Potty Training Essay
The purpose of this study is to learn about potty training little boys and when a good time to start potty training my son. My son turns three in June and he is showing signs of readiness. I am ready to help him start his journey and to allow him to reach his goal. During my research I have learned that potty training a little boy is different than potty training little girls. Not so much because of their anatomy, but because of their mind set and performance. It is best to stay patient with both boy and girl. When the toddler is ready he or she will let you know. I started because Gabriel has been letting me know when he has to go. However, when I sit him on the potty he has no desire in going. This is the reason behind my study and research.
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Another reason why I have decided to do this study on my child is because, he is going to be starting preschool in August. He has to be in pull-ups and understand the concept of the potty. Each day is a working progress. Gabriel has been showing signs of readiness. He will let mommy and daddy know when he needs to go potty. When my husband and I set him on the potty, he refuses to go. When we get him off the potty, he will potty on the floor or in his pull-up. However, I know that accidents will happen. Todd Spector provides a basic rule that parents should always remember. Spector says, “don't worry about a few accidents on your floor.” This basic rule is a helpful reminder that this is complicated for the toddler. Each day is a working progress. “A helpful reminder, since the above performances can only complicate the task at hand” (Spector, para.1, 2015). Helpful reminders help parents become patient and to continue to work with their toddler as a team. I want Gabriel to know that we are in this together.
Gabriel’s difficulty does not interfere with him letting mommy or daddy know he has to go. Some say wait a little longer and others say, keep working with him. I want to do what is best for my child. During this research it has allowed me to understand my toddler more and understand where he is at each day we work on potty training. I have come to an understanding that potty training is not simple. It takes time. Everyone deserves a break every now and then. I have been giving Gabriel little breaks so he does not feel stressed and warn out. “Many parents have shared your frustration wondering if whether their child was ever going to learn to use the restroom properly” (Austin, para.2, 1997). I do not want to be that frustrated parent. Austin explains, “if you can step back from the ordeal this project has become, take a deep breath and look at the situation from another view. It may help you and your son relax about this issue.”
It is important that my child understands that I am here to support him. Even though he may not be fully ready, I know it is a good time to start. There could be things going on his mind that allow him to hold his potty in until he gets off the seat or simply because he is confused. It is important that I continue to work with him. “Potty-training success hinges on physical and emotional readiness, not a specific age” (Mayo Clinic, para.1, 2014). When I think that Gabriel has shown signs of readiness it could just be signs of interest. It is be confused by interest and readiness. Mayo Clinic’s article says, “many kids show interest in potty training by age 2, but others might not be ready until age 2 1/2 or even older — and there's no rush.” However, if you start potty training to early it can take longer. Gabriel may not be fully ready, but I have been coming up with different ways in introducing him to the potty.
My related literature that I have relied on the most during my research are:
• Smith, J. (2015). Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need To Know To Do It Once and Do It Right. Library Journal, 140(13), 74-76.
• Tips for potty training boys (2016, January).
In Baby Center. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_tips-for-potty-training-boys_11652.bc#articlesection1
These two have helped me through this journey because it was wrote by people who have experienced potty training with their child. Having reliable sources guide me better during my research. I want to make sure that I get accurate answers for my questions. These two sources have been accurate and has given me direct guidance in making potty training more comfortable on my son. Everything that I need to know about potty training is in these sources. During this process I have variables. I have a dependent variable and I have an independent variable. The dependent variable is Gabriel’s toilet skills, and the independent variable is communication between my toddler and I. When Gabriel starts to get the hang of potty training he will get used to going regularly. Accidents will die down and each day will be improvements. Soon my son will request to go potty on his own. Potty training challenges will die down and Gabriel will become successful with potty skills. Elizabeth Pantley lets parents know that, “potty training is easier and happens faster if your child is truly ready in all three areas: physical, cognitive and social.” The independent variable helps me realize that this is a working process. While there may be challenges, each day
improves.
