having had a child with developmental delays (which I did not find out about until six months after successful potty training), behavior problems my eyes were opened to the fact that so many parents experience what I went through and sometimes even worse.

To have people come up and criticize you either bluntly or in disguise really hurts to the core especially when you have done everything you could under the sun to get your child to use the potty. You have people holding it over your head as if you are a failure as a parent because your child is not potty trained by a certain age. Then you have this wish for your child to attend preschool only to be told they won't be accepted unless they are potty trained by XX date.

I truly thought with my oldest son he would never be completely potty trained and if I did get him potty trained it would probably be after his baby brother who was newborn at the time, would be potty trained a few years later.

When I sat down with this same exact method I now offer to parents, I was doubtful it would work because nothing else had been working. As I read through the process, I developed a plan. Once I felt ready mentally and emotionally I implemented the process. In one weekend I had my son potty trained. In one sense I was very ecstatic and in another I was upset. Here was a method that worked in one weekend to accomplish a milestone for my son that took a year and a half!

Potty training is very possible with just about every child. It takes a combination of the parent being ready and the child relaxed and ready to work on it. If one or the other is not ready then most likely the time it takes to potty train will be longer. A parent must be patient and willing to be open to ideas in order to encourage their child to use the potty. I had to be open to letting my son take a favorite toy with him to the potty. In his case, it was a huge Blue's Clue's stuffed dog. He was relaxed and willing to sit on the potty and try going which he did successfully.

Potty Training Problems

When your child doesn't want to go poop...

This is a very common problem with children at any time during potty training and even after. It can be from anything: using pull ups, a stressful situation at home such as a new home, new sibling, new school,...
Even a painful bowel movement can set them back. Sitting on the potty may be uncomfortable to them. Medical issues can also be a factor.
Children can be ashamed of the potty, afraid of the potty in general, or feel going to the potty around others is a distraction.

Pull ups are similar to diapers and switching to them can cause confusion (even though some parents swear by them). If you're going to potty train get underwear.

If there is any stressful situation at home your child will sense it. A new baby brother or sister can send a child backwards with potty training. Even my middle child, the oldest son did this. Your child going to a new school can be a frightening experience.

Having someone take time daily to show support, encourage, motivate your child can help reduce resistance with potty training.

Painful bowel movements can result in a child resisting. Be aware of their diets to ensure they eat foods that are nutritious. Make sure they are eating foods that can cause constipation in moderation. If your child is showing signs of constipation give them plenty of fluids such as water, lemonade, powerade and foods with fiber.

If you are feeling there may be some concern with your child resisting having a bowel movement it is ideal that you keep a journal of what their potty schedule is, what they have eaten and drank.

Some children have a spastic colon meaning they are unable to control their bowel movements well. My brother had issues for years until he was 11 years old and was diagnosed with a spastic colon. For years he was punished and even placed on homebound. What fixed his problem? Changing his diet a little and him exercising. His stomach muscles were weak at the time of his diagnosis.

Yes, children can be ashamed of going to the potty. They do not understand that it is okay to try the potty and what you would like for them to do. Talk to your child everyday and reassure them that it is okay to sit and use the potty. Take baby steps to introducing them to the potty in a gentle manner. Encourage your child everyday to get closer to using it. Let them touch the potty, observe it. Ask them what they think about it. Would they like to sit on it alone with no one watching? Would they like to show their dolly, stuffed animal, lego people, etc how to use the potty?

Another common issue is that children are afraid of the potty. Watching the potty suck down the water, the loud noise some toilets make after flushing, accidental slip, lid falling on them (with or without injuries)... Taking baby steps to get them over their fears by showing them how to flush and cover their ears (mom or dad showing them and be silly about it), giving them ear muffs to ear plugs to wear or just for awhile getting mom, dad or someone else to flush it for them and then try integrating back into their routine. Use a potty seat or stick with the small potty to avoid slipping into the bowl. If they have to sit on the big potty with no seat the best thing is for someone to help support them. A lid falling on the child or a near miss can scare a child. Again, stick with the small potty or having someone assist them can help.

Encourage, comfort, motivate, be consistent with potty training or dealing with resistance. Patience is a must and taking it baby steps can reduce the resistance over a matter of time.

