How I failed at potty training my child
Potty training can be a very daunting experience, both for a parent and for a child. If you're currently going through it or preparing for this milestone, you need to read this.
Yes, I failed at potty training my first child... So, where did I go wrong?
1. I listened to other parents
I went to many baby and toddler groups with my firstborn and got chatting with other parents or grandparents about our children's milestones. I vividly remember conversations about how quickly they managed to potty-train their children - at ages ranging anywhere from 12 months (yes!) to 2 years old. My son was 2 at the time and being a first-time mum, I felt guilty that it never even crossed my mind that he could be ready for this huge milestone!
2. Started too early
Although my son showed absolutely no signs of being ready for potty training (he was also speech delayed), I felt the pressure. So I bought a potty, stocked up on pull-ups and decided to start.
3. Buying special potty training pull-ups
Swapping nappies for potty training pull-ups was a mistake. They were supposed to feel wetter after an accident, helping with the realisation and the process. However, apart from their hefty price tag and cute designs, they made no difference at all.
4. Buying disposable bed pads
As we were renting a furnished flat at the time, I had the additional stress of protecting the sofa at all costs. I spent a small fortune on disposable pads that didn't stay in place and did a terrible job of soaking up the 'accidents'.
5. I was inconsistent
On some days, I would put my son on a potty first thing in the morning, on others I wouldn't. How confusing for a little child!
After a week of countless accidents, I started to get frustrated. What was I doing wrong? I decided to rethink my approach. It then occurred to me that he simply wasn't ready! So we stopped there and decided to wait until my son showed signs of being ready for potty training. Also, his speech delay was getting better at this point which made communication a lot easier for him!
Guess what, he was almost 3.5 when we potty-trained him but it only took us a few days, with just a couple of accidents! I was also better prepared this time. I completely ditched pull-ups and nappies and invested in a good-quality bed mat: PeapodMats, which stay in place without straps and quickly absorb any accidents or spillages. I cannot tell you how stress-free it was!
For me, as a mother, it was a challenging journey. The first attempt seemed to me as though things weren't going according to plan. But I then realised that it was more my own, albeit social-pressured, plan, rather than an experience led by my son. Through this, I learned my lesson and potty training my other two kids was a breeze.
My advice to you is to be patient and consistent with your child. Don't give in to social pressures and don't compare your child to others, as every child is different. Stay calm, positive and try not to get frustrated. Good luck! - Polly
PeapodMats - chosen for you
CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT
