Potty Training – The Owl’s Nest

I’ve tried explaining this to so many colleagues and parents over the years, but a lot of them just don’t seem to get it. So many centers I’ve worked at in the past expect children to be fully potty trained by the time they’re 3 years of age to move up to the Three Year Old Classroom. No, this is not right. If a child is developmentally ready to move to the Three’s Class, move them up. It is completely wrong to hold a child back in a Two Year Old Classroom just because they’re not fully potty trained and in underwear. If they’re developmentmentally ready, just move them up. They usually catch up and show more interest because they see others using the toilet. I’ve heard many Three year old teachers say they won’t do diapers or pull-ups. “It takes up my time,” “It takes my time away from the other children,” “I just don’t do diapers or pull-ups,” are what I’ve always heard. Or the center policy is that they must be potty trained to move up. Well, guess what? It’s time for centers to change their policy. It is time for those teacher’s to do their job. Just do your work and help the child. I’ve been a teacher of three and four year olds and have had one or two still in pull-ups. Really, it’s not that hard. It only takes a few minutes to change a child. Granted, some children may learn it quickly and as young as two. For some children, it takes time to develop an interest in toilet training. Forcing them to be ready WILL NOT WORK. Yes, you can introduce them, but it doesn’t always mean they’re ready yet. When they’re ready, they’ll let you know, look for the signs and listen to them. From my own studies and experience, children aren’t fully trained up until the ages of 5-6, sometimes even 7, depending where they’re at developmentally. They could have developmental delays, as well. While I’m on this topic, I’d also like to add this little rant. I’ve heard teachers belittle a child, “Are you a baby or a big kid?” “Do you want to go back to the baby room?” I’ve over heard parents “I’m putting you back in a pull-up,” “You’re getting a _____-ing when we get home.” Stop scolding or punishing a child for not going on the toilet yet, or even in underwear and has an accident. It only makes matters worse, it could even have them regress. Accidents happen, they’re only young children and are still learning. Even, we, as adults, have accidents occasionally. That’s the truth!