Potty Training

What are some ways to get your child potty trained? Make potty training a fun, exciting time for your child. Always praise them for their efforts. Think about some of the things that entertains your child and incorporate them into potty training. Most of all create a schedule and be consistent with it!

Consistency is the most important part of potty training besides praising them for their efforts.

When potty training problems arise and you become frustrated take some time out to relax. Allow things to calm down and then resume potty training.

Potty Training Problems

Many parents can relate when it comes to potty training problems. It may be about potty training a boy or potty training a girl but no matter what, they are all potty training problems.

They can and do place strains on the family environment. There is the pressure by others outside the immediate family, friends, schools and others to get a child potty trained. There are many rules outside the home that demand a child be potty trained by XX age.

You can get all the potty training tips in the world and unless you are able to set your attention to them and believe they'll work, chances are they'll be useless. If you are in a situation in which potty training has become a family strain, stop for awhile. Children can become a reflection of ourselves and they are great "magnets" of what we are doing and saying. Thus, if you are upset and angry your child will begin to act out complicating the situation even more.

As a mom who has been there and done that, it is best to stop the attempt at potty training and focus on things that can be accomplished right away. When you are feeling as if you are in a place you can focus on potty training and your child is showing some cooperation try it again.

Some potty training tips every parent can try before during and after potty training:

-Hug your child every day

-Praise your child for every accomplishment they make

-Pick a positive word for the day for you and your child to talk about

-Reassure your child even when they make mistakes that it IS okay and to try again

-Whenever you are feeling frustrated with something (even if it's not potty training) "change the channel" and focus on something that feels good.

Visit our website: pottytrainingsite.com for more tips, sign up for our weekly newsletter and purchase the potty train your child in one weekend e-book!

Potty Training Difficulties

Potty Training is supposed to be a milestone in a child's life and the opportunity for parents, guardians and childcare providers to bond with the child. But sometimes potty training turns into a chaotic nightmare leaving the potty trainer frustrated with the potty trainee.

In reality it is not the child's fault. This is a time that is a learning experience for a child. Many do not stop to realize that this is a milestone, something the child has never experienced before and must be guided and directed in a positive way. If the potty trainer is frustrated the chances of successful potty training dwindles. Take a few days for both the trainer and trainee.

Being frustrated puts up a road block that will not reopen until the trainer is able to work on having a positive outlook on potty training. Children Will pick up on the trainers frustrations and continue to resist. Potty problems including potty accidents will be the norm until one changes their attitude.

Potty training is possible if you put your mind to it.

Potty Training Frustrations

Having a child who won't potty train for what seems like everything can leave your nerves frayed and at wits end. Daycares give you threatening deadlines, family members hound you and friends refuse to let their kids play with yours just because your child is not potty trained. At times you feel like you are in a corner and cannot get out. You try not to get mad at your child and yet the moment you smell the obvious there is nothing holding you back from lashing out.

All this is normal and common. Parents get frustrated when the pressure is on because their child is not like the others.

At pottytrainingsite.com we understand. Personally, I have been in this situation and it is not one I will soon forget.

Each child potty trains differently: at different ages, different times, different ways and with different people.

Now parents are looking at potty training their children as soon as they start walking. Others still want to wait until they feel their child is ready or more mature. Either way it is okay. And sometimes a child doesn't potty train because of developmental delays or medical problems. If in doubt talk to your child's pediatrician.

If you are a parent of a physically or mentally challenged child it can be that much more challenging to potty train them.

Whatever the situation it takes time, patience, love and understanding for successful potty training. When you are frustrated so is your child. Children are very good at picking up when mom and or dad is frustrated, upset, angry and even sad. If you are in a situation where you are at wits end, take a few days away from potty training. Set your focus on things that are more positive and feel good to you. Allow yourself and your child to recupperate and feel better before resuming potty training. Grab a notebook or a journal and just write what you want with a positive attitude.

With mine I discovered he had some developmental delays that have indicated he is immature for his age. I was taught to change my attitude and let potty training go for a few days. And wouldn't you know it worked! Now I am here to help other parents get through potty training successfully even when things seem very impossible.

No matter what the situation you are not alone.

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Frustraions of Potty Training

Have you beein potty training for awhile with little to no progress? Potty training problems are common. Many parents potty training boys, for example, deal with a child who refuses to sit on the potty, go poop or even regress.

