Beginning of potty training
Here’s something that will bring relief. If we really understand the process of potty training and allow it, the child has the ability to potty train itself.
It happens in a few steps gradually.
The first crucial step is awareness of internal sensations that indicate that it’s time to go. Then comes the part about assigning a particular place to go when the child picks on the sensation. The most important part underlying these steps is nurturing the child’s connection to their body. Children are much more connected to their bodies than adults, we all were. We have learnt to disconnect from the pains in our body. But children do express freely if they feel pain or discomfort. (till the time they learn from us to disconnect)
If we can put away the pressure that we might feel around potty training, the child has a lot of time to achieve autonomy over this natural process.
Activity:
Here are a few things to try and a few to avoid in order to support your child.
- Take your child to pee after every hour (adjust this duration based on your child’s water intake and weather)
- Each time you find the child peeing/pooping, ask the child if they are peeing/pooping. (this helps them connect the action to the words)
- Watch for signs that show you that the child is about to pee/poop. When you spot these signs, ask the child if they feel like peeing/pooping.
- Make sure your reactions around pee and poop are not those of disgust.
- Make sure you do not blame/point out your child for pooping at a time inconvenient to you.
- Make sure you do not blame the child for not telling you or for doing it at the wrong place. The child will learn the next step quickly if we are patient and warm.
- Whatever you were conditioned for, make sure you respond to the act as a natural process.