Common Potty Training Mistakes

Potty training can be a tough time for any parent. It’s messy, time consuming and can often lead to months of frustration. But it doesn’t have to be. If you know the right things to do for your child’s learning curriculum, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child!

1. Not Taking Your Child To The Bathroom

When you see your child show signs that they need to go to the bathroom, take them right away. This might sound like an inconvenient way to spend time, but it’s important that your child has the opportunity to be independent and learn to control their own bladder and bowels. The last thing you want is for them to become frustrated with their progress or start feeling like you’re ignoring them.

2. Not Giving Your Child Enough Time

Potty training can be frustrating for both parents and children, so make sure you give your child enough time to master this skill. It’s best to wait until they show signs of readiness, such as waking up from a nap with a dry diaper or recognizing the telltale signals of bowel movement. If they’re ready, encourage them to use the toilet and try not to punish them when accidents happen. Heavy-handed punishment and scolding can make them feel bad about the process and lead to more setbacks later on.

3. Not Encouraging Your Child

While it’s easy to feel pressured or influenced by the timetables that many parents use to encourage their children to potty train, remember that the vast majority of kids will learn these skills at their own pace. If your child seems frightened about toilet training, you need to take the time to help them understand that it’s a normal part of life. Give them positive reinforcement when they use the potty and help them develop a routine that works for them. Also, try to avoid scolding or punishing your child when they accidentally wets herself or soils her bed. If you do, it can discourage them from trying again.

4. Not Keeping A Watchful Eye

When it comes to potty training, you can make a lot of mistakes. One of the most common is not keeping a watchful eye. In fact, not being on the lookout for a child’s signal that they are about to go to the bathroom may be more harmful than helpful. According to pediatric nurse practitioner Stephanie Bosche of Philadelphia’s Tri-County Pediatrics, the best way to spot a kid’s potty training progress is to always watch out for a few subtle signs. The most obvious is if your child has a wet or dry diaper on.

5. Not Taking Your Child To The Doctor

Taking your child to the doctor for routine tests and treatment can often be a good idea. If your child keeps having accidents, it could be a sign of a medical issue. For instance, a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI) could be causing your child to have more accidents than usual. As such, if you suspect your child has a medical issue, it is crucial to consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.