First published: 4 February 2022 @ 6:00 pm
One of the most important skills that a parent can teach their child is how to use the toilet. The ability to go to the bathroom without accidents or messes is crucial for a child’s development.
A child who can successfully use the toilet at an early age will be able to master many other life skills and become independent in the future.
However, there are several mistakes that parents make when toilet training children. These mistakes can result in accidents and frustration for both the parent and the child.
There are some common mistakes that many parents make which can make the process of toilet training children very difficult and time consuming. It is important for parents to understand these common mistakes so they can avoid them in the future.
When a child is having transition from diapers into potty training, it is very important for the parents to take full responsibility of the process. It crucial for parents to take good care of their children so that they can easily reach a successful potty training.
The following are 4 common mistakes parents make during a child’s potty training age:
1. Not being consistent with their child’s schedule
One of the most common mistakes that many parents make when they are potty training their children is not being consistent with their child’s schedule.
Many parents think that the potty training process is only about going to the bathroom and that it does not require much time.
However, this is not true because when a child learns how to use the toilet, they will have to be consistent with their schedule in order to learn how to use it correctly. This way, they can gain proper control over their bladder and bowels.
When a child is inconsistent with their potty time, it can lead them into making bad bowel habits which can cause potty training regression.
The best way for parents to be consistent with their child’s schedule is by making sure that they have a proper timetable for them. Parents should also set clear expectations for them regarding when they will be going on and off the potty.
2. Not making the child understand the importance of using the potty
Parents should make sure that they make their children understand that using the potty is a very important part of their daily routine.
They should also make sure that they explain to them why it is important for them to use the potty every time they go on it.
Some parents also prolong the use of diapers when their child is beginning to transition to using a potty. This is usually because the parent is afraid that their child is still not used to it, and will wet the bed.
However, by still making them use diapers, the child will not understand the importance of why they have to sit at the potty at night before bed.
Hence, it’s better to start changing into normal underwear as soon as possible. Cautious parents may also invest in disposable training pants. Even if they wet the bed, they might learn from their mistakes and have more bladder control in their future.
3. Not giving enough support and encouragement
Another common mistake that many parents make when they are potty training their children is not giving their child sufficient support.
Many parents think that it is enough for them just take their child to the bathroom and then let them go in there by themselves without any guidance.
However, this is not true, because if a parent allows their child too much freedom in using the bathroom, it can be very difficult for them to learn how to use the toilet correctly.
When a child is starting their journey towards potty training, they need full support from the parent so that they can achieve their goals easily.
When their child is potty training, parents should pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. If their children seem to be under stress, parents should give them extra motivation so they can feel at ease.
This can involve talking to them, giving them positive reinforcement or words of affirmation, or even giving them more space; the child may not like being stared at while they’re trying to potty!
They should also make sure that they do not give any sort of physical punishment to their child if their child has any potty training accidents. This can turn the potty training into a negative experience, and the child might end up being stressed out whenever they’re told to potty.
They should also give them enough support and encouragement so that they can achieve their goals in a very short period of time.
4. Not teaching the additional steps to potty language
Another common mistake that many parents make when they are potty training their children is not teaching the additional steps to potty language.
Many parents tend to think that it is enough for them to teach their child how to use the toilet and it does not require much time or effort.
However, this is not true because when a child learns how to use the toilet, they have to be taught about additional steps such as wiping their bottom, washing their hands after using the toilet and taking a shower after using the toilet.
This can be very difficult for a child when they are potty training because it requires them to learn about these additional steps, which can usually be very embarrassing for children.
They should show them how to wash their hands properly after going on the toilet so that they do not have any infections in their hands and prevent from spreading diseases to other people around them.
If the child is still wetting themselves, parents should calmly explain the importance of potty training so that they can avoid messes in the future. If the children understand why and how they should clean up after themselves, they will more easily reach potty training readiness.
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