As children get older they move towards independence. When you initiate potty training during the toddler years it can become a tug of war. It takes a lot of persistence, a positive attitude and reinforcement by the parent to get through potty training. Being consistent when taking a child to the potty is very important. The more consistent and persistent you are with potty training the sooner the child will understand that learning to go potty is important.

There are many factors though that need to be considered when dealing with potty training problems:

Children regress when something stressful has happened in their life recently. Mom went back to work, dad had to go out of town, move to a new house or even a new baby.

Painful bowel movement can leave a child resisting going poop in the potty.

The potty is scary and unknown

Very active children don't want to stop and go potty. Interruptions can turn into a battle.

Anytime a negative reaction/response is made around potty training a child will pick it up as bad. For example, a mom admitted she told her daughter one day that playing in the potty was bad after catching her doing it. Thereafter, her daughter would throw tantrums when taken to the potty. All she knew from that time on was that the potty was bad.

Accidents happen because children are active little people. They don't want to stop playing or be interrupted from a favorite tv show or movie on. In some cases they are even afraid to tell someone such as a babysitter or someone else they are not familiar with that they need to go potty. It can also be an unfamiliar place they are afraid of.

So many parents send their stories to me asking why their child doesn't tell them they need to go potty. In the beginning and until a child becomes consistent AND independent parents do not need to rely on a child telling them. Take a child every time on a consistent schedule until the child shows an effort to go or at least tell you they need to go potty.

What a parents says or does especially during potty training can affect a child's attempt to be potty trained. When a parent becomes frustrated it is time to stop and step back for awhile. Children DO pick up on a parents feelings whether they express them or not. Spanking, yelling ,s screaming or any type of punishment for that matter will result in a child resisting potty training as they will relate the punishment for not going potty correctly as bad and thus will resist all together. It is so important that parents praise no matter what. Let your child know that it is OK and encourage them to try again.

Rewards are not bribes. They are a great way to show your child appreciation and praise for trying. Give bonuses such as an extra cookie, popsicle, sticker or another reward for successful potty attempts. Hug your child each time and let them know they did great.

The more positive environment a child is in the chances are the fast they will become successfully potty trained.

Learn more in our e-book purchased by parents all over the world since 2005! Purchase here

Potty Training Frustrations

Frustrations with potty training are very common. Children resisting, refusing to use the potty or even just to poop happen everyday all over the world. Parents often feel like a failure especially when their friends and family make a comment or another child the same age is already potty trained.

One thing a parent must know is that they are not alone. If you are frustrated as is your child then take a step back from potty training for at least a few days. Find other things to do that will distract you from thinking about potty training. Allow yourself to relax and for your child to as well.

I understand parents are scrambling to get their child potty trained before school begins, before a big move or even before a baby arrives. The more you push the more they will push back. If a child is excessively resisting it's time to let go and work on other things. As difficult as this may be, it is so important to take a step back.

Potty training is a huge milestone for a child. What a parent does can leave a lasting impression on them. Changing an attitude to a more positive one where it is believable that their child will be potty trained soon and imagining what it is like already can make a huge difference. Praising a child for all efforts made helps. Rewarding them for trying helps.

And rewarding is NOT bribing. It's telling the child I appreciate your efforts and lets try again. Give bonuses for successful attempts such as extra treats, and make a BIG deal out of it. Motivate your child to keep trying.

Think about this: your child is just learning how to use the potty. In the future they will be trying many other things. Motivating them leaves a lasting impression on them for the future. They'll know if they keep trying and trying eventually things will work out.

A child may scream and cry out of frustration, being distracted, tired, fear or even sickness. Does your child find comfort in a toy? Then integrate it into potty training. Do they have favorite shows they watch on tv or a favorite movie? Then put the small potty in front of the tv. GRAB their attention!

Potty accidents are inevitable. Continue praising them even when they have accidents. Don't make them feel bad for something they are learning about. Reassure them it is OK while having them help you clean it up. This alone can deter them quickly from having anymore accidents.

Be consistent. Time and time again I receive emails from parents at wits end because they immediately expect their child to tell them they need to go potty. This is a super high expectation in the beginning! Take your child to the potty and keep doing it until they start to make the effort to tell you they need to go. This may take a week to a few weeks to even montths. They will eventually get it down and be independent.

