HOW SOON, IS TOO SOON TO POTTY TRAIN?

Many parents now days seem to be in constant competition with other parents in reguards to who's child does what sooner. They continually attempt to teach their children things before they are even ready. Potty training is one of these things. When we were children, is was normal if a child didn't start potty training till the age of 3. Now, some try to get their toddlers to do it as early as 14 months. It's absurd.

Our generation, and those to follow, don't seem to realize the issues with training them before they are ready. Trying to force them into learning things months and even years before they normally would. As parents we are supposed to protect our children from all forms of harm. Yet, in many cases, parents don't even know that they are emotionally harming their child(ren). Granted, I know some kids learn at a faster rate than others, but those are not the ones I'm refering to. There are now studies being done to research the affects caused by this. So far, they have shown that children who go through this have a lower self of steam. Are more prone to depression, violent outburst, and have a deep sense of failure. Many don't know they are doing more harm than good.

As a nation, we are forcing our children to grow up faster than they need to. Allowing thirteen year olds to dress like they're twenty-one. Pushing them into acting, dance, modeling, etc... even if they don't want to do this. For what? so the parent has bragging rights? Or so they can live vicariously through their child? Children need to have a childhood. It is vital in order to promote healthy emotional and social development. Whether you agree or not, potty training when the CHILD is ready, rather than when the parent is, is a normal part of childhood. When the child is ready, he/she will be more like to succeed at it faster, promoting a sense of accomplishment. This will help in building a strong sense of self and self esteem. Isn't this what we want for our children?

If you're not sure when to potty train or how to tell if your little one is ready, talk to your pediatrician. They can help guide you through the process and even give advise as to how you can help your child through it also. most will say to begin between 2 1/2 to 3 years. Just in case I will give you a list of things to look for and ways to encourage your child when they are ready.

Signs- he/she will go on their own to the restroom, they will go off to a corner or behind a chair or other thing to use the bathroom(in their diaper), they tend to squat down as they have a bowel movement, they start grabbing themselves before going in their diaper, and ask your pedi for more signs.

Encouragement/incentive- make it fun for them, with boys you can put a cheerio at the bottom of the potty and tell them to aim for it(it sounds weird, but it has worked with my son and my cousins kids), offer rewards and praise everytime they make it to the potty, NEVER belittle or show disappointment if they don't, NEVER use punishment if they have an accident(it's normal if they do, it's all about trial and error), give them a book or toy that they can only have on the potty, don't pressure them or force them into it, ask often if they need to go, time how long it takes for a bm after eating and how long after fluids that they urinate...that way you can estimate when they will need to go to the bathroom making it easier to avoid accidents.

I hope that my advise will help someone who needs it. Kids will be kids, and that means let them. Encourage them and allow them to be children and to develop a healthy and positive view of themselves. They'll be happier for it.