Potty training got you sweating with the thought of pee on the floor or endless power struggles to get your child to go in the toilet?
Maybe you’re unsure if they’re ready, scared of messing it up and traumatizing them, or freaked out by the mess and resistance. You might want to start early to prevent problems, or worry you’ve waited too long… In any case, potty training can feel like a much more daunting task than it really is.
Montessori potty training - which we tend to call potty learning, to focus on the fact that it is a learning process like any other - is a gradual, gentle process which tends to start around 15-18 months and follows children’s cues, builds body awareness, and has a big focus on preparing the environment to make sure children are set up for success. It all starts with a small potty, a clear plan, confidence in your child and a calm vibe to handle the inevitable misses that are part of the journey. It’s not a bootcamp and it doesn’t require you to lock yourself at home.
Here are some quick tips:
- Readiness can be a fuzzy concept - focus instead on capability. Ask yourself “is my child capable of learning the skills and doing the steps that are necessary?”
- Remember that elimination is a natural human behavior, but going in a diaper is a learned behavior, and your job now is to undo that and teach them the appropriate place to go.
- Handle misses as natural learning opportunities, and give your child an opportunity to help clean up with you with child-sized tools.
- Use neutral, descriptive language for body parts and processes.
- Avoid rewards or punishments - your goal is for your child to understand this as a normal part of their life and growth, not as something you want them to do.
- Offer some different options - like a small potty seat and a toilet seat reducer.
As an AMI-certified Montessori 0-3 guide and your parenting sidekick, I can guide you through this stage with clarity and confidence. Book a free 15-min call with me, share your challenges, and let’s create a plan together.