Mommies Magazine

To Potty Train, or Not to Potty Train?

Posted on 27. Jun, 2008 by Laura Clements in Family

For anyone who is struggling with potty training ideas or concern, I have a son who just turned 3. We saw the Pediatrician for his check-up, and discussed potty training. My son has the concept down, but only has concern for going when he chooses.

I am a firm believer in letting my children have some control of their lives. This is a very important developmental stage for them. Many children are forced or manipulated to potty train before they are ready. This can stem from circumstances beyond our control. I have the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. Therefore, I can allow my children to grow as they are ready.

However, there are many moms who do not have this luxury. They are forced to abide by their daycare’s regulation that before a child can enter into the next classroom, they must be potty trained. I find this ridiculous. The daycare centers are setting a standard not by intellectual capabilities, but by a child’s comfort zone. The Pediatrician confirmed that there is no need to push him to use the potty. The more it is his idea, and I praise him, the more he will want to go. By forcing a child to learn, if they cannot they feel like failures.

Our children will struggle through many tribulations in life without us as parents creating them. So, for those of you moms that have an option, do not make your child afraid of having an accident, let them guide you in what they are ready for.