One of the biggest milestones in your child’s development is potty training. According to the famous psychologist Sigmund Freud, potty training success or lack thereof will affect your child’s personality when he grows up. It is during the anal stage that the child learns to control his bodily needs such as the need to pee or poop. It is for this reason that potty training is initiated between eighteen months to three years.
When parents or caretakers use positive reinforcement during potty training, a child grows up to be a creative, competent and productive individual. If parents are too lenient in their potty training approach, a child can develop anal-expulsive personality that would result in the child having a messy, destructive and wasteful personality. On the other hand, children with parents who are very strict in toilet training or start too early, a child can become too orderly, rigid, obsessive and stringent.
Your child will show readiness to potty training in as early as 18 months up to three years. Signs include discomfort in soiled diapers or asking to be changed when their diaper is soiled, showing interest in potty chairs, becoming aware of his need to go to the potty to pee or poop. Unless your child shows these signs, you should hold off potty training as starting too early or forcing the issue will only lead to more problems for both you and your child. Physiological and emotional readiness is key to successful potty training and your child will eventually know that it is time to leave his diapers.
When your child shows readiness but still refuses to go to the potty, it is an indication that there are other reasons that are stalling your child’s willingness. It could either be emotional or psychological – some reasons include the arrival of a new baby, moving to a new home or start of day care. These reasons can put a certain degree of emotional stress on your child and you should wait until your child becomes comfortable with his new situation before you start initiating the process even if it takes a few months.
One common problem especially for parents with a strong-willed child is control issues. If you ask your child if he wants to go to the bathroom and he refuses, accept his answer. Refrain from persuading him to go against his will as this will plant seeds of rebellion in your child. This is counterproductive as it will only cause a power struggle. When your child feels pressured, he may hold off his bowel movements which will cause constipation.
Accidents can happen during potty training, especially when you are just starting and your child is still getting accustomed to sitting in the potty chair. There may be instances when he sits in the potty chair and then jumps up to play. This can result in messy accidents that may make you overreact. It can be difficult to stay calm when you have poop all over the place. However, if you ridicule your child or punish him, it will only make him rebellious or fearful of the process. Be supportive and reassure him when he wets or soils his pants and instead praise him for his efforts.
There are many reasons for potty training problems and you can solve each one with patience and love: http://www.babypottytraining2day.info/ar/potty-training-problems.php.
