Potty training is different for each child. When it comes down to it, you have to be flexible.
Aubrey turned four years old in September and unfortunately, still is not fully potty trained. Ultimately, I think a key issue was she’s had constipation issues and I honestly think she is afraid to go. When discussed with the pediatrician, we didn’t get very far. We’ve treated her based on ER trips for the issue and try to help her in various ways that we can.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from Aubrey, she LIVES for positive praise and reward. When she knows there is a reward for going potty, she takes initiative to get herself to the bathroom. I decided over the weekend that I would be starting a “Reward Chart” for both Kelsie and Aubrey. Aubrey’s reward chart focuses primarily on potty training goals.
While there have still been accidents, we are all learning together.
Here are some tips for potty training:
- Let your child set the pace. DON’T force the issue. Look for cues your child is ready to potty train.
- No matter how frustrated with your child, do not get angry. Accidents happen, your child isn’t being lazy.
- Take your child shopping for underwear. Make it fun-Bright colors, their favorite cartoon character. Let them know by going to the bathroom like a “Big Girl/Boy”, they can wear big kid underwear.
- Make the bathroom available. If a bathroom is on another floor, have a potty seat where they can gain instant access.
- Reward your child with positive reinforcement. Treats, stickers, let your child know what they earn for each time they do things such as the following:
- Going potty
- Washing hands
- Staying dry for an extended period of time
Just because an older sibling might have trained differently than a child, do not compare.
Since there has been a continued issue, we plan to make another doctor’s appointment with our doctor to have Aubrey checked out and referred possibly to a GI doctor. If you have a child that complains of pain or you find constantly straining, crying, etc., it’s time to ask your doctor for help.
What helped when it came to potty training your child?
7 Comments
We were very fortunate that our son was super easy to potty train, but every child is different. These are great tips!
Great tips! I was very lucky with potty training my daughter. Rewards worked like a charm 🙂
We had to see a urologist for “potty” issues. They recommended Miralax in his juice each morning. Unfortunately, the holding it in wasn’t our problem and at almost 5 we’re still having a few problems, although not as bad. It just takes some a bit longer, but def talking with the dr about it can help. Always trust your mommy gut! And kid #2 potty trained quickly! They are very different! Good luck!
We’re about to go through this, Wish us luck!
Great tips! I have one child who literally potty trained herself after looking at a “how to potty train your child” book (lots of illustrations). The other child needed help but figured it out pretty quickly. So as you say, every child is different.
Great post! I always feel so sorry for moms who rush their children into potty training and end up frustrated! A child is ready when they are ready! This simple tip keeps everyone sane!
These are great tips! My sister is still trying to potty train my niece, I told her about your post!