Tips for Summertime Potty Training

Summer is often THE time to focus on potty training (given that your child is ready of course. Not sure? Check out this post for signs of readiness). It's often ideal because time moves a little slower, we spend more time together, often outside, and let’s be real...some of us just NEED to get this done before our little starts school in September.

Because of this, I love to offer special discounts during July and August. And people! It's not too late to take advantage of these deals. Check out this post for some coupon codes.

So let's talk a bit more about some big time YESSES and some big time NOPES for summertime potty time.

Do

• Spend some time naked bum (your child, not you….unless you're into that). The weather is warm and so little bums aren't chilly in the open air.
  
• Spend lots of time the first day or two in your yard (bonus of no clean ups for accidents!). Don't forget to sunscreen those little tushies!
  
• Plan some time commando (shorts/dresses with no undies) so that there is less fabric to disguise any accidents AS WELL AS it feels less like the diaper of your child’s past.
  
• Take some short trips to parks, splash pads, libraries. Read: child friendly places where you won't feel awful if your child pees their pants. Bring a potty with you (as well as a change of clothes).
  

Don’t

• Rush this. Do not (seriously) start this August 28th, if your child is starting school in September. It is not fair to anyone.
  
• Ignore outdoor accidents. Peeing outside is fun for all, but make sure it is an intentional action. Your child needs to make an attempt to get to a designated pee spot (ie a tree) or sit on a potty you've brought out. If they drop it like it's hot in the middle of playing in the sandbox, or down the slide….it is an accident and must be responded to as such.
  
• Plan elaborate road trips in the first week or two. If you need to be on the road, make a plan for plenty of stops, and know where there are friendly places for pee dashes. Bring your potty in your car, as well as changes of clothes. Try your best to honour your child’s ‘pee request’.
  
• Label. (This isn't a tip for only summertime.) Try reflecting the facts instead of labelling. For example: “You're a big boy! You don't need your diaper” is a label. If he has an accident he may assume he's not a ‘big boy’ anymore. Try this instead: “You peed in the potty! You are growing up!” These are both facts and don't imply any shame.
  

Need extra help beyond these tips? Fill in my intake form here and I'd be thrilled to set you up with some 1:1 support!

xoxo
L