WEBVTT
00:00:07.200 --> 00:00:16.800
We often think the goal of potty training is simply getting rid of diapers, and while that's obviously part of it, how we get there matters even more.
00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:27.679
A potty journey can be low pressure, confidence boosting, and a powerful way to teach kids about body awareness and that they're the boss of their own body.
00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:33.759
There's so much talk about how to potty train a child, but that's not what we're diving into today.
00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:47.200
Today we're talking about how to prep for potty training so we're ready for the ups and downs, so we can stay composed, and so the whole process can feel kind, nurturing, and even empowering.
00:00:47.679 --> 00:00:49.840
Welcome to toddlers made easy.
00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:50.719
I'm Dr.
00:00:50.799 --> 00:01:02.079
Catherine, your host, and today we're going to talk about how to prepare for potty training in a way that lets us focus on what truly matters, building confidence, not obedience.
00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:03.920
So let's get started.
00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:09.920
When your environment makes cleanup easier, the whole process becomes more manageable.
00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:12.560
So let's start with prepping your home.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:16.640
In the last part of this series, we talked about how to prep you.
00:01:16.799 --> 00:01:21.200
So if you haven't listened to it, I would suggest you go back and listen to part one.
00:01:21.359 --> 00:01:23.120
But the goal here is simple.
00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:29.599
Help your child go bottomless with less worry, fewer messes, and plenty of learning.
00:01:29.760 --> 00:01:37.359
Even spending an hour or two on this when you can helps your child connect that I need to pee feeling with using the potty.
00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:42.000
So you see, you don't have to do a day or two of going bottomless.
00:01:42.159 --> 00:01:46.719
You can do an hour or two, or even an hour here and there.
00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:48.719
So let's get back to cleanup.
00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:51.840
First, keep cleaning supplies within reach.
00:01:52.159 --> 00:01:58.959
Accidents are truly the lessons that teaches kids this feeling means I need to get to the potty.
00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:02.400
There needs to be accidents for the learning to click.
00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:06.560
So first comes that, oops, I feel wet, I peed.
00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:10.479
Next comes, oh, I'm peeing right now.
00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:15.199
And then comes, that's the feeling I get when I need to pee.
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:18.639
So you see, accidents are part of the learning process.
00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:19.680
They have to happen.
00:02:19.759 --> 00:02:21.120
They're not really accidents.
00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:23.280
That's why we call them lessons.
00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:31.520
So let's get back to how to tolerate these lessons without it triggering you, or at least triggering you less.
00:02:31.840 --> 00:02:39.199
So keep a small cleaning basket nearby with paper towels, gentle cleaner, wipes, and garbage bags.
00:02:39.439 --> 00:02:49.759
When everything needed to clean up accidents is handy, you can respond with that easy oops instead of an overwhelming oh not again feeling.
00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:52.000
Next, protect the floors.
00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:55.680
Roll up rugs or cover them with towels for a few days.
00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:58.000
Some families use dog pee pads.
00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:01.680
They're not glamorous, but they're lower stress and cleanup time.
00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:05.360
And anytime the stress goes down, the learning goes up.
00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:08.639
Now let's talk about offering potty choices.
00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:11.520
Choices help toddlers feel in control.
00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:14.960
Have both a potty and a big toilet ready.
00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:23.759
The small potty is wonderful early on because it feels safe and stable, and the child's feet stay on the floor, they feel grounded.
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:36.800
If you're using the big toilet, add a stool and an insert, because dangling legs can make kids feel wobbly, and when they feel unstable, they tighten their muscles, which makes letting go harder.
00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:41.439
If you live on multiple levels, keep a potty on each floor, if possible.
00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:46.719
Otherwise, just move the potty as you move around the house so it's always within arm's reach.
00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:51.680
The shorter your child has to go to get to the potty is going to mean fewer accidents.
00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:53.360
So keep that in mind.
00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:55.840
Screens are another thing to think about.
00:03:56.000 --> 00:04:08.960
I know they're so tempting to use to get your kid to sit on the potty and stay on the potty, but screens disconnect kids from their body signals, just like when you scroll and then you suddenly realize, oh my goodness, a half an hour has gone by.