Be patient. As much as we want our children to learn things quickly, all children are different. Make potty training a positive fun experience. Hug your child often and view this time as a wonderful time to bond even more with them.

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Frustrations of potty training a boy

Frustrated with potty training your son? I know the feeling. As a mom of three with two being boys, I do understand.

When my oldest turned two I decided to start working on potty training. He peed in the potty a few times and that was it. He wanted no more of the potty. So I waited. Then disaster struck. His dad and I separated, his sister went with their dad, I lost my job and then we had to move. On top of that a new baby would be arriving soon.

I tried countless times to work on potty training to no avail. He was nearing his fourth birthday and it didn't look like hope was anywhere near. I got tired of neighbor kids or his sister letting me know he had pooped in his pants. I was already changing diapers on a baby and changing his pull up was getting annoying and exhausting.

Believe it or not I was getting pressured to get him potty trained. It was obvious some people were on the edge of wanting to criticize me for not taking the time out to get him potty trained. Others were coming out and critcizing me as if I was a bad mom.

I was frustrated, pressured and at my wits end with potty training my son. I wanted him in Head Start Pre-K in the Fall 2006. They would not take him unless he was potty trained.

Then I met someone from my church who was a teacher for the 2 year olds at the church's daycare. In her class is when they would start potty training the kids so she gave me some advice on potty training Caleb. She could tell I was about to lose it with potty training him and wanted to help. I was willing to listen I just wasn't sure anything would work anymore.

I was told that I have to relax. That, I wasn't so sure about. I was pretty much a single mom raising three kids with one old enough to be in preschool and the other barely and infant. Here are the three things she told me to do:

1) Relax. Find other things to focus on for awhile besides potty training. If I am frustrated he is picking up on it and of course, will resist going.

2) Be consistent with potty training. Take him often, yourself. Don't wait to have him tell you he needs to go because by then it will be too late.

3) Praise him for his efforts. This means no matter what happens you put on a smile, hug your child and praise him for trying to go.

4) If he has an accident, have him help you clean it up. This can deter some boys from continuously having accidents. After the third or fourth time of having to clean themselves up it gets tiring. Thus, they'll try to make an effort to go potty instead.

5) Utilize things that bring comfort. Some children are just scared to go potty. It's an unknown to them, especially when trying to get them to go poop. For my son, I let him take his favorite stuffed animal with him to the potty. In this case, it was his large Blue's Clues.

Within ONE weekend I was able to get Caleb potty trained! I felt so good inside yet I had my doubts it would last. It did last and three years later at age 7, he is a very rambuncious active boy.

There are a few things I found out about Caleb shortly after he started Pre-K: He had some developmental delays. His speech was delayed as was his motor skills. He could barely hold a crayon or pencil because he had almost no muscle strength. Stressors in a child's life can affect them being potty trained. If you are going through a stressful situation, step back from potty training until you can get things under control or you will hit a brick wall with them. I had to find ways to relax and find time to prepare myself for potty training. When I felt good I worked with him and it worked.

Potty training is possible even when you have hit that brick wall. Take a step back, focus on the things that make you feel good while preparing yourself for potty training. Resume when you feel you are ready to dedicate a few days to it.

Potty Training Problems

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Potty Training Tips

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Currently we are working with some moms one on one to get their children potty trained as they also review our website, blog and the e-book for free.

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Potty training problems

I often get asked a very common potty training problem question: Why does my child pee in the potty but not poop? They have tried for months if not a year to get their child to use the potty for both peeing and pooping.

There are some valid reasons for a child refusing to poop in the potty. When a child is still wearing a diaper or even a pull up and they poop it is close to them. They don't have to worry about it falling into some scary thing (the potty). Sitting on the potty can be scary enough for some children which is why I recommend starting out with the small potty. If there have been any traumatic experiences such as constipation pooping in anything else than a comforting diaper is going to result in resistance.  If a child has had physical complications such as a deformed anus or even born with out one and had to have surgery this can also pose an issue.