After Gabriel eats and has something to drink, I put him on the potty. This helps me changes things around a bit. When he does not use the potty at a certain time chances are, he may not have to go. So, if I give him something to drink and wait a couple minutes I can put him back on and he will go. Changing things up a bit has been very helpful during this process. Gabriel goes potty finally after I gave him that drink. We are now moving forward. My dependent variable relies on my independent variable. Because I gave my son that drink and continued to be patient, he finally went. I not only negotiated with my toddler, but I helped become more exposed to the potty. Gabriel is now realizing what he needs to start doing. I noticed a different behavior in him after he went. My toddler’s views in the potty have changed.
My research questions are:
• Quantitative: What is the difference in potty behavior, when participant is put on the potty after eating and drinking over a three week time period?
• Qualitative: What is the perspective of the participant in regards to using the potty after drinking or eating?
It is best to sit your little one on the potty after a beverage because their bladder is still little. It is hard for them to still hold their potty in. During this time, it is the best to encourage your little one to go. Once they go, they will see this is suppose to happen and this is what needs to start taking place. They may think different than adults, but they are very smart. It is easy for them to get the hang of this. These questions are important because they determine what levels I need to take to make this a successful journey for my little one. These are good questions because they gave me answers and have helped me during the potty training process. It gave me something to rely on. After meals is usually the best time to put my child on the potty. I do this because he has had something to drink and something to eat. These two make a good combination of, bathroom usage. Positive practice allows me to understand that there will be accidents along the way. Accidents happen and practice makes perfect. There are other ways to correct an accident instead of getting mad and upset. This is a positive experience. My son and I are a team. This is something that we are doing together. Hallie Rosenthal, Sabrina Riera, and Suzi Naguib explain, “positive practice, also known as overcorrection, and restitution, are considered “aversive procedures” because they are used after an accident occurs with the goal of preventing such mishaps from occurring in the future.” While I can correct my son that his accident occurred, I need to approach it in a way he understands and not yell at him. I also need to help him realize that accidents do happen and this is how we learn. This is a learning process for him; accidents are going to happen quite often. Every morning when Gabriel wakes up I always put him on the potty. He is starting to learn that it is okay to finally go. Since he has been going, his confidence has boosted and he has become more motivated. After he eats breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or even drinks juice I will sit him on the potty. He has been going more frequent since this change. Gabriel has been telling me when he has to go. I will sit him on the potty. However, he does not go during these times. Every half hour I sit him on the potty unless if he is taking a nap. I let him run around in his big boy underwear. He has had two accidents so far. Usually the accidents occur when I take him off the potty. When we go out or he is outside playing I will put a pull-up on. Gabriel is stating to get used to this routine.
Potty books have been helping my case. I have been reading potty books to Gabriel every day. He really enjoys seeing the little boy in the illustration. During this time I have realized that his vocabulary is growing. This is how he has been developing his toilet skills. When I am not reading to him, he usually takes the book and continues to look at the pictures. A lot of the time I will ask him a question about the book. Asking questions helps because he points to the object. I also have him watch potty training cartoon clips. He really enjoys the Sesame Street serious. “The idea is to present information before completion of the task in order to allow the person to become familiar with what is expected” (Naguib, Riera, & Rosenthal, para.4, 2013). Setting goals with my son is a fun thing. He may not understand any of this yet, but the more I work with him the more he develops. I have seen an improvement each day. This makes me very happy. Gabriel is gaining knowledge too.
My data collection tools consists of:
• Observation
• Journal
When I sit him on the potty I will observe his reaction. I will then give Gabriel his privacy. When I take him off the potty I will document it in the journal. I will watch for his behavior and how he reacts. Observation and documentation is important during this study. Being able to observe my child and document his progress was amazing. I have been enjoying seeing his improvements every single day.
I observe and still give Gabriel his privacy. If I stand there I know it makes him nervous. Journal entries are important. I have mentioned that each day is a working progress. Keeping a journal allows me to keep track on how well he is improving. Observing allows me to see his progress. I also study his behavior. Behavior is important during this process.
