The optimal age

Now that most parents put disposable diapers on their children from birth , the issue of teaching the child to walk on the potty remains in the background. But one day it will still have to be done. How many popular opinions exist about what age and how we should introduce our child to this subject! The most interesting thing is that these debates are relevant both among parents and among experts - pediatricians, psychologists and educators.

Three points of view are the most common. Adherents of the so-called "natural parenthood" adhere to one of them, calling for the child to be put on a potty from the first weeks and even days of his life.

The second is usually encouraged by the older generation: the child should start to put on the potty after learning to sit ( which is about 7-8 months ). In this case, according to them, up to one and a half years in the child will develop lasting skills for the use of the potty.

The third point of view is expressed by modern pediatricians , and it comes down to the fact that the process should begin at this age, when the baby is formed and has conscious control over its excretory function (1.5-2 years). Almost all experts agree that we should not try to teach a child to sit on a potty for up to a year. Most likely, the parents will lose energy and nerves in vain, and if you overdo it, then the baby may develop hostility to the potty and it will be even more difficult to teach him to walk on the potty.

Remember that the child must grow to his physiological ability to control his impulses. Some of them are monitored every six months, and others every three. When it comes to when a child should be sitting on a potty, and for things, you need to consider not the age but the behavior of your child. At the right time, parents can slowly begin to teach their child to use the potty. However, this process can be accelerated, but not by force, but gently and naturally. The basic rule that should always be followed is: in no case scold the child for not doing something, and do not try to rush things.

What pot to choose?

Thus, with age it is clear, this is the interval from 1 to about 3 years. But where to start is a difficult question for both parents and the baby. First, in fact, you need to buy a pot.

The first baby potty should be comfortable. If the little one will feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable, the desire to learn to sit on a potty will not arise. In addition, the pot must be functional. Now in stores you can find a wide variety of models that differ in shape, color and design. There are even music pots . And it seems that against the background of this diversity it is very difficult to choose this model that will suit a particular child.

In fact, for the first acquaintance it is best to buy a simple plastic pot. For girls it can be round. For boys, the preferred model is the one that has a special barrier in the front, this will allow you to avoid troubles, such as removing wet stains on the floor.

The pot should be in sight and easy to reach , ie. on the floor in the nursery. Let your child get to know him, sit down if he wants. When offering the pot to the child, you should explain the words to him and show him how to use it.

We are starting to act

If the little one has not used diapers, it will be easier for him to learn to walk on a potty. For children whose parents have used diapers, the situation will be a little more complicated. Over time, they will have to constantly wash the floor, as problems in the learning process are inevitable. Here are some tips:

  • Act systematically, be daily, not every day or two; give up diapers; do not prevent the child from getting acquainted with the process of urination: the child must know his genitals and see how the "process" takes place;
  • Leave the pot in a prominent place;
  • Observe the child: before peeing or peeing, he may calm down, hide, strain, blush;
  • Put less clothes on so they can be easily taken off;
  • Get him used to the potty during the warmer times of the year;
  • Do not force him to sit on the potty; if the child does not want, shout or try to get up, then the learning process will be meaningless: the disappointed little one will learn nothing;
  • Be sure to put the child on the potty after sleep and after meals, as well as before and after a walk;
  • Praise him if everything went well, but do not overdo it: it is not necessary to greet every successful experience with thunderous applause - it is better to emphasize how nice it is to walk around with dry and clean pants; do not start the learning process if the child is sick or cranky;
  • On a walk from time to time you can offer the child to go out "in the bushes" (if you are away from home), bring extra clothes.

Reasons for failure in training with sitting on a potty

Failures can occur in several cases. If a child grits his teeth, he feels uncomfortable, and then it is very difficult to concentrate on his other feelings. Also do not forget about the crisis of one year, when the little man protested violently against the actions of almost every adult. In addition, the child may have played games and may not notice that his bladder is full. That's why an "accident" happens. You can't argue with him about that, because the little one is still not able to control his body.

Every child is different , and the development of skills in each happens in their own way and time. Therefore, some learn earlier, others later. But this does not mean that children who have dealt with this issue at a later age understand less than others. In addition, it often happens that children who have quickly learned to sit on a potty, suddenly begin to protest and flatly refuse to sit on it.

Obviously, the process of sitting on the potty and the training itself depends on several factors. Girls are inherently easier than boys. Character also plays an important role. A calm child will get used to the potty faster, we can attract him with a conversation, a toy, and thus stay there. An active child can take a long time, he refuses to sit on the potty, because there is simply no time! He has to be everywhere, to touch, to see, to play and he doesn't want to waste his time with the boring process, to sit in one place. Such children often "play" and do not reach the toilet and walk in wet pants, even if they have learned to use the potty.