Isn’t potty training an exciting time! Expecting a new baby, the last thing I was looking forward to was two in diapers. With Violette, I did a zero pressure approach and had her sit every morning right away and whenever I would go. This was hugely successful!
So with Bjorn, I started with the same approach, I put the potty chairs in the bathroom and let him explore them a while, I showed him how to sit down on there. I’ve let up even more on the pressure as he goes when he wants and automatically comes in with me on his own. He goes in the morning before he’s fully awake and out of bed so this is something we will tackle as his bladder matures. I keep toys picked up and and allow him to room hard floor areas naked or in pants commando style.
As you can imagine, I have a lot of laundry but not anymore than with cloth diapers and it is such a short season of life, I don’t mind that part. Leaving the pressure off and not getting excited when we do have accidents keeps the brain away from the flight or fight response or any kind of shame associated with peeing and pooping.
When he goes on the potty (about 6× daily, 1 week in), I give him high praise but NOT treats. I made the mistake of treating with Violette and that lead to demands for treats every time she was praised for something. We have broken that habit with no intention of returning.
In our home the potty is exciting and quality time spent with mom learning, it is also a chance to sit in quiet for a moment and gather ourselves. This seems to create success and lack of negativity and drama surrounding the hectic event of learning to use the bathroom.
Stay tuned and I will keep updating you all on how the process is going to you can gain an idea of the time line and events that occur.
Thanks for reading!
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