Potty training is a big step for toddlers and parents. It's an exciting milestone that often requires patience, practice, and plenty of support from family, child care staff, and other key people in your little one's life. This guide points out several behaviors to avoid during potty training. 

What Are Common Potty Training Mistakes?

1. Forcing the Timing 

It's common for parents to have an age in mind to start potty training. However, it's essential to recognize that kids may be capable of using the potty at a certain age, but they may not be interested. It's tough to make meaningful progress on potty training when your child has no interest. 

If you're unsure about how they're feeling, try reading books or watching shows together about using the bathroom. Introduce the concept of the potty and teach them about the process. If your child asks questions and acts engaged while learning, they might be ready. If not, test their interest again at a later date. 

2. Punishing Accidents

Accidents are part of the learning process, so resist the urge to scold your child or to withdraw privileges from them because of having an accident. It can be frustrating when your little one wets their pants right after you've offered to help them use the potty. However, they're still learning to recognize cues that it's time to go. 

Instead of punishments, offer plenty of support and encouragement for next time. Ask others close to your child, such as family members and child care providers, to do the same so that your toddler has ample support. 

3. Inconsistency

Understandably, it's intimidating to go into public or to send your toddler to child care without a diaper in the early stages of potty training. Consistency is key to success, so if your toddler isn't wearing diapers at home, you should continue with the same routine in public. 

Bring extra clothing and wipes for peace of mind if you're concerned about a potential accident, and start with short outings instead of all-day errand runs. You can work up to longer days once your toddler is ready. 

If you're looking for a supportive and compassionate child care center, explore the programs available at Tiny World Child Care in Brookline, MA. This childhood education center offers preschool and daycare programs for infants and toddlers, and they employ bilingual staff for second-language learning. Visit their website to learn more, or speak with a team member at (617) 232-0115.