Browsing articles tagged with " Potty Chair"
If there’s one thing I know about parents of 2- and 3-year-olds, it’s this: They would give their signed Michael Jordan basketball if their child would pee in the toilet.
Parents who have faithfully changed their baby’s diaper for many months run out of patience for this task which becomes more heinous by the week. Changing the stinky diaper of a 35-pound toddler begins to feel just plain wrong.
And so they plaster a big smile on their faces, buy a potty chair and a stash of Iron Man or Cinderella underwear, and introduce the idea that it’s time to say goodbye to diapers. They point to the sticker chart or jar of MMs and make promises about all the good things ahead if only the child will produce in the potty.
As the days wear on and their bright hope for success dims, the bribery escalates to promises of bicycles and ponies. The toddler smiles back (there’s lots of insincere smiling going on in this scenario) and says, “No thanks, Dad. I use my diaper.”
Parents tear out their hair, wondering if third graders are allowed to wear diapers to school.
All of this is predictable. Because if there is one thing I know about two and three-year-old children, it’s this: They are determined to be in charge of their own bodies.
During infancy, babies are accustomed to their all-powerful parents running the show. Babies have their hands full learning to be awake and asleep when they want to be, figuring out who they can trust, developing skills to move, and understanding how the world works.
But in toddlerhood, they discover something else: their own autonomy. And nothing will ever be the same.
It’s a heady feeling when they come to understand that they have the power to make decisions about their own life. Expectations that would previously have been perfectly acceptable are now cause for rebellion. Toddlers want to be in charge of the world, and especially in charge of their own bodies.
So at a time when their desire for independence is at its peak, along come their parents to tell them what to do with this most personal of bodily functions. Often, this new challenge goes smoothly and easily. But if toddlers sense any pressure about the whole affair, they are most likely to push back, and the battle is on.
Well-meaning parents may not realize that their over-the-top enthusiasm for dry pants and their promises of ponies and bicycles signal to their toddlers that their parents REALLY want this to happen. And that powerful motivation incites the toddler’s very natural determination for autonomy: “If you want me to do it that much, it must be really important. And if it’s really important then I want to be in charge of it.”
And so the war is waged, even when parent and child really want the same thing — for the child to grow up. They just have very different ideas about how to make that happen. Toddlers’ greatest goal is to be big like their parents, and gaining toilet mastery is one part of that. But their need for autonomy trips them up if they feel pressure.
Instead, parents can help kids get the other skills they need to be ready, such as managing their own clothes and noticing when they have to go. Eventually, a potty chair and underwear can be offered, quietly and consistently. Low-key toilet training respects toddlers’ need to be in control of their own bodies and may avoid the potty war.
Claudia Quigg is founder and executive director of Baby TALK: www.babytalk.org. Write to her at cquigg@babytalk.org.
By
shanaaborn
|
April 25th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Teen Mom 2 star Kail Lowry recently took to Twitter to vent about a parenting dilemma she’s having with three-year-old son: “Having a hard time potty training. Isaac will only go on the potty if we’re home he’s naked. We obviously can’t do that if we’re out.”
She was probably expecting some sound advice and reassurance from moms who’d been there. Alas, what she got was grief.
Right away, two of her followers expressed shock and disapproval that Kailyn hasn’t gotten her child out of diapers by now – as if she were guilty of some Cardinal Mom Sin, and as if it were any of their business to begin with.
If anything, those tweeters are the guilty ones for perpetuating the myth that there’s a “magic age” for toilet teaching. The day after Junior blows out the candles on his second birthday cake, Mom is expected to bring out the potty chair, the training chart and the perky “I’m a big kid!” books. Then, after an intensive regimen of scheduled bathroom trips, sticker rewards and trial runs with underwear, Junior is expected to be trained by two and a half. A month or two of wiggle room is acceptable, but if the child is still in diapers past his third birthday, Mom is clearly doing something wrong.
Two words: Puh. Leeze.
Children are individuals, and each one goes at his or her own developmental pace when it comes to walking, talking and using the toilet. Some kids can’t wait to get out of pull-ups, while others are slower to recognize their body signals – or just too busy playing to bother rushing to the bathroom on time.
There’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to toilet training, and at three, little Isaac fits into that range just fine. He may be more comfortable trying out his new skills at home right now, but in a month or two, he’ll probably work up the courage to use the restroom at McDonald’s or at a friend’s house. Even after he does become a potty pro, there may be accidents and regression – especially since he and Kail will be moving out of state soon. (Her husband, new Air Force airman Javi Marroquin, just got his new station assignment.)
