Does the idea of potty training have you sweating with the thought of pee-stained carpets and endless power struggles to get your child to go in the toilet?
You might be unsure if they’re ready, scared of messing it up and traumatizing them, or confused by not knowing where to begin. You might want to get your child on the potty early so you can take it slow, or worry you’ve missed a window of opportunity. For many parents, this process can feel much more daunting than it really is. I can help!
In Montessori we refer to potty training as potty learning, to center on the fact that it is a learning process like any other. We follow a gradual, gentle approach that follows children’s cues, builds body awareness, and highlights the role of preparing the environment to make sure children are set up for success. We don’t use rewards or punishments, because the goal is for the toddler to view this step as a normal part of growing up and becoming more independent.
Using a diaper is not a natural human behavior, but something we condition babies to do in our modern society, for our convenience. Our role as the adult must continue to be a proactive one through potty learning, in teaching a child what the world now expects of them.
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 custom plan together.