Dr. Spock's Method of Potty Training for Nannies and Au Pairs

Potty Training Method Three (3)

The third method of potty training we will discuss is the Dr. Benjamin Spock method of potty training. This method is similar to both the Child-Orientated potty training method and Dr. Sears method in potty training in that they all encourage caregivers not to force children to use the toilet.

Dr. Spock explains that most children are ready to potty train between 2 and 2.5 years of age. He recommends waiting until a child is ready, so that the child will learn without being forced, and the process will be more relaxed and pleasant with fewer power struggles. Dr. Spock believes the child must decide to gain control of bowel and bladder to be more grown-up. Caregivers must trust the child's desire and be patient.

Once training begins, caregivers must be consistent and convey the expectation that the child will toilet as older people do by praising and encouraging success, and avoiding criticism and anger in the event of accidents and refusal.

Before starting to potty train a child allow the child into the bathroom with other family members without the pressure to perform. Teach the child to wash her hands afterwards. Talk about what is happening so the child learns the words and also that going to the toilet is a straight forward fact of life and not dirty, shameful, secret, or mysterious. Avoid commenting on how smelly or messy "poop" is so the child does not confuse criticism of evacuation with criticism of himself.

First Dr. Spock suggests having small plastic child-size potty chair with the urine guard removed (boys and girls should learn to eliminate in the sitting position), a step stool, a small bar of soap so the child can learn hand washing, and books or toys near the potty to entertain the child.

1. Get the child used to the potty chair. Have the child sit on the potty fully clothed for as long or short as child chooses.

2. Once the child has accepted the seat, suggest the child use it for bowel movements the way the parents do.

3. Let the child leave the seat whenever the child chooses so he does not associate using the potty with punishment or imprisonment. They ought to think of it as a voluntary act carried out with pride; do not urge or pressure the child if the child is unwilling.

4. If movement occurs in diaper, show the child how to deposit it in the potty and say that is where she will do it soon, too. Do not empty the potty into the toilet and flush it while the child is watching.

5. Once the child shows interest, take the child to the potty two to three times per day, especially if signals of impending elimination are detected.

6. Praise the child for being dry for long periods just like "parent or favorite character." Do not over-praise, as this age group does not like to be too compliant.

7. When the child appears ready to be more independent, remove all lower clothing and place the potty nearby explaining to the child that she can use it whenever they need to by herself. Caregivers may give occasional reminders.

8. Put the child back in diapers if the child resists or has an accident.

9. Children usually achieve bowel and bladder control at the same time. Once this control is obtained, switch the child to training pants.

Do not scold the child for the occasional accident. Boys will learn to stand and pee sooner or later by imitating friends and family. Once control is achieved, teach proper wiping and hand washing Teach the child to wipe from front to back; the caregivers may have to complete the job at first.

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Tomorrow: Laurie Boucke’s Early Start Potty Training.

What potty training techniques have worked for you?