So Kail, take it from me, the mom of two (!) late-trained kids: Don’t let the pottier-than-thou moms get you down. Let Isaac set the pace, and don’t try to rush him – it’s his body, after all. And if he takes a little longer than his peers to graduate to big-boy pants for good, so what? By the time he’s five or six, you’ll wonder what all the worry was about.
[Photo: via Instagram]
By
KSEE Sales
April 8, 2013
Updated Apr 8, 2013 at 3:11 PM PDT
I think Lego-land is the first hotel to offer potty training toilets. And speaking of potty training, it’s the one thing that both scares and excites parents. There is no right way to potty train but we can offer you some advice.
Joining us for a bit of potty training 101 is mom blogger Jacqueline Cromwell.
Here are 10 random facts.
1) There isn’t a way to potty train! There is not 1 magic method or tact that works at a certain age or with every kid! This is just hints and tricks.
2) Go with your instincts! (You are the parent and know everyone in the situation best! I have my story here)
3) At about 2 years old, put out the potty chair if you are going to use on. They get curious;).
4) Wait for the kids to show some sort of interest before you get serious. This isn’t a die hard rule but a good rule of thumb. I have heard of kids developing potty issues when they are rushed! This doesn’t mean you can’t try it, just don’t demand.
5) Spring/Summer is a great time to potty train! It is warmer so they can run around in undies. And when there are accidents there is just physically less clothes to wash! And you can send them outside so if there are accidents they aren’t on your couch;).
6) One popular tact is the all in theory. Usually a 3 day model is effective. It means you toss all you diapers and go straight undies. Plan on being home at least 3 days straight!
7) Another popular tact is the gradual. First set up times to try every day. A firm schedule on this helps! I usually schedule them around sleep and food. So when they get up, go to the bathroom. When they wash up to eat, try going to the bathroom. Focus first on the trying then the actually going! Our rewards started with letting them wear pull ups so they didn’t have to lay down and get changed.
8) Bribery works! But be thoughtful. Food can be good but consider if that is a path you want to go down. We also would change what the reward was worth;). Once they master one thing make them perform more for the same reward. Once my youngest could stay dry all day she no longer got 1 gummy bear every time she peed. Then she had to poop to get a gummy bear.
9) Age and potty training varies by kid. Boys tend to potty train later and with more effort than girls. It isn’t always true but often is. But just because 1 girl was interested at 25 months doesn’t mean the next girl will.
10) With out other factors, kids don’t go to kindergarten in diapers. Chill!!! It will happen eventually;).
Learning to use the potty is a big deal for little kids – and their parents. While it’s definitely a time-consuming process with many ups and downs, it’s also a process that can be easier for everyone with a few simple strategies, the right equipment and new, on-the-go tools that help make potty training fun anytime, anywhere.
Is Your Child Ready?
Many children start showing an interest in potty training around age 2, but others aren’t ready until they’re older – because successful potty training begins when a child is physically and emotionally ready, which doesn’t always happen at the same time for everyone. Here are some signs of readiness you can look for:
* Ability to stay dry for two or more hours during the day.
* Interest in the potty chair, toilet or wearing underwear.
* Communicating with words, body language and facial expressions when they need to go.
* Complaints about wet or dirty diapers.
What you need
Before you start potty training, consider having a few of these tools ready to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
* Potty chair – Put a potty chair in the bathroom. Look for a model with a removable top that can be placed on top of the toilet seat when your child is ready to start making the transition.
* A small footstool – Some kids feel a little insecure sitting on the big potty. Placing a stool under their feet can help stabilize them.
* Training pants – Training pants are a great way to move on from diapers, and help toddlers feel like a big kid before making the jump to underwear.
* Rewards – In addition to verbal praise for their efforts, consider small rewards such as stickers or stars on a chart. Every five or 10 stickers equals an extra bedtime story or game.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. BabyCenter’s 2012 American Media Mom Report shows that as many as 65 percent of moms now own a smartphone, and 74 percent of moms let their children use their smartphones. If your toddler enjoys playing with your smartphone, try using it as an educational tool, incentive and reward for potty training success.
