I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked how and when did I potty train my kid. I think this is one of the most asked questions, at the same time, most intriguing. Potty training your kid, I say, varies. There’s no one sure way of doing it. No specific road map.
I think that I’m one of the lucky moms who didn’t have a hard time potty training their kid. I only have one kid and she’s a girl. She is completely potty-trained at 2. I am not, by any means, a perfect mom. Gosh! It just so happened that she was ready and she wanted it. I just helped her. And that for me is the most important thing.
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Is My Kid Ready?
Don’t be pressured, Mom (or Dad). It’s okay. Potty training your kid is a natural process. I want you to know that there is no “right” age. And it doesn’t mean that if the kid is potty-trained early that s/he is better than other kids who are not. That is not and will never be the case. While it can be frustrating for some moms or parents, I want to assure you that it’s okay. Just breathe. Patience is the key! However, it helps a lot to know the signs that they may be ready.
What are the Signs?
You know your child best and only you and your kid will know if s/he is ready. My kid showed some signs that she was ready and these signs may help you, too. Or it may give you some tips.
- Your kid shows interest in using the potty. My kid pointed out this potty when we were at the store. From then, I got a hint that she knew what a potty is for. And it’s a plus if they like their potty.
- If s/he can keep his/her diaper dry throughout the night and/or 2 hours during the day.
- Does s/he want to change right away after getting his/her diaper dirty?
- Your kiddo can verbalize or understand potty words like “Do you need to pee?” or “You want to go potty?”
- Your child knows the connection between needing to pee or poo and potty.
What Do You Need to Prepare?
This is not a long list. I believe in getting things prepared makes your life easier.
- A potty of his/her choice. It will be easier if your kid picks his/her own. But if the potty if already there, make your kid feel that that potty is his/her. You can have your kid customize it by putting stickers or his/her name on it.
- Training diapers. I never knew this until I had a kid but we did not really use it. These are helpful for the first nights of potty training. Or you can also purchase a pee pad that goes on the bed for emergencies.
- Flushable wipes. My kid prefers this so much than the regular baby wipes. This got her excited to use the regular bathroom potty to be honest.
- Hand soap. This makes sure your kid practice good bathroom habits. It’s a plus if they like the hand soap like if it has their favorite character on the bottle or it smells good.
- Time and Patience. Oh, these two, you’ll never find in the store. But these are very crucial. It takes time and patience (some may need more than others).
At the end of the day, only you and your kid can make this happen. Don’t worry about what others say. If some offer pieces of advice, take it. But if it doesn’t work, that’s okay. You’re doing absolutely amazing, Momma and/or Daddy!
