Potty training your child can be a stressful and frustrating time for both you and your child. For this reason you need to approach the task in the right way and you need to be mindful of what definitely does not work to ensure a successful outcome.
1. Starting Too Soon
One of the most common mistakes, if not the most common, is starting to try to train your child too soon, before he/she is ready. This will have the unfortunate effect of making it stressful for everyone concerned and will only prolong the day when your child can successfully go to the bathroom on their own.
There is no right/wrong time to start but experts consider that the necessary physical and mental skills are present in your child between the ages of 18 and 24 months. But this is not a one size fits all situation and some children are not ready until they reach the age of 3 or 4. You need to watch out for signs that your child is ready to give it a try without being too pushy and you need to be patient and supportive throughout with no penalty for lack of success.
Just leave it for a few weeks and start again all the time supporting and encouraging your child.
2. Avoid Potty Training During Traumatic Periods
There are seminal and important periods in your child life which will take him/her out of his/her daily routine such as the arrival of a new sibling. Don't try to potty train during these periods, rather wait until your child is back in his/her safe and customary routine.
3. Do Not Pressurize
You need to avoid putting pressure on your child and just relax and watch out for signs that they are ready. Encourage and be supportive and take it step by step ensuring that your child is taking on the new task in his/her own time.
4. Do Not Work To Other's Timetable
Many parents can be put under pressure by neighbors or in laws; do not let this happen and work to the timetable that best suits your child and you.