TERRIBLE TWOS AND THE TOILET

Potty training your toddler can be one of the most frustrating experiences in your life as a parent – it was for me! Of course, as a pediatrician, I thought my daughter would be completely potty trained by 2 years old because I knew all the tricks and…how hard could it be?

Well, it all depends on how stubborn your toddler is! Please, I do not mean this in a negative way, it’s just that your toddler has COMPLETE control of his or her bowels. There is NO WAY you are going to change this! When he or she is ready to go on the potty, he or she will – not a day or minute sooner.

This is especially true with training your child to have a bowel movement in the toilet. Do not stress them out! If you sense that they are afraid of the toilet, please back off and take a break. They are not ready. As soon as they learn to hold back their bowel movement and become constipated, things are going to be even more difficult for them…and you!

Remember, they will not go to high school in a diaper (if they are a normally developing child). There is no rush. Some children do not start potty training until they are 3 years old and it’s not considered out of the norm until they are 4 years old for daytime and 6 years old for night time wetting.

So, keep it positive, light, and fun in the bathroom. Motivation always works wonders and as long as you’re having fun, it will be that much easier for both of you!

With Love,

Dr. Christine

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