The most important thing parents must remember is Be patient, encouraging and understanding. Find creative ways to keep your child comfortable and cooperative with potty training. It is also very important to stay consistent even when your child may resist. Give them a nudge without forcing them to go or even bribing. If they find comfort in a favorite toy such as a stuffed animal or a blanket allow them to take it with them to the potty. Or if you know your child can be entertained by the tv or even a favorite movie try that. A child may find comfort in having a lollipop or a popsicle. Creative and healthy ways is very important because potty training is a vital part of your childs development.

Potty Training Problems

Lately I have been getting questions from parents regarding pooping in the potty. It seems their child will go pee pee but not pooping. This is quite common in children. There can be many factors though.

One, a child has been in a diaper since birth. When they poop it stays next to their skin. Transitioning from the diaper to using the potty can be an overwhelming experience. The potty can be scary too. Also, some children experience painful or traumatic bowel movement incidents. This can leave a lasting impression on them. I dealt with the doesn't want to poop in the potty problem mostly with my middle child. 

What I did was let my son take his favorite toy with him to the potty which at that time was Blue from Blue's Clues. Within a few days I was able to get better cooperation with him. 

I also recommend utilizing a consistent schedule taking him or her to the potty as often as you can such as every hour. Be creative in ways to keep your child occupied and entertained because children during the toddler and preschool years definitely do not want to sit and wait.

Potty Training Problems

I still remember so much about the problems I faced with potty training my middle child and oldest son Caleb over three years ago in 2006.

I had tried to potty train him since the year prior. Everything had been going great. We went and purchased a potty and he was showing interest in using it. Then I lost my job, found out I was expecting another baby and his father and I separated. I was very stressed out. 

It was hard to deal with an unplanned pregnancy and a toddler who didn't want to potty train. I thought I had enough time though to recover from the stresses in my life to work on potty training Caleb.

However, it wasn't that easy. I tried several times inconsistently to work on potty training. As he got older it was getting more frustrating. Then I had the baby and Caleb wanted to also be the baby.  It even got to the point of pressure from friends and family besides the embarassment of having neighbor children come to my door telling me Caleb had messed in his pants. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

Once I was introduced to the potty training your child in 72 hours I was able to get my son potty trained in one weekend. All it really took for me was to relax and allow Caleb to take his favorite most comforting toy with him to use the potty. The relief I felt when he started going on his own was a blessing. 

For Caleb though, I found out a few months later that part of his delay in potty training was also about his developmental delays that were diagnosed in Head Start Pre-K.  

Whether it is potty training boys or potty training girls or potty training boys pottytrainingsite.com is constantly striving to improve the potty training method to fit all children.

Potty Training

Potty training has its ups and downs. As a mom of three kids I understand many of them. My daughter who is 11 now was the easiest to potty train. For my middle child, he went through the most stressful times in our lives though he also had some developmental delays that contributed to him potty training so late. For my youngest son he was constantly pushed at daycare and by his dad to get potty trained. Once they decided to back off he decided to work with them.

As a parent you have to be observant of the environment your child is currently in while potty training. If it is stressful I recommend a parent back off for awhile until things calm down. If your child has been tested or is showing indications of a developmental delay, be prepared that it is going to take more time to get them trained.

Often I get questions from parents about using pull ups. When they first came out I thought they were the greatest thing until I found out from some daycare providers that they mostly hinder the potty trainining process. In fact, I was told they are not much different than a diaper.

With my youngest son though, his dad and the daycare insisted he be put in them. Now, had my friend Janice been working at the daycare as she used to, she would not have recommended them. She would have put my son directly into underwear and worked with him.

For my middle child pull ups were the only thing we could use after awhile because he grew out of the biggest diaper available. 

One main concern for parents while potty training is taking them out to do errands or visit places like a friends or grandma and grandpa's house. I recommend that parents take their child to the potty to sit for a few minutes just before walking out the door. With my youngest child I still take two extra pairs of clothing.

I do my best to keep up with the times he goes to the potty by taking him about every hour. At least twice a day he will tell me himself he has to go. Otherwise I see him holding himself or dancing around.

Children are active little creatures so the last thing they want to do is sit on the potty. I remind parents of this because a child is going to find some reason to not go sit on the potty. Find something that is comforting and entertaining such as a toy when taking them. If you have to for a while use the small potty and put it in their play room, bedroom or wherever they are watching tv. This has worked great for my kids and has resulted in less messes to deal with. And less potty training clothing accidents to change.