Brands such as Pull-Ups now offer a wide variety of mobile tools to ensure you’re always ready for potty training success, wherever you go. The new Pull-Ups Big Kid App includes games to reward your child after they have accomplished potty training success. Special identifying markers inside packages of Pull-Ups Training Pants can be scanned with the app to activate an interactive Pull-Ups Big Kid 3 D Celebration, bringing your child’s favorite Disney characters to life, and making rewards on the go easy and fun.
Overcoming obstacles
You’ll probably hit a few roadblocks – and encounter stubbornness at its finest – with your toddler after you’ve started the potty training process. Keep in mind these dos and don’ts in order to get past them:
* Don’t use punishments or threats.
* Always use positive reinforcement.
* Let children learn at their own pace.
* Stay positive when accidents happen.
* Take training breaks if needed.
* Boost fruit and veggie intake to help prevent constipation.
Roadblocks aside, potty training successes are always worth sharing and celebrating. The Pull-Ups(r) Brand encourages you to share your child’s success stories and photos with other parents on the Pull-Ups Facebook page for the chance to win great prizes. Get more details at www.facebook.com/pull-ups.
Man, they grow up so fast. First walking, then talking, and now potty training!? Next thing you know the ”Teen Mom 2” tots will be headed to the DMV for their licenses! In this sneak peek from Monday’s all-new episode, Chelsea‘s ready to help Aubree make the big toilet plunge.
Up first: The right potty. Aubs wants one outfitted with ducks (because ducks are the best) but sadly the store is out. Instead they settle on a cute lime green one that fits Aubree perfectly. Next step: Potty chart. Chelsea goes into full mommy-mode and sets up a system to track Aubree’s progress. “So we can give her, like, a star or something every time she goes,” she explains. As Chels shows Aubree the chart, the little one is just itching to show that potty who’s boss, saying ”YEAH!” as she high-fives her mom. Until she actually sees it. Rather than using it, she flips it over with an obstinate, “I don’t want a potty chair.” Guess it’s back to the drawing board, Chels! Maybe try Amazon for one with ducks on it? Then Aubs would have to love it!
For more potty training woes, check out the sneak peek below!
[ video unavailable on this device ]
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Related Content Teen Mom 2, ‘Teen Mom 2′ Poll: Will Therapy Help Chelsea Move On With Her Life?, French Bulldogs May Be Cute, But Chelsea’s Dad Says Their Farts Are Deadly
Tags Teen Mom 2′s Aubree, Teen Mom 2′s Chelsea, Video
The potty chair is back in the living room.
We’ve had some training regression. That’s a nice way of saying the kid keeps peeing on my floor.
Things had been going so well that I think Lily realized she was missing one very important step of potty training– the rewards (i.e. candy treats, book reading, opportunity to parade around all day naked).
She decided to take us back a couple steps and get some chocolate chips to go with her “big girl panties.”
I had put the plastic potty chair away in the garage, switching to the much easier pink, princess potty seat. She likes the princess seat, carries it around as a matter of fact, hauls it out to show to company. But as the princess potty seat fits on the toilet, which is hundreds of miles away in the bathroom, she can’t be bothered to use it, especially when the floor is just so darn easy.
So, I took the potty chair back out and set it up in the living room. My plan is to slowly move the potty chair closer to the bathroom and then sometime in the next few years try the transition to the potty seat again.
– Martha
PS — I had gotten so lax with purchasing diapers, I ran out the other night and had to put her to bed with a swim diaper. FYI, I wouldn’t recommend that.
Veronica T. Herrera told Nampa and Homedale police that she was scared and freaked out about the possibility of losing custody of her other children, so she decided to burn the toddlers body, according to court documents obtained by the Idaho Statesman on Monday.
Herrera said Nakita, who just turned 2, jumped off her potty chair during training Wednesday and hit her head on a heater. The 29-year-old Herrera said that led to Nakitas death hours later.
To make sure that no one found Nakita, Herrera told police, she put the body in a barrel behind her house on Washington Street and started a blaze Thursday morning that burned for as long as two days. Herrera told police that she had her other children put garbage in the barrel to keep the fire going.
Early Saturday afternoon, Herrera walked up to an officer outside a Nampa police station. Crying, she told the officer that she did something bad, that her child was hurt and that she made it worse, according to documents.
Later, Herrera told a Nampa police detective that God will never forgive her for what she has done, according to probable cause documents obtained by the Statesman.
