We’re at it again – potty training for the third (and final) time. I can’t say I’m going to miss this stage, but it will be nice knowing that all three of my boys have reached this milestone of independence. After all, isn’t that what all parents strive for? Raising kind and independent kids?
My youngest son Nathan will be turning three in September and he’s already showing a lot of independent qualities. He insists on getting dressed alone (which is hilarious as he usually ends up with his shirt around his neck only and his pants on upside down and in one side), eating by himself, and now, he’s interested in using the potty.
The thing is, he’s not always consistent about his intent to use the potty. Having learned from experience, I personally don’t believe in rushing my kids to become potty trained. I know that when the time is right, they can be potty trained in a matter of days, BUT…the time has to be right.
So? how do you know if the time is right? Here are some of the signals that I watch for:
- Your child is able to say “I have to pee” vs. “I peed” or “I’m peeing” This difference in verbiage shows that your child has control over their bladder and can hold it in. His body is signaling to him that something is about to happen which gives you just enough time (a second or two) to get your kid over to the potty (or nearest tree).
- Your son or daughter is showing interest in using the potty and is not terrified of it. If they are yelling or screaming every time you mention it or put them on it, they are not ready. You want to make the experience a fun and happy one. Not traumatizing.
- Is it the right time and environment to focus on potty training? Potty training requires patience, consistency, and perseverance. Don’t start potty training before you plan on leaving for vacation, during the week when you’re working or running out of the house for errands or activities. My personal preference is to potty train in the summer time versus winter.
That’s why I plan on potty training Nathan this summer. In the summertime, we spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether it’s at the park, in our backyard, or at the cottage. The benefit of spending time outdoors (specifically in a private location like your backyard or at the cottage) is that you can allow your child to run around naked on hot summer days. When your child is completely naked, they seem to have a better sense of when they are about to pee. The beauty of it is that you can quickly run them over to the potty or a nearby bush or tree. Not only do they grasp the concept of being potty trained quicker, but they also get used to the preference of staying dry. They will be more motivated to become potty trained. Of course, it also helps if they have a big sister or brother who uses the potty independently that they can watch. There’s nothing more motivating to young kids than trying to be just like their older siblings.
If you plan on potty training this summer, here are some of the essentials that you will need: a portable potty or potty seat, some books that they can look through while they sit on the potty and Kandoo Flushable Wipes. Kandoo Wipes clean up to 30% better than toilet paper and they are flushable and biodegradable – which is great for the septic tank at the cottage!! My middle son Ryan who is over 4 years old, still prefers to use Kandoo Wipes as does my oldest (almost 7 year old) son Kyle. They both get a little sad when we run out of them and I don’t restock them fast enough. Kandoo Flushable Wipes are available at Walmart, Loblaws and Sobeys.
The other key is to give your child privacy. You can stand nearby but let them know that you aren’t looking or turn the seat away so it’s not facing anyone. I find (lack of) privacy to be a big pain point for kids as they start getting potty trained. For more information and potty training tips, check out the Kandoo site HERE.
Just remember – keep the experience happy and fun, and in no time, you will have a big independent toddler!
Disclosure: I received compensation as part of the Kandoo Kouncil campaign. As always, the opinions and stories are my own.
My 2 year old granddaughter loves the putty but doesn’t pee in it. Then my daughters says, you peed in your panties and she says oh! My daughter doesn’t think she is ready. Will forward that blog to her.
with my oldest daughter I found putting the potty out in the living room and having her run around naked really worked. But what works with some doesn’t work for all and I am finding that out with my 2.5 years old
We all feel so much freer and less worried in the summer. I agree completely.
I’m in it with you sister….potty training #2 of 3!
Those are great reasons for potty training in the summer, especially being outside more!
I find potty training in the summer the best also, there is less clothing to take off, my granddaughter is using the potty now but not all the time, only when she wants to and it’s a little frustrating but we’re going with the flow!!
Greta tips , we are in the middle of training out granddaughter and she seems to be doing better now that its summer 🙂
Summer really is the best time to potty train kids, so much easier with less clothing. I was also lucky enough to be able to let mine run around naked which also helps. Each child is different and some will quickly get the hang of using the potty others take longer, not a big deal as long as they are not feeling pressured things will go well.
Mine was ready at the age of 2. Thank you for the potty training tips
We are working on nighttime training right now. So much easier than dealing with it during the school year.
Great tips , I can definately see them making it easier.
Thanks for the tips – we are about to embark on the potty training adventure, so this post is very timely!
Thanks for all the great tips i say after training three boys you have a good handle on training!
When I was going through it with my kids, I agree it was easier in summer.
It’s definitely much easier during the summer months, for both the child and the parents.
Its been a lot of years since I did potty training. My three boys were all trained early. One was totally trained at a year old because each time I fed him I had a pot under him. My aunt told me to try that. It worked. The other two boys were trained at two years old. I was away for 5 weeks and my hubby trained our last son. Summer is so easy due to less clothing.
Great post your right summer really is the best time to potty train kids.
Will get to it one day with the grandaughter.
I think it’s hit and miss with potty training – if the lil one is not ready, they aren’t ready! I agree though that summer would be an easier time
Definitely summer is a good time when you can work on doing it outside, less messes to clean up!
Thanks for the tips. And I agree, summer is a great time to potty train, although it’s been years for me. And to keep it fun. And give them privacy. Will be passing the Kandoo site onto our daughter.
summertime is easier..we even took the potty along camping ! but all in all when they are ready they will be trained!
My youngest grandson just turned 2 a couple months ago and they are toilet training him now. We video chatted recently and he was so happy to show me his potty chart with all the stickers. I was happy he grasped the concept so quickly. He runs around with only his t-shirt and underwear so it is a good thing it is summer.
I have 3 cases going! Kandoo wipes are great for the whole family!!
I agree, summertime is the best time to potty train! good luck!
Thanks for the tips, love the idea of kids running around naked.
I found when our kids were potty training, that summer was indeed the best time to attempt it!
Kandoo products are AMAZING! My little guy is potty trained during the day but he still has issues with night time training. He’s good most of the time but still needs a night time pull up. That’s ok. He’s doing great and I’m sure he will be out of those pull ups when he’s ready. 🙂
Such fun and challenging times!!! lol