Its not a race, do it when you're both ready (Potty Training Tips)

Member Name: Essexmumof2

Product:	Potty Training Tips
Date:	10/03/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You will have a much happier child, saves a fortune on nappies

Disadvantages: Frustrating process, can be messy

I initially tried to potty train my daughter just before her second birthday. I cant say it was my idea, rather some gentle prompting and encouragement from her nursery. But I thought lets give it a go, it was summer which I thought was a great time of year and to be honest I could have done with saving the money on nappies.

It all started so enthusiastically I replaced the disposable nappies with "Knick Knicks" and encouraged her to tell me when she needed a wee wee. In the first day we had 3 accidents the second day 4 but then by the end of the first week we were down to 1 or 2 accidents a day. I really thought we'd cracked it. Then she started hiding in the kitchen to wee or screaming and locking her legs so we couldn't sit her on the toilet. It really was so distressing to see her so upset but I was told this was normal so persevered. After another 2 weeks of the same we made the decision to stop, she was so miserable and it had just taken over our lives.

I planned to try again later that summer but I fell pregnant and it just wasn't possible. During the summer I watched all of her friends become trained and I felt like I was being frowned upon that my daughter was still in nappies. I waited until she was 32 months allowing enough time for her to adjust to the new baby and then we attempted it again.

This time the difference was amazing, she was that bit older and understood what we were trying to do. We drew up an incentive chart and each time she went she got a sticker and a jelly baby. To be honest we havent looked back within 6 days we had mastered the wee's, poo's are still a work in progress but we are getting there.

I would say that the two golden rules are firstly be patient and try to keep your cool even when your house smells and looks like a public toilets. Secondly don't set your expectations too high, its normal for kids to have a relapse this doesn't mean they are never going to get it.

I wanted to write this review to give other parents the confidence to potty train when they and their child are ready not when other people think your ready. It is a process that both of you need to be 100% committed to and I truly believe that every child is different. I have no doubt that some children take to it very early but I feel that it can have an adverse effect if you push a child too quickly. Its great when your child finally does get it and runs into the room saying "mummy I've done a wee on the toilet" with an immense look of satisfaction on their face. The next challenge is to memorise where all the public toilets are!!

Summary: It makes life so much easier