Herrera is being held in the Owyhee County Jail on a felony charge of destruction of evidence while police and prosecutors investigate. Owyhee County Prosecutor Doug Emery said Monday that he charged Herrera with what the evidence supported, but said more charges are possible.
Court documents identify Nakita as the victim, but Owyhee County Coroner Aaron Tines said Monday that he would need more forensic tests to make a positive identification of the burned remains.
The case is being investigated by Homedale and state police.
Records show that Herrera had been in court over foster care issues with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare three times as of last November, but it is unclear why. According to documents filed in Owyhee County, Herrera has at least two other kids younger than 10.
Details in the court documents are graphic.
The Nampa police officer who first talked to Herrera on Saturday was working on an unrelated car crash when she walked up to him and was hysterical while telling him that her daughter died and that police would never find the body. The officer asked Herrera to come inside.
Police say Herrera kept her hands over her face and cried while telling detectives what happened. Herrera told police that she had her 8-year-old daughter watching Nakita while the 2-year-old was on the potty, but Nakita kept being fussy, so Herrera said she tried to get the toddler to calm down. Herrera said Nakita kept trying to throw herself off the potty chair and eventually did leap off and hit the left side of her head by her ear on the heater.
Herrera told police that she took Nakita and put her in a playpen and asked her 9-year-old son to watch her while she took an unspecified number of other children to her sisters house in Caldwell. Herrera said she called her son later that day to check on Nakita and her son said the toddler was sleeping.
Herrera said that when she came home that night, she noticed a large bump and cut on Nakitas head and figured out the toddler was not breathing.
Herrera told police that she put the toddlers body in the back of her van that night. The next morning, she walked to the store, bought some lighter fluid, put the body in the barrel and set it aflame.
Herrera told police that she didnt think any of her other kids saw her put the body in the barrel, but did say that her 9-year-old son is a smart kid and might have known.
Herrera said she kept the fire going for 24 hours but saw some remains were still inside Friday morning, so she returned to the store for more lighter fluid, according to the documents.
Herrera also told police that she lied to Nakitas father, saying when he called to ask about the toddler that Nakita was staying at her parents house in Nampa.
Herrera told police that she confessed to them after telling her parents what happened. They drove her to the police station on Saturday.
Court records dont indicate where Herreras other kids were on Monday. Homedale Police Chief Jeff Eidemiller did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Patrick Orr: 377-6219, Twitter: @IDS_Orr
It is that time again. The potty chair has taken up residence in my living room for the third time in my motherhood career.
We are in full-fledged potty training mode with Lily, and I can’t believe how easy it is going.
Am I getting better at this or is she just an easily trained kid? I haven’t decided yet.
We’d made a couple attempts at training in the past. She’d point to the potty seat on the shelf in the bathroom. I’d get it down and read her books while she paraded around the house in her birthday suit.
Her last request for the potty chair to be taken down, I figured would follow this same pattern. I took the chair down and she pushed it around the house for a couple of days like a shopping cart. Then one morning, all by herself she sat down on the thing and went.
And she did it without prompting. Without stacks of storybooks. Without the promise of MMs or Disney World.
She just did it.
“OH MY GOSH! YOU JUST WENT PEE-PEE!!!!” I yelled so loud I scared her.
She looked at me wide eye. I’m sure if her bladder wasn’t already empty she would have went on the floor for fear. I followed this declaration with hugs, high fives and phone calls to all the relatives.
For a week now, she’s been wearing trainer underwear around the house. I will keep her doing this for several weeks before venturing to the next step — going without diapers outside of the house. It’s one thing to leave a puddle on the floor at home, it’s another to do it in front of the pharmacy counter at the grocery store (which Sam did at this age.) Those early diaper-free trips are the hardest part of potty training. You still don’t trust your kid and every trip is like traveling with a bomb that can go off at any moment.
Tick-tick-tick-tick…. “Potty! I’ve got to go potty, Mom!”
– Martha
It’s Potty Time!
No mom has ever avoided the dreaded potty training experience. Messes, being sequestered in the home, naked bums walking around the house – these are some of the things moms go through during the potty training process.
No wonder so many moms want to get it out of the way and be done with it. Enter the quick-training guide. While Dr. Sears advises against rushing a child who is not ready, some say it can indeed be accomplished in three scant days.
If this is something you wish to explore, click ahead for information to consider.
Also see: Potty Training Tips From Parents Who’ve Been There
Things to Consider Before you Begin
Development: When will your child be ready?
