Parenting Community

There's certainly no denying that there are a lot of potty training methods out there for parents to use with their child. Have you discovered a method that is worth the effort and ditched the ones that will leave you tired, frustrated, and heading out to buy some carpet cleaner?

Let's review the potty training methods you have probably heard about:

Potty training infants. I'm often asked about this technique, and it is worth pointing out that many children around the world are potty trained as infants. This is especially true in countries and cultures that don't have readily available diapers and washing machines. This parent-intensive approach to potty training is based on paying close attention to babies' body language and cues, and then responding accordingly. But personally, I think the time spent analyzing your baby's every grimace could be better spent reading, singing, playing, and doing other activities with your child.

Potty training in a day. While I fear that the promise of single day success inevitably gives some parents unrealistic expectations, and sets their toddlers up for perceived failure, the general idea isn't too far off. Parents need to keep in mind the key aspects of general potty training techniques that help form the basis of this approach. The techniques include:

? Have supplies for this method, including underwear, a doll that can also go pee on the potty, and other items you feel may be needed.

? Make sure your child is both physically and mentally ready.

? Celebrate your child's potty training accomplishments.

? Be fully prepared to handle any accidents in a non-critical manner.

Some will be able to potty train using this method. Others who are disinterested and/or not developmentally ready, are sure to take longer.

Naked and $75.00 approach. While I'm on the subject of techniques that may be somewhat unrealistic, I should also mention this approach. It involves allotting several days during which you are supposed to keep your child naked while encouraging the use of the potty. You must anticipate the need for carpet cleaning (that's the $75.00 part) at the end of the process. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that being naked only seems to help a select few potty training toddlers to remember to put their poop and their pee in the potty. For the rest, it's just messy. If you have tried it and found success, and your carpets are in no worse shape, feel free to share your experience with using this technique.

Waiting until your child is ready. Most commonly recommended these days, this method involves treating potty training as a developmental milestone. I'm all for taking into account each individual child's degree of developmental readiness, and I do believe that when children are ready, they have the potential to all but train themselves.

I'm a little more of a practical realist. Let's face it, the reality of the situation is that sitting back and leaving potty training almost entirely up to your child may leave you faced with societal pressure, child care concerns, and a longer wait before bidding a final goodbye to diapers. Instead, I suggest introducing all of the necessary concepts, vocabulary, and tools of the toileting trade, to toddlers as young as 12 to 18 months old -- well before you ever expect them to get the hang of it.

It has been shown that the earlier you start potty training, the longer it takes for a child to master this skill. The way I see it, the bottom line is that whatever approach you take should incorporate positive parenting and realistic expectations!

Did you use any of these methods, or something else? Other parents in the community want to know your recommendations for successful potty training techniques, so let's hear from everyone!