Potty-Training
The more prepared you are, the better you feel. These are the best preparedness checklists and how-to guides for low-stress potty-training.
Extremely Common Potty-Training Challenges and How To Overcome Them
More often than not, your toddler will give push back during potty-training. If your child is ready and able to start, the challenges you will face will most likely be behavioral. Get into a coach mindset where you are prepared to guide, comfort, cuddle and cheer them on. Potty-training is emotionally taxing and time-consuming (for you both) but when you feel prepared and know what you’ll do in these tough situations, you will experience less stress through this process.
1. Fear of the potty or how it feels to go on the potty.
This is all new and new can be scary for toddlers because it is an unknown. Fear is very common and it doesn’t have to overwhelm you or stop you from continuing in the process. To manage fear, try these things:
- Focus on validating their feelings – “I know this is all new honey and it can feel scary. I’m right here with you. I’ll go with you until you don’t feel scared anymore ok? You’re doing so great!”
- Reassure them – “It’s ok to be scared. I’m right here with you. Give me a big hug if you’re feeling scared ok?”
- Create and utilize a peace corner – have this space filled with calming toys, comforting blankets or teddies and show them that’s where they can go to take a break and rest if they’re having feelings about potty-training.
- Once they’re comforted and calm, guide them to something that brings them joy and remind them that you will try again next time.
2. Withholding pee or poop.
Withholding can happen for a number of reasons including, fear, discomfort, and when your child doesn’t want to leave the fun they are having. Always consult your pediatrician with concerns about constipation caused by withholding. In addition to constipation, withholding can cause discomfort and possibly pain. Here are some ways you can nudge your toddler out of the withholding habit:
- Notice their cues – do they fidget or dance around when they need to go? Help them to the potty and get them busy with something interesting.
- Talk about it and reassure – “You haven’t put any pee or poop in the potty for awhile babe. Let’s go sit and see if anything has to come out. We don’t want your tummy to hurt. Make sure to let the pee and poop out so your tummy doesn’t hurt, ok? Let’s go see.”
- Offer more liquids throughout the day.
- Serve foods that help promote regular bowel movements such as, peaches, pears, chia dissolve and add to oatmeal), avocado, graham crackers.
- Limit serving foods that constipate such as, white flour breads and snacks, bananas, packaged, fried or processed foods, potatoes, etc.
- Keep it fun, interesting and entertaining. Let them bring whatever toy they have in their hands when it is time for a potty break and keep engaging toys and activities IN the bathroom for when they sit and wait so it doesn’t feel daunting or like punishment.
- Ensure that your toddler is able to comfortably sit on their potty, with their feet flat on the ground or a stool. This way, they are balanced and at ease while sitting, and not having to feel tense because of their sitting position, which can lead to withholding.
2. "No! I don't want to!"
Much like handling fear and withholding, addressing your child’s feelings and reassuring them, will help you push past the no and get to more peaceful potty times. Consider why they are saying no, and talk about that. Here are some examples of what to say if your child says “no”:
- Recognize their ‘why’. “I see you’re having so much fun with your toy. Bring it with you and let’s go to the potty together. Here we go!”
- Address ‘whys’ directly, then guide back to goal. “Are you tired of going to the potty? I understand honey. It’s all new and we have to go often until you get used to it. Soon, we won’t go so much. You’re doing so great! Let’s take a break in the peace corner, then we’ll try again in a few minutes.”
- Focus on fun, then give options. “Ok, let’s take a break and blow some bubbles! Then we can sit on the potty again after bubbles. What do you want to do while you wait on the potty? You want to look up Christmas gifts or butterflies or lions?!”
problem solving and planning ahead
more low-stress potty-training ideas you will love...
potty-training pro tips every first-timer should know
No need to bribe with candy or force sitting. And no need to drag the process out for months and months. I am going to show you how you can set a solid foundation for potty-training in the first 3 days, while keeping it peaceful and low-stress for all, so you can see success sooner. Here we go…
How to handle fear during potty-training
All your child has known is the snug fit of a diaper and the mindless act of pottying in it. Using the potty takes awareness, action, and follow through. They now have a responsibility. And it is up to us to show them all the ins and outs of how to go about this.
The things no one tells you about potty-training and how to handle them
1. Days 1-3 of potty-training are not about peeing and pooping in the potty. Because of the belief that a pee or a poop in the potty are the only indicators of potty-training success on the first few days, I want to share with you what the first few days are TRULY about so that we shatter this discouraging belief before you begin.
Days 1-3 of potty-training are where YOU learn.
everything you'll need before starting potty-training
Let’s go over everything you will need to be prepared for potty-training. I am going to share strategies from the Peaceful Potty-Training Method so you can keep things as low-stress as possible for yourself and your child…
what to do if your toddler gets constipated during potty-training
Constipation can be a common problem during potty-training. The top two reasons for constipation are – withholding and diet. Maybe your toddler is still fearful of the potty and how it feels to go in it. Or, maybe their favorite foods don’t make for the smoothest stools to pass. Either way…
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Everything you need to feel confident when you start potty-training.
Want complete support with Potty-Training? Consider the complete Peaceful Potty-Training Starter Kit that Includes...
- The Peaceful Potty-Training eBook For Mom
- The Toddler Potty eBook For Your Child
- What To Expect
- Overcoming Common Challenges
- Mindset Prep Checklist
- Supply List
- Exact Wording For Tough Situations
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Everything You Need To Know Before You Start
Potty-Training
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