Ahhhh….potty training. I haven’t been a mama for too terribly long, but it seems to be the common denominator of dreaded toddler milestones. So dreaded, in fact, that an entire industry seems to be profiting off of the fear. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I have to wonder if some of that “avoid potty training for as long as humanly possible” stuff isn’t being handed to us from diaper companies who recognize the earnings potential of inducing fear into the minds and hearts of American parents. As a new mama, I love to pretend I know what I’m doing, but most of the time I’m fudging it and making it up as I go along. I assumed that potty training was a long way’s off for us as I bought into the whole “wait until your child expresses interest in the potty” phenomenon. My child expresses interest in dumping the dog’s food all over the kitchen floor and seeing if she can unload the dishwasher faster than I can load it, but not at all in the potty. So, I thought we had time. And I’m with all of you who like the convenience of the diaper. We can go places, do things, and we don’t have to worry about taking potty breaks.
Then I picked up a book from the library and completely changed my perspective about potty training. One year olds are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. They also thrive on routine, they’re building confidence and independence, and they love one on one attention. Potty training fits into all of those categories. The book I read recommended beginning at 12 months, but we’re a little late to that party. My daughter is 17 months old, and while we’ve only been at it for a couple of months and we’re certainly not to a consistently dry routine, she’s making huge progress and I’m confident we’ll be out of diapers by the time she’s 2. Before you assume I’m crazy, here’s 5 reasons why potty training before 2 rocks:
- They can’t really argue with you. When it’s time to go potty, I simply pick her up and put her on the potty. Sometimes she fusses for a second, but once I get a book or toy in her hand, she’s happy to sit there for a minute. She isn’t old enough to formulate reasons why she doesn’t want to go. It’s just a new part of our routine.
- They don’t require elaborate rewards. She doesn’t have a potty chart. We don’t have candy next to the potty for each time she goes. There’s no sticker rewards system. She’s 17 months old. She gets so excited just to clap her hands and sing the potty song we made up.
- They’re busy, but not as busy as a 2 or 3 year old. Most of her “busy” is just playing, so it’s easy to scoop her up for 5 minutes and take her potty. She’s not to the age yet where she’s involved in extracurricular activities, so finding time to be consistent and diligent is a little bit easier.
- They’re still establishing a daily routine. When our daughter started eating solid foods at about 6 months, we started putting her in a high chair and slowly taught her how to chew and swallow. Then we added a fork and spoon. Now meal times are a normal part of her day. I didn’t fear or avoid introducing solids because it would disrupt our lives. Potty training is the same. It’s a new part of our routine, but because she’s 17 months old, she doesn’t know any different. We’re always introducing new things.
- We’re going to save hundreds on diapers. Obviously there’s no hard number as diaper costs vary, but if I estimate correctly, we’re saving ourselves about $450 a year. I might go make a list of all the things I’d rather buy with $450 than diapers.
Every child is unique and every family’s needs are a little different, but if you’re waiting to start potty training and you’re not really sure why, you might consider starting early. There’s a lot of cool research out there that shows that early potty training increases children’s self-esteem, cuts down on health issues that have become common like constipation, and establishes a healthy routine before the child starts pre-school.
Take it from the biggest skeptic ever, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Embrace the potty.