00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:11.919
Screens also become something to bargain for.
00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:13.599
One more paw patrol?
00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:17.199
And some kids hold their pee just a stretch screen time.
00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:26.079
So keeping potty moments screen free actually helps kids listen to their body, which is the whole thing we're trying to get them to do in the first place.
00:04:26.399 --> 00:04:31.920
Now, here are a few extra home prep steps that make bottomless training much easier.
00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:37.839
Clear the path to the potty, move toys, blocks, or anything that might slow your toddler down.
00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:43.040
You don't need to prep the whole house, instead, create a potty space for the first couple of days.
00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:50.720
Choose the room where you spend most of your time, make sure it's an easy to clean area with toys and books and the potty nearby.
00:04:50.879 --> 00:04:57.120
This keeps your child close, keeps the learning going, and saves you from having to follow them all over the place.
00:04:57.360 --> 00:05:00.560
You can add a waterproof layer to your favorite furniture.
00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:05.360
Kids love climbing onto couches and reading chairs even when they're bottomless.
00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:08.480
Also keep a small trash bin next to the potty.
00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:11.600
You don't need to run to the kitchen after every cleanup.
00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:16.480
Paper towels and wipes can go straight in, which keeps things simple and calm.
00:05:16.720 --> 00:05:20.800
Also use gentle kid safe cleaners that neutralize odors.
00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:25.360
And if you have pets, consider blocking their access to the potty area.
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:31.759
Dogs love investigating things like we all know, and of course it's always the things we'd prefer they didn't.
00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:36.800
A baby gate or closed door keeps the space cleaner and less distracting.
00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:48.959
And one more simple tip, place a towel or a waterproof pad on chairs your child uses often so that they can sit there without you having to feel anxious about them soiling.
00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:51.600
Now let's shift to preparing your child.
00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:54.639
Potty training doesn't start on the go day.
00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:59.600
It starts a few weeks before with tiny, pressure free warm-up lessons.
00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:03.920
Start by introducing the potty as a regular object around the house.
00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:06.000
Keep it out where your child can see it.
00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:08.160
Let them sit on it fully dressed.
00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:10.399
Read a book together while they sit.
00:06:10.560 --> 00:06:12.480
Let their stuffed animals use it.
00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:15.600
Everything you do here removes the mystery.
00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:18.480
Model using the potty or a toilet.
00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:24.160
Kids learn by watching, so let them hear you say, Oh, I have that need to pee feeling.
00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:29.279
I'm gonna go sit on the toilet, and then let them see you sit and wipe and wash your hands.
00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:34.800
Simple modeling helps kids link the I need to pee feeling with using the potty.
00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:46.480
Then also teach them the skills they'll need like pulling underwear up and down or their pants up and down, also washing their hands, throwing their towel into a hamper if needed.
00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:50.240
These tiny rehearsals make the first day so much easier.
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:55.279
Just imagine if you had to learn five things in the first day instead of just one.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:04.319
We want our kids just to focus on connecting the I need to pee feeling with getting to the potty and not distract them with all the other newness.
00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:10.240
Now I've put together a simple guide called the five must-do's before starting potty training.
00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:12.480
And these warm-ups, they matter.
00:07:12.639 --> 00:07:14.720
So I gathered them in one place for you.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.959
If you haven't downloaded it, grab it.
00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:23.040
You'll find it in the show notes, the link to it in the show notes, and it makes everything smoother for both of you.
00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.720
And one last tip here.
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:32.079
I suggest you visit public washrooms when you're out to build comfort level with these spaces before they're needed.
00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:35.759
Preparing your home and your child, it doesn't take long.
00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.319
Put these small steps into place and the whole process feels easier.
00:07:40.480 --> 00:07:43.439
Pick what you'll find helpful and skip the rest.
00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:53.759
And if you want a complete, big-hearted plan that walks you through every step from beginning, before, after, juring, join me inside the potty training made easy.
00:07:53.920 --> 00:08:01.519
It's the gentle, big-hearted, no pressure approach that helps your child learn while you stay connected and confident.
00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:05.360
Keep up the good work, and I'll see you next week.
