So, you're tired of nappies, and maybe tired of trying to potty train your child without any help from someone whose done it before.

 

Is it time to try an intensive potty training method to get it over and done with?

​

At what age should I start potty training?

 

Age is not really the best guideline for knowing when to potty train, but for the average child I'd say between 18 months and 3 years. It is more important to look for signs of readiness.

 

What are signs of readiness for potty training?

 

An interest in the toilet and wanting to imitate mom or dad by sitting on the toilet or potty may or may not indicate a readiness. A better sign to look for would be the ability to wee-on-demand. Put your toddler on the toilet when you know his/her bladder has something in it. (Not necessarily a full bladder, but obviously not empty.) Ask them to wee, and if they are able to do so after a few seconds of concentration then they have mastered bladder control. If they seem to be a bit nervous on a toilet seat or potty, then you could even ask them to wee when you've just taken their nappy off and put them in the bath, before you've run the water. If they are able to intentinlly release their bladder, it's time for the next step.

 

Now What?

 

Now you're ready to start intensive potty training! I say "intensive", because most parents drag potty training out over months and months. Sometimes the child is in nappies, sometimes in underpants, sometimes naked, depending on whether they're at home, at the shops, or in the garden. This is very confusing for the child.

 

I did this for my first baby. I remember when she was about 20 months old, and we were at home so she had panties on, and she came toddling up to me with a poo in her panties. I said, "Oh no, my girl! You've messed in your panties." She was devastated and argued, "No! Poo-poo nappy." I told her again, "No, my girl. You're wearing panties today." She burst into tears, realising her mistake.

 

The point is, if we think a child is ready for something, then we need to take the time out to train them for it, not switching back and forth between the new way and the old way, leaving them confused. We can't stick a nappy on them every time we are going out or driving in the car.

 

So, if your child is able to wee-on-demand and you think it might be time to try potty training, wait for a time when you can devote 3 days to intensive potty training with no nappies whatsoever. Obviously this is best done at home, and if you have other children around, best done when there are two parents on hand, or alternatively a parent and a helper of some sort.

 

Let's do it! Intensive Potty Training Method / 3-Day Potty Training