Every child is different. I am doing this study so I can be there for my son during this milestone. Children develop differently. This study is to help not only myself, but other parents to get through this process. It may be frustrating to some, but this study will help others. I am not going to compare my child to other children because I feel that my son is great the way he is. He may take his time during this process. I will not rush my son. I am letting him go at his own pace. I refuse to judge other parents and their methods. There are different methods for a reason.
Another reason why I have decided to do this study on my child is because, he is going to be starting preschool in August. He has to be in pull-ups and understand the concept of the potty. Each day is a working progress. Gabriel has been showing signs of readiness. He will let mommy and daddy know when he needs to go potty. When my husband and I set him on the potty, he refuses to go. When we get him off the potty, he will potty on the floor or in his pull-up. However, I know that accidents will happen. Todd Spector provides a basic rule that parents should always remember. Spector says, “don't worry about a few accidents on your floor.” This basic rule is a helpful reminder that this is complicated for the toddler. Each day is a working progress. “A helpful reminder, since the above performances can only complicate the task at hand” (Spector, para.1, 2015). Helpful reminders help parents become patient and to continue to work with their toddler as a team. I want Gabriel to know that we are in this together.
Gabriel’s difficulty does not interfere with him letting mommy or daddy know he has to go. Some say wait a little longer and others say, keep working with him. I want to do what is best for my child. During this research it has allowed me to understand my toddler more and understand where he is at each day we work on potty training. I have come to an understanding that potty training is not simple. It takes time. Everyone deserves a break every now and then. I have been giving Gabriel little breaks so he does not feel stressed and warn out. “Many parents have shared your frustration wondering if whether their child was ever going to learn to use the restroom properly” (Austin, para.2, 1997). I do not want to be that frustrated parent. Austin explains, “if you can step back from the ordeal this project has become, take a deep breath and look at the situation from another view. It may help you and your son relax about this issue.”
It is important that my child understands that I am here to support him. Even though he may not be fully ready, I know it is a good time to start. There could be things going on his mind that allow him to hold his potty in until he gets off the seat or simply because he is confused. It is important that I continue to work with him. “Potty-training success hinges on physical and emotional readiness, not a specific age” (Mayo Clinic, para.1, 2014). When I think that Gabriel has shown signs of readiness it could just be signs of interest. It is be confused by interest and readiness. Mayo Clinic’s article says, “many kids show interest in potty training by age 2, but others might not be ready until age 2 1/2 or even older — and there's no rush.” However, if you start potty training to early it can take longer. Gabriel may not be fully ready, but I have been coming up with different ways in introducing him to the potty.
My related literature that I have relied on the most during my research are:
• Smith, J. (2015). Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need To Know To Do It Once and Do It Right. Library Journal, 140(13), 74-76.
• Tips for potty training boys (2016, January).
In Baby Center. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_tips-for-potty-training-boys_11652.bc#articlesection1
These two have helped me through this journey because it was wrote by people who have experienced potty training with their child. Having reliable sources guide me better during my research. I want to make sure that I get accurate answers for my questions. These two sources have been accurate and has given me direct guidance in making potty training more comfortable on my son. Everything that I need to know about potty training is in these sources. During this process I have variables. I have a dependent variable and I have an independent variable. The dependent variable is Gabriel’s toilet skills, and the independent variable is communication between my toddler and I. When Gabriel starts to get the hang of potty training he will get used to going regularly. Accidents will die down and each day will be improvements. Soon my son will request to go potty on his own. Potty training challenges will die down and Gabriel will become successful with potty skills. Elizabeth Pantley lets parents know that, “potty training is easier and happens faster if your child is truly ready in all three areas: physical, cognitive and social.” The independent variable helps me realize that this is a working process. While there may be challenges, each day
improves.
After Gabriel eats and has something to drink, I put him on the potty. This helps me changes things around a bit. When he does not use the potty at a certain time chances are, he may not have to go. So, if I give him something to drink and wait a couple minutes I can put him back on and he will go. Changing things up a bit has been very helpful during this process. Gabriel goes potty finally after I gave him that drink. We are now moving forward. My dependent variable relies on my independent variable. Because I gave my son that drink and continued to be patient, he finally went. I not only negotiated with my toddler, but I helped become more exposed to the potty. Gabriel is now realizing what he needs to start doing. I noticed a different behavior in him after he went. My toddler’s views in the potty have changed.