00:00:07.200 --> 00:00:16.800
We often think the goal of potty training is simply getting rid of diapers, and while that's obviously part of it, how we get there matters even more.
00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:27.679
A potty journey can be low pressure, confidence boosting, and a powerful way to teach kids about body awareness and that they're the boss of their own body.
00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:33.759
There's so much talk about how to potty train a child, but that's not what we're diving into today.
00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:47.200
Today we're talking about how to prep for potty training so we're ready for the ups and downs, so we can stay composed, and so the whole process can feel kind, nurturing, and even empowering.
00:00:47.679 --> 00:00:49.840
Welcome to toddlers made easy.
00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:50.719
I'm Dr.
00:00:50.799 --> 00:01:02.079
Catherine, your host, and today we're going to talk about how to prepare for potty training in a way that lets us focus on what truly matters, building confidence, not obedience.
00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:03.920
So let's get started.
00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:09.920
When your environment makes cleanup easier, the whole process becomes more manageable.
00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:12.560
So let's start with prepping your home.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:16.640
In the last part of this series, we talked about how to prep you.
00:01:16.799 --> 00:01:21.200
So if you haven't listened to it, I would suggest you go back and listen to part one.
00:01:21.359 --> 00:01:23.120
But the goal here is simple.
00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:29.599
Help your child go bottomless with less worry, fewer messes, and plenty of learning.
00:01:29.760 --> 00:01:37.359
Even spending an hour or two on this when you can helps your child connect that I need to pee feeling with using the potty.
00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:42.000
So you see, you don't have to do a day or two of going bottomless.
00:01:42.159 --> 00:01:46.719
You can do an hour or two, or even an hour here and there.
00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:48.719
So let's get back to cleanup.
00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:51.840
First, keep cleaning supplies within reach.
00:01:52.159 --> 00:01:58.959
Accidents are truly the lessons that teaches kids this feeling means I need to get to the potty.
00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:02.400
There needs to be accidents for the learning to click.
00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:06.560
So first comes that, oops, I feel wet, I peed.
00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:10.479
Next comes, oh, I'm peeing right now.
00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:15.199
And then comes, that's the feeling I get when I need to pee.
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:18.639
So you see, accidents are part of the learning process.
00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:19.680
They have to happen.
00:02:19.759 --> 00:02:21.120
They're not really accidents.
00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:23.280
That's why we call them lessons.
00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:31.520
So let's get back to how to tolerate these lessons without it triggering you, or at least triggering you less.
00:02:31.840 --> 00:02:39.199
So keep a small cleaning basket nearby with paper towels, gentle cleaner, wipes, and garbage bags.
00:02:39.439 --> 00:02:49.759
When everything needed to clean up accidents is handy, you can respond with that easy oops instead of an overwhelming oh not again feeling.
00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:52.000
Next, protect the floors.
00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:55.680
Roll up rugs or cover them with towels for a few days.
00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:58.000
Some families use dog pee pads.
00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:01.680
They're not glamorous, but they're lower stress and cleanup time.
00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:05.360
And anytime the stress goes down, the learning goes up.
00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:08.639
Now let's talk about offering potty choices.
00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:11.520
Choices help toddlers feel in control.
00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:14.960
Have both a potty and a big toilet ready.
00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:23.759
The small potty is wonderful early on because it feels safe and stable, and the child's feet stay on the floor, they feel grounded.
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:36.800
If you're using the big toilet, add a stool and an insert, because dangling legs can make kids feel wobbly, and when they feel unstable, they tighten their muscles, which makes letting go harder.
00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:41.439
If you live on multiple levels, keep a potty on each floor, if possible.
00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:46.719
Otherwise, just move the potty as you move around the house so it's always within arm's reach.
00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:51.680
The shorter your child has to go to get to the potty is going to mean fewer accidents.
00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:53.360
So keep that in mind.
00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:55.840
Screens are another thing to think about.
00:03:56.000 --> 00:04:08.960
I know they're so tempting to use to get your kid to sit on the potty and stay on the potty, but screens disconnect kids from their body signals, just like when you scroll and then you suddenly realize, oh my goodness, a half an hour has gone by.
