Get Your Baby Out Of That Nappy
Diaper punishment has no place in a compassionate and responsible potty training plan. The transition from being a diapered tot to being a potty-using big boy or girl can be an empowering experience. Unfortunately it can also be a trying and potentially humiliating experience if the child is not being treated with respect and understanding.
Potty training is a major milestone and is a very challenging time in a child’s life. It is also stressful for parents who are worried about their child’s development and life skills. The most important factor in successful, positive potty training is waiting to start when the child is ready. It may take a lot longer than many parents would like, but no child has ever graduated from high school still in diapers. On average, children start potty training between ages two and three, but it is important to remember that an average is just that and that each child is unique. A child will respond better to training if it is rewarded with items such as new toddler bed linen so it can sleep better. A gift for the parent could be items such as baby hampers online.
Positive reinforcement is an excellent tool to encourage potty training. At any point that your child does something the way you would like them too, peeing in the potty, for example, give them lots of praise and encouragement. Accept from the beginning, however, that accidents will happen. Diapered bottoms do not require split second timing, but a trip to the potty often does. If you can respond calmly and lovingly to an accident and provide lots of excitement and happiness for correct behavior, potty training can be an enriching growth experience.
Ultimately the key to avoiding diaper punishment while potty training is to understand your child and approach the whole process with consideration for their point of view. As with so many things in parenting, patience is a key element. So persevere, remember that your child is trying hard to grow up and respect their efforts. You will be just fine.
