A big change: From diaper to potty
Have you ever thought how difficult it is for a child to "drop" the diaper and start using the potty?
For many children it is difficult step, for others it is easy. Why? Each child is different and has his own times and methods of dealing with changes in different ways. We should always respect and trust the child on these steps.
Sofia, 4-year-old girl, still wears a diaper. The diaper seems to make her feel safe. Nevertheless, Sofia is a very bright and intelligent child. Often, when I ask her "Sofia would you like to try sitting in the potty?" She replies: "No! it is uncomfortable. With the diaper I can continue to play". Like many children, she holds back her pee because she is too busy carrying out an activity. The diaper allows her to be "free".
One day, Sofia, before going home, asked me to be changed. During the diaper change, I proposed her to sit down "Sofia, do you want to try to sit down? I'm with you, I can help you if you need anything!" Sofia told me "I'm big for the potty, the potty is for small children, can I try the toilet? I am a grown up, now!
Sure Sofia, let's try it!
Sofia was happy, she felt great, but above of all, she felt she had accomplished something, she overcame an obstacle.
When she was sitting on the toilet, Sofia's mother came to pick her up. Knowing that children got changed before going home, she went to the bathroom and she was very surprised to see Sofia sitting on the toilet. According to her mother, she was still small and she feared that she might fall into it.
What? I was very surprised, but I also started to get what the "real problem" was.
Sofia needed a positive reinforcement at that time, such as "I am proud of you", "you are growing up, baby", words that make her feel confident and proud of herself. Sofia didn't get any reinforcements from her mother, though. This was the real problem! The mom wasn't ready for the potty!
There isn't the right time for their kids for the potty training. Parents should introduce their child to the bathroom at their own pace, as a normal passage of life and obvious thing that everyone does. They should not be preached such as they are not ready or on the contrary, forced to go if they are not ready.
Did you have a similar experience? Please leave a comment in the section below and/or share your experience.
by Salvatrice 12/31/2020