My research questions are:
• Quantitative: What is the difference in potty behavior, when participant is put on the potty after eating and drinking over a three week time period?
• Qualitative: What is the perspective of the participant in regards to using the potty after drinking or eating?
It is best to sit your little one on the potty after a beverage because their bladder is still little. It is hard for them to still hold their potty in. During this time, it is the best to encourage your little one to go. Once they go, they will see this is suppose to happen and this is what needs to start taking place. They may think different than adults, but they are very smart. It is easy for them to get the hang of this. These questions are important because they determine what levels I need to take to make this a successful journey for my little one. These are good questions because they gave me answers and have helped me during the potty training process. It gave me something to rely on. After meals is usually the best time to put my child on the potty. I do this because he has had something to drink and something to eat. These two make a good combination of, bathroom usage. Positive practice allows me to understand that there will be accidents along the way. Accidents happen and practice makes perfect. There are other ways to correct an accident instead of getting mad and upset. This is a positive experience. My son and I are a team. This is something that we are doing together. Hallie Rosenthal, Sabrina Riera, and Suzi Naguib explain, “positive practice, also known as overcorrection, and restitution, are considered “aversive procedures” because they are used after an accident occurs with the goal of preventing such mishaps from occurring in the future.” While I can correct my son that his accident occurred, I need to approach it in a way he understands and not yell at him. I also need to help him realize that accidents do happen and this is how we learn. This is a learning process for him; accidents are going to happen quite often. Every morning when Gabriel wakes up I always put him on the potty. He is starting to learn that it is okay to finally go. Since he has been going, his confidence has boosted and he has become more motivated. After he eats breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or even drinks juice I will sit him on the potty. He has been going more frequent since this change. Gabriel has been telling me when he has to go. I will sit him on the potty. However, he does not go during these times. Every half hour I sit him on the potty unless if he is taking a nap. I let him run around in his big boy underwear. He has had two accidents so far. Usually the accidents occur when I take him off the potty. When we go out or he is outside playing I will put a pull-up on. Gabriel is stating to get used to this routine.
Potty books have been helping my case. I have been reading potty books to Gabriel every day. He really enjoys seeing the little boy in the illustration. During this time I have realized that his vocabulary is growing. This is how he has been developing his toilet skills. When I am not reading to him, he usually takes the book and continues to look at the pictures. A lot of the time I will ask him a question about the book. Asking questions helps because he points to the object. I also have him watch potty training cartoon clips. He really enjoys the Sesame Street serious. “The idea is to present information before completion of the task in order to allow the person to become familiar with what is expected” (Naguib, Riera, & Rosenthal, para.4, 2013). Setting goals with my son is a fun thing. He may not understand any of this yet, but the more I work with him the more he develops. I have seen an improvement each day. This makes me very happy. Gabriel is gaining knowledge too.
My data collection tools consists of:
• Observation
• Journal
When I sit him on the potty I will observe his reaction. I will then give Gabriel his privacy. When I take him off the potty I will document it in the journal. I will watch for his behavior and how he reacts. Observation and documentation is important during this study. Being able to observe my child and document his progress was amazing. I have been enjoying seeing his improvements every single day.
I observe and still give Gabriel his privacy. If I stand there I know it makes him nervous. Journal entries are important. I have mentioned that each day is a working progress. Keeping a journal allows me to keep track on how well he is improving. Observing allows me to see his progress. I also study his behavior. Behavior is important during this process.
Every child is different. I am doing this study so I can be there for my son during this milestone. Children develop differently. This study is to help not only myself, but other parents to get through this process. It may be frustrating to some, but this study will help others. I am not going to compare my child to other children because I feel that my son is great the way he is. He may take his time during this process. I will not rush my son. I am letting him go at his own pace. I refuse to judge other parents and their methods. There are different methods for a reason.