What Should You Do After Starting Potty- Training Too Early?
Introduction
Early potty training is a topic that generates much discussion and debate among parents and childcare experts. In The Comprehensive Guide To Potty Training we touched upon the importance of starting off potty training when a child is ready rather than at a certain age. We looked at the subject of potty training age much deeper in The Ultimate Guide To Potty Training Age and we provided insight into what the ideal potty training age is. This comprehensive guide aims to provide parents with essential information about early potty training, its potential benefits, challenges, and best practices. Understanding the nuances of early potty training can help parents make informed decisions about when and how to approach this significant milestone in their child's development.What is the Average Age Girls and Boys Are Potty Trained in the United States?
In the United States, the average age for potty training completion is 35 months for girls and 39 months for boys. However, this average has increased over the past few decades. In 1957, 92% of children were toilet trained by 18 months and in the 1930's children started training soon after birth and completed well before one year of age. This shift is attributed to various factors, including:
- The introduction of disposable diapers- Changes in parenting styles and expectations
- Increased awareness of child development stages
- Busier lifestyles of modern parents
It's important to note that these are averages, and individual children may be ready earlier or later than these ages.
What is the Best Age to Potty Train a Girl or Boy?
The best age to potty train varies for each child. Most experts suggest looking for signs of readiness rather than focusing solely on age. Generally, most children are ready between 18 and 24 months, but some may not be ready until closer to 3 years old.
Factors that influence the best age for potty training include:
- Physical development: Ability to control bladder and bowel muscles
- Cognitive development: Understanding of the potty training process
- Emotional readiness: Willingness to cooperate and desire for independence
- Language skills: Ability to communicate needs
Parents should assess their child's individual readiness rather than adhering strictly to age guidelines. Following are 21 Potty Training Readiness Factors:
The presence of the majority of the signs above is indicative that a child is ready to start training and there is a high likelihood of success.
Signs Your Child is Not Ready For Potty Training
Recognizing signs that your child is not ready for potty training can help prevent frustration and setbacks. Some indicators include:- Inability to stay dry for at least two hours
- Lack of interest in the potty or toilet
- Difficulty following simple instructions
- Resistance to sitting on the potty
- Inability to communicate the need to use the bathroom
- Not showing discomfort with wet or soiled diapers
- Inability to pull pants up and down independently
- Going through significant life changes (e.g., new sibling, moving house)
If your child exhibits several of these signs, it may be best to wait a few weeks or months before attempting potty training.
2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4 year old is Not Ready For Potty Training
With any averages statistically there are going to be outliers at both ends of the spectrum. In the case of potty training there will be children who train much earlier than the average child and those who train much later. So any given child may end up being at any given point on a chart showing potty training ages. Most will be close to the average but the outliers on both ends will be extremely early and extremely late and it is completely normal.
If your child is approaching or past these ages and shows no interest in potty training, it's essential to remain patient and continue encouraging them. Some strategies to consider:
- Maintain a positive attitude and avoid pressure
- Encourage independence in other areas (e.g., dressing, hand washing)
- Read books about potty training together
- Let them observe family members using the bathroom
- Introduce potty-related toys or games
Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about developmental delays. They can assess your child's overall development and provide personalized advice.
What Age Should You Worry About a Child Not Being Potty Trained?
While there's no specific age to worry, if your child is approaching 4 years old and shows no progress in potty training, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. Potential concerns to address include:- Physical issues: Constipation, bladder or bowel control problems
- Developmental delays: Speech, motor skills, or cognitive development
- Emotional factors: Anxiety, fear, or resistance to change
- Environmental factors: Stress at home or daycare
Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and late potty training doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
What is the Earliest a Baby Can Be Potty Trained?
Some parents begin potty training as early as 6 months using methods like elimination communication. However, traditional potty training typically starts no earlier than 18 months. Early potty training methods include:- Elimination Communication (EC): Starting from birth to 18 months
- Infant Potty Training: Usually begins between 4-12 months
- Early Start Method: Typically begins around 12-18 months
These methods require significant time, patience, and consistency from caregivers.
Can you Potty Train a 6 month old, 12 month old (1 year old) or 18 month(1.5 year old)?
While it's possible to start potty training at these ages, especially using elimination communication, most children are not physiologically ready for traditional potty training until at least 18 months. Consider the following:- 6 months: Primarily relies on parent intuition and timing (EC method)
- 12 months: May recognize the need to eliminate but lacks full control
- 18 months: Some children may be ready, but most still lack full bladder control
Early training at these ages often requires more time and effort from parents and may not result in complete independence until later. While it is a misnomer to label it as a potty training method since the parent is controlling everything, elimination communication and the 10 minute rule are effective with children under 18 months of age, who can not control their bladder,
What is Elimination Communication?
Since children do not have full control over their bladder and bowels until after 24 months of age, it is very unlikely that a child can truly be potty trained at ages less than 18 months. However, the potty training method called Elimination Communication (EC) is a practice where parents learn to recognize their baby's elimination cues and hold them over a potty or toilet when they need to go. This method can be started from birth and is different from traditional potty training in the sense that the children are not controlling any aspect of the process, parents are in control of everything. Key aspects of EC include:- Observing baby's signals and timing patterns
- Using specific cues (sounds or gestures) to communicate
- Offering frequent potty opportunities
- Being responsive to baby's needs
- Gradually transitioning to independent toileting
EC requires dedication and can be challenging to maintain, especially for working parents or in childcare settings.