Potty training

Potty training is a learning process for your child. The questions I have been receiving from parents lately is why won't my child tell me when they have to go potty? When I dig further I discover they are still in the potty training process.

This is a very important time in your child's psychological development. When you are consistently taking your child to the potty they will begin to relate the feelings/urges they get with peeing and pooping as it is time to go potty. Accidents happen and are common. What I want parents to understand is that this is part of the potty training process. Your child is learning something they have never learned before.

Parents are the teachers as well as childcare providers. What you make of potty training with your child is going to last their life time whether it is on the surface or deep within. I encourage parents to be creative and stay as positive as possible during the potty training process.

As a mom of three children I do understand that all children develop differently. They learn differently and they potty train at various times. I am also a mom with a child who has had developmental delays as well as Sensory Integration Disorder. 

Potty training a child with a delay or disorder is more of a challenge. It takes a lot more time and dedication to successful potty training. I am here to encourage parents to take time out and bond with their children during this time. It can be a rewarding experience for both parent and child.

It is so important to also have support during this time. As a fairly new single mom to three kids I understand many parents do not have a spouse, signifcant other or support. With pottytrainingsite.com you are not alone. We have our weekly mini e-course emails, our full e-course book, email support, blog and constatant presence on Yahoo Answers. 

On pottytrainingsite.com we are parents and have an extensive background with early development of children including potty training. We are constantly striving to improve our potty training method to answer the questions of so many parents. Our full course e-course(book) offers a full money back guarantee within 60 days of purchase. How many other websites offer this with your purchase? We understand that not every parent will have success from our e-course although we want it to be.  I encourage parents to consider the benefits pottytrainingsite when searching for help with potty training.

Potty training

When I am answering questions from parents regarding potty training, one of the most common issues is transitions.

Parents start a new job, mom is expecting a new baby, they have or will be moving or something else. Their child was doing great with potty training and suddenly they have regressed. 

Whenever there are transitions in the household and your child has just potty trained chances are there will be some regression (potty accidents). The best way to handle regression is to understand first that your child is feeling the tension or any other feelings you may be having. Secondly, be patient with your child.

Potty training truly is a learning experience as well as a learning process for them parents and daycare providers are the teachers when it comes to potty training. The child is being taught to relate the feelings/urges they get when peeing or pooping as it is time to go potty. 

Thus the more you take the child to the potty to try and go the quicker the correlation will be for them. Granted there are children who pick it up quickly and some who take a little more time such as a child with a developmental delay.

Find some time to be with your child to just hold them, comfort them and most of all reassure them that even with the transitions going on you are there for them. 

Potty training problems

Do you ever have problems with your child regarding potty training at their daycare or school? My best friend forwarded this interesting news article to me this morning:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/43405212.html

When I first read the article I was shocked to find out what the child's teacher had done after he had an accident. From what was read this was not the first time this child has had an accident.

While feelings regarding what the teacher did were mixed, once I analyzed the situation I understood the teachers intentions. However, I did not agree with her sending evidence home to the parents. Perhaps a phone call to the parents when the incident happened is sufficient.

Potty training doesn't always go as planned. Days, weeks, months and even years may go by and suddenly a child is having accidents. It can be from extreme stress, physical ailments, diseases, etc.

I remember my brother having serious problems early on in elementary school. He had numerous bowel movement accidents at home and school. Our principal was on medical leave and the interim principal had enough and put my brother on homebound for the remainder of his third grade year.

Another three years go by and the two of us are living with our paternal grandmother. She takes him to her doctor who finally diagnosed him as having a Spastic colon. With exercise particularly to build his stomach muscles and some changes in his diet within a month there was a drastic change.

Many people just assumed it was a mental issue for my brother. He was chastised, disciplined and isolated during all those years before his diagnosis. Even the people whom he was supposed to depend on for an education let him down immensely. 

At 28 years old my brother is a totally different person. I am not sure about him though the memories of those years living with him and his spastic colon have left a lasting impression I believe in order to help others.

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Potty Training

Every day I am asked questions about when to start potty training or how should one deal with problems that arise?

Potty training is a BIG transition for a child. They have been depending on mom and or dad since birth to care for them. Now it is time to be trained to do something Big on their own.

