I call it “done, done.”
Are you really ready to potty train your child? Are you done with
diapers or are you done, done with diapers? I know you are going to
say you are done with diapers. But are you really?
I find that most parents really can’t wait to be done with diapers,
but I also find those same parents are in two camps regarding the
process of potty training their child: sure and unsure. Where are you?
Think about this carefully. It’s the best indicator of how the process
will go for you. Ask yourself a few questions to help determine where
you are:
- Are you going into potty training thinking you’ll give it a try and see what happens?
We’ve talked a little about the word try, but I mean it for real: your head can’t be in
this place. “Trying” to potty train sets a clear expectation that you don’t expect it
to work. Why try? Instead, why not pretend that I single-handedly managed to
blow up every disposable diaper factory. (I dream big. Naturally this takes place
while I’m clad in a black Latex cat suit.) There are no more diapers. Of course, I’m
joking . . . kind of. Don’t give yourself a wimpy start with “We’re going to try.” In
fact, if you plan to “try,” don’t bother starting. It’s not going to happen if you try. It
will happen when you do. Remember Yoda. Do or do not. There is no try. - Are you unsure that your child is ready? Are you worried that she’s too young?
Most of the first chapters in this book are to reassure you that it is not only possible
but preferable to potty train when your child is younger. But if you still think your
child is too young or somehow not capable, the process will be an epic failure for
you. “Ready” is a nebulous concept. It’s better to ask yourself, “Is my child
CAPABLE of doing this?” Answer this question deep in your own gut. Everyone
around you is going to have an opinion, I assure you. Don’t listen to everyone else.
Listen to what your heart says about your child. - Why do you want your child to potty train? This is a tricky one. Be honest with
yourself. Yes, pretty much every parent wants to be done with diapers. That’s an
okay motivator, but not a great one. It’s like eating healthy to lose weight. You
have to have a stronger motivator than that or it crumbles under pressure. Also,
look really deep inside. When I first met former client “Elizabeth,” it was because
this whole process had fallen apart for her. She did everything by the book. Also,