What is the 10 Minute Potty Training Rule
Just as Elimination Communication is suited for children who have little or no control over their bladder and bowels, the 10 minute rule is an effective rule for early training, The 10-minute potty training rule suggests taking your child to the potty every 10 minutes during the initial training period. This rule is often the most effective way to train children under 18 months of age since they have very little control over their bladder and bowels at such an early age. By placing the child on the toilet at such frequent intervals there is a good chance that a child will need to urinate or have a bowel movement while on the toilet and lets the child understand the sensations associated with the need to use the potty. This frequent reminder can help establish a routine and increase success rates. Implementation tips:- Set a timer for every 10 minutes
- Use positive reinforcement for sitting on the potty
- Gradually increase the time between potty visits as the child shows progress
- Be prepared for accidents and remain patient
This method can be intense but may lead to quicker results for some children.
What Happens if you Start Potty Training Too Early?
Starting potty training too early can lead to several challenges:- Increased accidents and frustration for both child and parents
- Longer overall training time due to physical immaturity
- Potential regression or resistance to future attempts
- Negative associations with toileting that may persist
- Power struggles between parent and child
- Possible development of constipation or withholding behaviors
It's essential to balance the desire for early training with your child's developmental readiness to avoid these potential issues.
Can Potty Training Too Early Cause Psychological Damage or Emotional Problems?
While early potty training itself is unlikely to cause psychological damage, forcing a child who isn't ready can lead to stress, anxiety, and negative associations with toileting. Potential emotional impacts include:- Decreased self-esteem due to frequent accidents
- Anxiety around using the bathroom
- Fear of disappointing parents or caregivers
- Resistance to other forms of learning or independence
To minimize these risks, always approach potty training with patience, positivity, and respect for your child's readiness.
What is Emotional Regression With Potty Training?
Emotional regression in potty training occurs when a child who has previously shown progress reverts to earlier behaviors, such as having accidents or refusing to use the potty. This can be caused by:- Stress or major life changes (new sibling, moving house)
- Starting training before the child is fully ready
- Negative experiences associated with toileting
- Seeking attention or reassurance from parents
To address regression:
1. Remain calm and supportive
2. Identify and address any underlying causes
3. Temporarily return to diapers if needed
4. Gradually reintroduce potty training when the child seems ready
What are the Effects of Forcing Potty Training?
Forcing potty training can lead to several negative outcomes:
- Increased resistance to using the toilet
- Power struggles between parent and child
- Constipation or withholding of bowel movements
- Decreased self-esteem and confidence
- Anxiety or fear associated with toileting
- Prolonged bedwetting or daytime accidents
- Difficulty with other areas of development or learning
What You Should Do If You Started Potty Training Too Early ?
If you've started potty training too early and your child is showing resistance or distress, it's best to take a break and try again in a few weeks or months. Forcing the issue can lead to negative associations with potty training. Steps to take:
- Stop training immediately and return to diapers
- Reassure your child that it's okay and remove any pressure
- Continue to model bathroom behavior and keep the potty accessible
- Wait for clear signs of readiness before trying again
- Consider a different approach when you restart training
Remember, a temporary pause doesn't mean failure; it's a normal part of the process for many families.
Toddler Traumatized by Potty Training Now What?
If your toddler seems traumatized by potty training:1. Take a break from training immediately
2. Reassure your child and avoid punishment for accidents
3. Return to diapers if necessary
4. Consult with a pediatrician or child psychologist if concerns persist
5. Create positive associations with the bathroom (e.g., reading books, playing games)
6. Allow your child to set the pace when reintroducing potty training
7. Consider a different approach that may be less stressful for your child
Remember, a temporary setback doesn't mean long-term failure. Many children overcome initial difficulties with patience and support.
When should you Give Up Potty Training?
You should consider pausing potty training if:- Your child shows consistent resistance or distress
- There's no progress after several weeks of consistent effort
- Your child is experiencing increased anxiety or behavioral issues
- You're feeling frustrated or angry about the process
- There are significant changes or stressors in your child's life
- Your child is ill or experiencing physical discomfort
Taking a break isn't giving up; it's recognizing that your child may need more time to develop readiness. Revisit potty training when both you and your child feel more prepared.
Stopping and Starting Potty Training
It's okay to stop and restart potty training if needed. This approach can be beneficial:1. Take a break for a few weeks or months
2. Continue to talk positively about using the potty
3. Watch for renewed signs of interest or readiness
4. Try a different method when restarting (e.g., child-led vs. parent-led)
5. Be consistent with the new approach
6. Celebrate small successes to build confidence
Remember that stopping and starting is common and doesn't reflect negatively on you or your child.
Potty Training at 6 months, 1 year, 18 months (1.5 years), 24 months (2 years) or 36 months (3 years of age)
Potty training can be started at various ages, but success rates and methods may differ:- 6 months to 1 year:
- Typically involves elimination communication
- Requires significant parental involvement and observation
- May not lead to full independence until later
- 18 months to 2 years:
- Early traditional potty training
- May require more patience and time
- Some children show readiness, while others may not
- 2 to 3 years:
- Most common age range for traditional potty training
- Many children show physical and emotional readiness
- Often leads to quicker success due to improved communication skills
- 3 years and older:
- May require different strategies but can still be successful
- Consider any underlying reasons for delay
- Focus on positive reinforcement and consistency
Choose the approach that best fits your child's development and your family's lifestyle.
Conclusion
Early potty training can be beneficial for some families, but it's crucial to consider your child's individual readiness and development. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training at any age. Remember that every child is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training. If you encounter difficulties or have concerns, don't hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice. With the right approach and timing, your child will successfully master this important milestone.: https://parentingscience.com/infant-potty-training/
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: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/default.aspx
: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/201903/gentle-potty-learning
: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/201903/gentle-potty-learning
: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/default.aspx
: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/default.aspx
: https://parentingscience.com/infant-potty-training/