Potty training girls is typically around age 2 to 2 1/2 although I have met parents who have successfully potty trained their daughters as early as a year old. Potty training boys is typically around age 3 to 3 1/2. Again, this is just average. Some boys have potty trained at age 2. Look for the cues to see if your child is ready.

If they are staying dry during nap time and at bed time, showing discomfort in wearing a soiled diaper and/or wanting to use the potty then your child is indicating they are ready to go for the big transition.

I remind parents that potty training is a learning experience for their child. Make it as positive as possible. If you become frustrated, upset or even discouraged your child will pick up on it and refuse to potty train.

There are times though that potty training will have setbacks and can get you down. I know because I have been there with all three of my kids. I can also tell you though that those setbacks do get better eventually disappearing.

Even my middle child who is almost seven has times he wets the bed. So how do I deal with it? Many times I forget to stop letting him have drinks after a certain time before bedtime. I have to remind him to use the bathroom before bed. When he is at his dads he wakes him up about an hour or two after going to sleep for the night.

Potty training my middle child was a challenge. Only later on I found out why it was this way. My son Caleb at 2 1/2 was showing interest in using the potty. I bought him a potty and began showing him how to use it. He became successful at peeing in it. The pooping though was another issue. Shortly after beginning the process, I lost my job then I found out I was expecting a baby. His dad and I had separated then we had to move. All these transitions led to him refusing to potty train. Nearly a year later my son still had very little interest in potty training. In fact, he didn't care to go out, play and run around with a soiled pull up until a neighborhood child would come and let me know about it.  This was embarassing for me and frustrating. Soon I met Janice who along with her husband Mike started the website pottytrainingsite.com .

It took just a weekend to get my son potty trained, just in time to sign up for Head Start Pre-K. I was happy yet very cautious. 

There are many parents going through similar issues as I did. Sometimes potty training problems arise because children are just not ready or there is a big transition going on. If a parent is feeling frustrated or pushing the potty training issue it is going to lead to major setbacks.

Parents too have to be relaxed and ready for potty training. You want to keep potty training a positive learning experience for your child or even children.

Consistency is a major factor in successful potty training. Create a schedule and stick to it. If you decide to put your child in panties or underwear then stay with it. Switching back and forth from diapers, pull ups to panties or underwear will confuse the child.

If your child is not willing to be stuck in the bathroom to be potty trained then be open to having the potty in a room where there is a television to watch movies or their favorite television shows. Allow your child to take a favorite toy with them to use the potty. With both of my boys especially the middle one, having a toy made a huge difference. He was into blue's clues then so he carried his big blue into the bathroom. This is when he started using the potty all on his own. If they love to be read to, consider reading a book. The same is true with singing. Whatever gets them comfortable enough to potty utilize it.

My youngest son Hunter has cooperated so much better when I allow him to carry a Thomas the train or one of Thomas' friends to the potty. He is comfortable and willing to try.

You must also remember that kids will tell you they do not need to go. In the beginning you will have to make your child go until they show consistency and independence in going to the potty.

It is okay to nudge your child. Be observant in what makes your child comfortable when using the potty. This is also a time to bond with your child. If at all possible potty train when you can dedicate a few days to just them.

What is your story? Have you had instant success or have you experienced challenges? 

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Potty training problems (and how to deal with them)

Potty training problems  are normal during the potty training process. You are not alone if you are going through a challenging time trying to potty train your child.

I often meet parents who are at wits end with potty training. They have tried everything from treats, toys, stickers and even bribery to no avail. When you are at wits end it is time to place potty training on hold for awhile.

Everyone needs to gather their composure back and allow time to relax. When your child begins to show some interest in the potty again and you feel you are ready to do it again then go for it.

Your child picks up on when you are feeling stressed, anxious, anxious, frustrated or upset. As a parent myself, I understand there are times when not so great issues arrise. Moving, loss or gain of a job, expecting a new baby or any other transitions will affect your child. 

Comforting and praising them during these times of change is the best thing you can do for your child. There are so many parents who are expecting a baby very soon and want to push the potty training process into warp speed. However, your child may not be ready for the process and begin to rebel. Sit down, relax and write down what you want for your child, as a goal sheet. Place positive feelings into what you are writing. When you feel completely confident in beginning the process and your child is also ready then it is time.