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends a child-oriented approach to toilet training. Most children develop bowel and bladder control somewhere between 24 and 48 months, but the muscles surrounding the opening of the bladder and bowel begin to mature around 18 months. This is generally the optimal time to begin introducing the potty.
But physical development isn’t the only factor. A child must also be psychologically ready. Click ahead for a list to help you determine if your child is psychologically ready to begin training.
Also see: 10 Steps to Successful Potty Training
Is Your Child Ready?
Able to walk to the potty chair (or adapted toilet seat)
- Stable while sitting on the potty (or adapted toilet seat)
- Able to remain dry for several hours
- Receptive language skills allow the child to follow simple (one- and two-step) commands
- Expressive language skills permit the child to communicate the need to use the potty (or adapted toilet seat) with words or reproducible gestures
- Desire to please, based on positive relationship with caregivers
- Desire for independence, and control of bladder and bowel function
Also see: Potty Training: Is 27 Months the Best Time to Start?
Time: Are YOU ready?
Once development has been addressed it’s time to decide whether you or your caregiver has the time to devote to training.
The process can take anywhere from three to six months, but don’t let this information discourage you. Understanding your child’s physical capabilities can help you avoid a battle with a child who is just not ready.
Also see: 10 Modern Parenting Panics
Ready, Set…
Now that readiness has been established, we turn to the quick-training gurus to help you shorten the course.
Mommy blogger, Crystal, at Growing a Jeweled Rose, shares her success story “…in hopes of encouraging and empowering you to make potty training a smooth and positive transition.”
Crystal used Julie Fellom’s Diaper Free Toddlers program as described on babycenter.com. Click ahead for advice in preparing for your “naked weekend”
Also see: Jump In! How to Teach Kids to Swim at Every Age
Some More Advice
Talk to your child about the potty in the days leading up to the “naked weekend” to help prepare them for the process. Reading potty training books geared toward little ones will help your tyke understand what they are about to embark upon.
- Bring your child to help pick out his or her potty to build excitement. Also let them select their big kid undies. Colourful ones with their favourite cartoon character will make them excited to shed the diaper.
- Set up a reward system. Crystal says it is particularly helpful in this program. Pick out the prizes on the same day as the potty and undies.
- Clear your calendar. You need to set aside three days (the weekend tends to be the most convenient) when you don’t leave the house.
- The most important piece of advice is that your child should be completely naked from the waist down for the entire three days.
…Go!
Now it’s time to begin the actual training. E-how recommends using positive reinforcement and praise for a job well done. Saying things like “you are such a big girl/boy,” when your child stays dry will encourage him, who wants nothing more than to please you.
Get Him Involved
Involve your child in tossing out unused diapers (much like we throw out junk food when we decide to eat healthfully). Once there are no more diapers, explain to your child that it’s time to begin using the potty.
Show her where to go pee and poo and tell her to let you know when she feels the urge to tinkle. They key message to get across is that she needs to try her best to stay dry.
Positive Reinforcement
Stay close by and monitor his expressions and remind him of the potty’s existence and purpose. If there is an accident, don’t scold or say negative things like “you are a bad boy,” instead indicate that his underwear is wet and take him to the potty to finish emptying himself.
When he finally uses the potty, make a big deal out of it. Do a little dance or sing a little song and be otherwise very excited. Now is the time to reward him with one of the prizes you picked out together. It’s not a bribe, just a treat.
Repeat this process for three days and by the end your child will have gotten the hang of using the potty. That’s not to say there won’t be accidents, particularly at night, but he will be well on his way.
Some Final Words of Advice
Encourage fluid intake during the process and keep drinks nearby
- Stop liquids two to three hours before bedtime
- Be consistent; don’t go back to diapers
- Don’t force your child to use the potty
- Don’t let her sit on the potty if she isn’t using it
- Remember some children need to train longer
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Potty training. With both of my children firmly out of diapers, I can finally type those words without heart palpitations, but it’s taken awhile. The road to diaper-free children can be a long and brutal battle for sure, but it doesn’t have to be.
One thing I learned potty training two children is that the more choice they have in the matter, the easier it is for everyone. Potty chairs are one area where there are plenty of choices, and if they like the equipment, the more likely they are to use it. Fortunately, there are a whole host of cute and innovative potty chairs out there to please any toddler. Here are five to consider … or let them consider.
What do you look for in a potty chair?
Image via jencu/Flickr
