Friday 10 October 2014

The Potty Training Mantra.


                  

       Motherhood is a bliss but challenging in its own way, the major area being 'potty training'. A lot of mothers I have seen tend to postpone this to as long as possible and try to be happy with nappies. But be sure that the little ones aren't too happy with the pee and poo sticking to their bum! Having said that, let me consolidate all that has to be taken care when you decide to potty train your little dragon.

When is a child fully potty trained?

 Your 10-month-old peeing or pooping whenever you take him/her to the restroom doesn't necessarily mean that he/she is potty trained. However, it means that he/she has got a hold of what you mean to communicate and yes, you're in the first step to potty training success! A child is completely potty trained when he/she can control his/her bladder/bowel and communicate to someone that he/she needs to pee/poop.

When is your child ready?

You may come across mums bragging about their 'wonder babies' who were potty trained by 7 or 8 months. Its good to appreciate that and lead your life your way. Please do not compare your baby with the rest. I'd say, on an average, a child needs to be at least 15-18-months to clearly grasp what you say and communicate to you their urge. Girls are supposed to be smarter and faster in learning this art :); however, this is NOT a rule.

Well, are you ready?

Yes, you need to be ready first. Are you okay with a no-nappy child running about in your rooms? Wet floor? Frquently wet carpets? More clothes to wash? and eventually more to dry? Its time to build some patience before you kick start this training for your child. And remember, once you start, you're not going back. Call up your friends/relatives to postpone the house parties/get-togethers or kitty parties. Don't be scared, its not going to be long at all. My daughter was potty trained in just 1.5 days! Hey, I can see you smile already :)

How to equip yourself?

  • There are numerous potties and potty seats with different colours/themes. I always feel a cushioned potty seat with the handles on the sides (the child feels secure by holding onto them) is the best as you just have to place it on the regular potty seat and don't have to again dread shifting the practice to a regular potty.




    I use this for my little one and she absolutely loves this product. You can get it delivered at your door step.
  • Get loads of panties as they're likely to get wet every 15 minutes.


  • Get rewards that interests your child. It can be a sticker, balloon, whistle or even colourful ribbons.



  • Get some small picture books that are light weight. This can be interesting when they have to sit there for a while. (My daughter loves carrying them even when in a hurry!)

How to start?



  • Choose a period of about 2 weeks when you'll mostly be home and  have most of the day to spend with your child. The day when you're emotionally, mentally and physically fit is the best day to start the venture.
  • Let your child play with the potty seat and get familiarized by sitting on it so that its not too much of a hassle for both of you.
  • After a good night's sleep, make him/her sit on the potty seat (of course attached to the potty). Also give a new small toy in hand to explore.
  • The first try needn't be a success but use only cotton panties for the rest of the day.
  • Have an alarm and spend the rest of the day with the little one. Order food from a favourite resto- you deserve this little treat!
  • Have code words for pee and poop that's easily pronounced by the kiddo and keep mentioning the code frequently thereby asking if he/she wants to do it.
  • It may take time. Depends on the child but never connect this with their intellect. There's no relation.
  • Don't consider this toilet aspect, a dirty thing! Let them understand that mom, dad and everybody does this and that's how nature works.
  • But let them know that soiling the house/floor/bed IS a dirty thing to do.
  • Praise them more often. Some of them are happy with just claps. They feel so proud when appreciated and try to get more pats on their back.

Night time potty training:

Once they master this art during the day, slowly wean them off nappies during nights. Avoid liquid diet 1.5 hours before bed. Set an alarm during night to take your child to the loo. Talk about the night time loo during the day so that he/she is prepared to be woken up from a good sleep. Do the talking about potty habits and any others frequently. You'll not realize but they do understand and register everything they see and hear. Amazing creations!!

           Potty training isn't a nightmare any more. It does test your patience and makes you go NUTS, but, the effort is well worth it. Go ahead! All the very best!