00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:11.919
Screens also become something to bargain for.
00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:13.599
One more paw patrol?
00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:17.199
And some kids hold their pee just a stretch screen time.
00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:26.079
So keeping potty moments screen free actually helps kids listen to their body, which is the whole thing we're trying to get them to do in the first place.
00:04:26.399 --> 00:04:31.920
Now, here are a few extra home prep steps that make bottomless training much easier.
00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:37.839
Clear the path to the potty, move toys, blocks, or anything that might slow your toddler down.
00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:43.040
You don't need to prep the whole house, instead, create a potty space for the first couple of days.
00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:50.720
Choose the room where you spend most of your time, make sure it's an easy to clean area with toys and books and the potty nearby.
00:04:50.879 --> 00:04:57.120
This keeps your child close, keeps the learning going, and saves you from having to follow them all over the place.
00:04:57.360 --> 00:05:00.560
You can add a waterproof layer to your favorite furniture.
00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:05.360
Kids love climbing onto couches and reading chairs even when they're bottomless.
00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:08.480
Also keep a small trash bin next to the potty.
00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:11.600
You don't need to run to the kitchen after every cleanup.
00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:16.480
Paper towels and wipes can go straight in, which keeps things simple and calm.
00:05:16.720 --> 00:05:20.800
Also use gentle kid safe cleaners that neutralize odors.
00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:25.360
And if you have pets, consider blocking their access to the potty area.
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:31.759
Dogs love investigating things like we all know, and of course it's always the things we'd prefer they didn't.
00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:36.800
A baby gate or closed door keeps the space cleaner and less distracting.
00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:48.959
And one more simple tip, place a towel or a waterproof pad on chairs your child uses often so that they can sit there without you having to feel anxious about them soiling.
00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:51.600
Now let's shift to preparing your child.
00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:54.639
Potty training doesn't start on the go day.
00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:59.600
It starts a few weeks before with tiny, pressure free warm-up lessons.
00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:03.920
Start by introducing the potty as a regular object around the house.
00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:06.000
Keep it out where your child can see it.
00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:08.160
Let them sit on it fully dressed.
00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:10.399
Read a book together while they sit.
00:06:10.560 --> 00:06:12.480
Let their stuffed animals use it.
00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:15.600
Everything you do here removes the mystery.
00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:18.480
Model using the potty or a toilet.
00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:24.160
Kids learn by watching, so let them hear you say, Oh, I have that need to pee feeling.
00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:29.279
I'm gonna go sit on the toilet, and then let them see you sit and wipe and wash your hands.
00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:34.800
Simple modeling helps kids link the I need to pee feeling with using the potty.
00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:46.480
Then also teach them the skills they'll need like pulling underwear up and down or their pants up and down, also washing their hands, throwing their towel into a hamper if needed.
00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:50.240
These tiny rehearsals make the first day so much easier.
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:55.279
Just imagine if you had to learn five things in the first day instead of just one.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:04.319
We want our kids just to focus on connecting the I need to pee feeling with getting to the potty and not distract them with all the other newness.
00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:10.240
Now I've put together a simple guide called the five must-do's before starting potty training.
00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:12.480
And these warm-ups, they matter.
00:07:12.639 --> 00:07:14.720
So I gathered them in one place for you.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.959
If you haven't downloaded it, grab it.
00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:23.040
You'll find it in the show notes, the link to it in the show notes, and it makes everything smoother for both of you.
00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.720
And one last tip here.
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:32.079
I suggest you visit public washrooms when you're out to build comfort level with these spaces before they're needed.
00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:35.759
Preparing your home and your child, it doesn't take long.
00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.319
Put these small steps into place and the whole process feels easier.
00:07:40.480 --> 00:07:43.439
Pick what you'll find helpful and skip the rest.
00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:53.759
And if you want a complete, big-hearted plan that walks you through every step from beginning, before, after, juring, join me inside the potty training made easy.
00:07:53.920 --> 00:08:01.519
It's the gentle, big-hearted, no pressure approach that helps your child learn while you stay connected and confident.
00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:05.360
Keep up the good work, and I'll see you next week.
