My daughter Shiloh was quick to potty train. When it came to my son Caleb, that wasn't the case. Of course, now that I look back I realize that Caleb's time was right in the middle of a huge stressful time for the entire family. But what surprised me the most was that when Caleb entered the Pre-K program I was told he had several developmental delays. That most likely was a culprit in his delay in potty training. I was embarrassed, frustrated, angry (at myself) and disappointed I could not get Caleb potty trained. He was nearing his fourth birthday and I was feeling like a total failure as a parent.
I was in the middle of a custody battle for my youngest son, Hunter during this time period. His dad taunted me about being an incapable mother because her soon to be four year old was not potty trained yet. It really hurt inside and left me confused because I didn't know what to do or where to turn. That was until I met someone who changed my way of thinking to get me and Caleb on the right track to potty training successfully.
At church I met Janice who was also a preschool teacher of the two year olds in the daycare. She sat down with me and explained her method she has utilized on hundreds of toddlers including her own two grown boys. I was desperate so I was willing to give whatever I could, a try. Janice reassured me Caleb would be potty trained though the both of us had to be ready. I had to also be patient and understand that accidents are going to happen.
So, a few weeks later both Caleb and I were ready to accomplish this milestone. I was focused on him being potty trained and ready for Head Start Pre-K. In just a few days, Caleb was finally potty trained! It was such a happy time for the both of us, yet I still was cautious for the next several weeks thinking this was just a false start. It wasn't. Caleb didn't regress back at all.
Accidents did happen, at night. It was understandable so all I did was cut out drinks after a specific time before bed. If you can afford it, purchase a mattress cover. And if you want to go further, purchase the pads that hospitals and nursing homes use on the beds that will absorb and accidents and save the sheet from having to be washed. Most bed wetting accidents only last for a short period of time but these ideas will help save your sanity and time.
I have met many other moms in person and online who have struggled like me, if not worse. They are at wits end with Potty Training, There may be a deadline such as the child having to be potty trained in order to be promoted at daycare. And if they are not trained, then they have to leave. It could be that you want your child in a specific program like Head Start, but they have to be potty trained. You may be preparing to go on a trip that requires or would be helpful if your child was potty trained. Maybe even a new baby arriving soon....
If you are stressed, frustrated, anxious or even angry about Potty Training then nothing will work. Just as many of us (who are religious) are told to believe in all things or all things are possible with God you must do the same with Potty Training. Visualizing success and how you feel when your child has been potty trained is the best way to get focused. Your child will pick up on the way you are feeling and may react to it. Working as a team goes much better than two people working against each other. Potty train when you are calm and can think positively. Make sure you and your child are prepared (are they showing signs and interest?). Even if your child says I need to use the potty and they don't, it's okay. Be patient with them and think of it this way: at least they are showing interest and getting the idea! There are methods out there that can instruct you on how to train your child in as little as 5 hours, but you have to be completely ready and focused to do this method.
I have been working one on one with Janice and her method which is 3 days. If you want less than 3 days but not as fast as 5 hours, then schedule a time during the week or weekend where you can focus just on your toddler. Once you get a schedule down then every hour take your child to the potty or put them in a room such as the kitchen where you will be. There cannot be any distractions such as the cell phone, computer or tv (unless you choose to put a favorite movie in to watch).
Also, make sure you have their favorite underwear or panties for them to start wearing. Pull ups HINDER! They are similar to diapers so a child cannot feel the urine or feces unless you allow them to wear the same one all day long (which will cause a rash). Underwear or Panties allow them to feel the wetness or being soiled which most children will not like. They will want to be changed. Do not change them. The child must change themselves. This is to teach them responsibility. If they want to be a big boy or girl then they have to start using the potty. It does not matter if your child is healthy, develpmentally delayed or disabled. Your child can be potty trained although it may take more patience and support in specific cases.
It takes patience and understanding to successfully potty train. To avoid Potty Training Problems, make sure you and your child are prepared for this milestone. For more information visit pottytrainingsite.com