Learning to use the toilet is a big part of every child’s development. Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong way to teach them. Every child is different and will respond to different techniques. But there are some universal mistakes that parents tend to make time and time again. Avoid these…

Mistake #1 – Pushing your kids before they’re ready

Just like you can’t push kids to walk or talk, you can’t push them to use the toilet. They have to do that when they are ready on their own. They need to be able to control their bodily functions (to some degree) and want to use the toilet. If you push hard, you’ll get resistance and setbacks. Here are some signs that your child is ready:

• He/she can stay dry for two hours
• He/she uses some toilet-related words
• He/she isn’t afraid of the toilet
• He/she can follow basic instructions
• He/she tells you when the diaper is wet or soiled

Mistake #2 – Not making a commitment

If you have decided that your child is ready, you have to take the plunge. If you fall back into diapers once or twice, you’ll confuse your child about the process. If you don’t have the time to focus on your child’s development, it’s best to wait until you have less on your plate. Likewise, don’t resort to diapers when it’s convenient for you (like bedtime, long drives or important situations). Consistency is important.

Mistake #3 – Failing to see the signals

In the beginning, your child won’t come to you when they have to go because that isn’t the usual arrangement. You have to look out for the signs, like a squat, dance or squeezing of the legs. Your child’s signal may be different, so keep an eye out.

Mistake #4 – Using regular underwear

Your child may be excited by the idea of wearing Sophia the First or Bubble Guppies underwear, but you don’t want the regular kind. These are so thin that your child’s accidents will seep through them into their other clothes and ruin the underwear. Pull-ups are your best bet because they are thick enough to hold the mess, but they still let your child feel the discomfort; this encourages them to use the toilet to prevent that feeling.

Mistake #5 – Shaming your child

The worst thing you can is add humiliation to your child’s accidents. They know right away that their discomfort isn’t right. It’s OK to remind them that they have to go to the potty sooner, but if you start shaming them, they’ll regress and resist the process. 

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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