By Debbie Jansen
Guest Columnist
Recently, I approached church moms with this question, “How do you plan to potty train your child?” The answers were both astonishing and alarming.
“I’m not going to let it rule my life. If he can’t do it right, he’ll be punished.”
“I found a neat book that says I can give her diuretics and put her in a locked bathroom.”
“I researched it thoroughly online. The best way is to make him stay in the bathroom until it’s completed. I’m going to put a crib mattress and TV in the bathroom. We aren’t going to leave until he gets the idea.”
“I’m so frustrated. I’ve had her in pull-ups for 18 months. She isn’t getting the idea and I want to scream.”
All of the above ideas can be damaging to your child because they don’t consider all the factors that make up potty training. The thought process, bodily functions, mental capabilities, social gratification and self-esteem of your child must all play a role in potty training.
For the first time in your child’s life, he/she must learn a new task and transfer that task from the subconscious to the conscious. Instead of a subconscious act, they must think ahead and plan for the future. In place of no thoughts, he must understand that waiting until the last minute could mean soiled clothes. Instead of enjoying play dates without concerns, she must now think about her appearance.
That’s a huge task for such a little body and inexperienced mind. There’s good news! Potty training is easy and can be done in one day. All it takes is a little planning, an understanding of your child’s needs and a lot of love.
**If you are facing this daunting task, I encourage you to get my 16-page booklet, Potty Training in One Day. This booklet will help you train your child as you build your relationship. Go to www.debbiejansen.com and click on Resources.
Debbie Jansen is the author of Discipline Exposed: Surviving Fried Worms and Flying Mudballs.
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I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Susan