Potty training is an adventure that every parent must embark on at some point. It’s a time of both excitement and anxiety. You will watch your little one take their first steps towards independence. But beware! There are many potty training myths and misconceptions that can make this journey a bumpy ride. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common misconceptions about potty training. And we will provide tips to make the process smoother.
Misconception #1: “My child has to reach a certain age to start potty training”
Let’s start with the classic myth in which parents believe that their child must reach a certain age before they can start potty training. Every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. Some children may be ready to start potty training at 18 months. While others may not be ready until they are three years old or more.
While age can be a factor, every child develops at their own pace. So it’s important to look for signs of readiness in your child rather than relying on age only. These signs of readiness include physical signs, such as being able to walk and sit down on a potty. They also include cognitive and emotional signs, such as being able to follow simple instructions. Check out Step 1 in the Go Potty app for a FREE readiness test!
Tip: Stimulate your child’s interest by reading books about potty training and offering opportunities for them to observe and imitate toilet habits. Avoid pressuring your child into potty training before they are ready, as this can make it more difficult in the long run.
Misconception #2: “My child must be able to speak to begin potty training”
Another common misconception is that children must be able to speak before they can begin potty training. While verbal communication can certainly help, it is not a requirement. Many children can understand and follow basic instructions even if they can’t yet speak in full sentences. There are many non-verbal cues your child may use to signal that they need to use the potty. This includes touching or pointing to their nappy or making a certain facial expression.
Tip: You can teach your child simple signs or sounds. For weeing, point the index finger down and make a “psssss” sound. For pooing, make a fist, release it, and make a ‘plop’ sound. Make it fun and easy to remember 😊 Knowing about your child’s weeing and pooing patterns will come in handy when reminding them to use the potty. Most children need to wee within 20 minutes after having a drink for instance. Knowing your child’s rhythm can help prevent unnecessary frustration and accidents. It will also help bring awareness to your child.
Misconception #3: “Nighttime dryness comes soon after daytime dryness”
Many parents expect that their child will achieve nighttime dryness shortly after achieving daytime dryness (if not at the same time). However, nighttime dryness can take much longer to achieve.
Achieving nighttime dryness depends on several factors, including age, bladder size, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production. Be patient and understanding as your child works towards nighttime dryness. It could take a number of weeks or months in order to reach nighttime dryness.
Note: If your child has bedwetting accidents it does not mean they are not ready! They are still learning to master this skill.
Tip: Do you want to help your child to stay dry at night? Encourage your child to use the potty or toilet before bed, limit drinks before bedtime, and use waterproof bed sheets. Choose pyjamas that are easy to take on and off to make trips to the potty a breeze. Also, avoid punishing or shaming your child for bedwetting. This will only create stress or anxiety. With time, patience and understanding, your child will eventually achieve nighttime dryness as well.
Misconception #4: “My child will be fully potty trained in no time!”
Another misconception is that once you teach all the basics, your child will immediately have complete autonomy in using the potty. Children can definitely learn to use the potty and stay dry in just a matter of days. But they will most probably need more time to learn to use the potty without needing any help from you. It may take some time before they actually go to the potty on their own initiative.
Try not to get frustrated if your child is not indicating by themselves they need to ‘go’. Give your child the space and time to learn this part of potty training as well.
Tip: You can support your child’s progress in various ways. Praise their efforts, for example when they go to the potty but do not quite make it in time. And be patient and understanding in the face of accidents. Say something like: “This can happen, don’t worry. Next time you can try to wee on the potty.” Also, try to provide solutions to their struggles. Does your child need your help to pull their clothes on and off? Have them wear clothes that they can handle on their own by setting up an ideal potty training wardrobe. Does your child get immersed in their play? Frequently remind them to go to the potty if they need to.
Misconception #5: “I cannot start potty training until my child is interested in the potty”
Disinterest in the potty does not necessarily mean that your child is not ready for potty training. There are many reasons why your child may not be interested in using the potty. These include fear and anxiety. Or they are simply pretty comfortable with their current nappy routine! These are very common and are not at all determinants of readiness. If your child is physically and emotionally ready to achieve this milestone, you are good to go!
Tip: You can make the potty more appealing to your child by reading books, modeling toileting behaviors or demonstrating with toys (for more tips, see our blog about a parent’s guide to potty resistance). It is important to continue to offer the opportunity to use the potty and encourage your child in a positive and supportive way. But it is also important to respect your child’s pace and not use force. Ultimately, each child is unique. There is no set timeline for potty training.
Misconception #6: “My child is having lots of accidents, so they are not ready for potty training”
It’s understandable for parents to assume that frequent accidents mean their child isn’t actually ready for potty training. However, this assumption overlooks how complex potty training is. To be potty trained is a new skill that children need to learn and master. Like any new skill, this takes time and practice.
Let’s put ourselves in their position. Your child will not only have to say goodbye to its lifelong friend (yes, the nappy!). They also have to learn to be aware of their urge to go. AND they need to be aware of this early enough so that they can communicate that AND make it to the potty in time. Phew! Considering that they need to wee around every 2 to 3 hours and are more interested in playing, that’s quite a lot isn’t it?
Accidents can happen. They are a natural part of the learning process. They are not a sign of failure or lack of readiness. On the contrary, they are important learning opportunities for your little one.
Tip: While accidents may happen, you can still be prepared. Go for clothes that are easy to take on and off and that won’t get in the way. Leaving the potty upstairs while you’re in the kitchen making biscuits together? That may not be a great idea! Keep the potty close. Potties are very handy and easy to move around. They do not need to stay in one place.
Are you using the toilet? Try to stay a close distance to the bathroom and remove anything that can get in your way when rushing to the toilet. Ensure the toilet seat is open and your child’s toilet seat and are stool in place. One final tip! Keep track of when your child has a drink and remember to have them sit on the potty within 20 minutes or so. You can log drinks, accidents, and successes in the Go Potty app.
Battling Potty Training Myths
Potty training doesn’t have to be a scary or frustrating process. Avoid these common myths by focusing on your child’s needs. It will make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.
So, are you ready to take the plunge into the world of potty training? Remember, every child is unique There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this process. But with a little patience, persistence, and a lot of love, you and your child can tackle this milestone together. For more tips, check out our blogs and download the Go Potty app!
