Child-Oriented Potty Training is a gentle, flexible approach to toilet training that emphasizes waiting for cues from the child to indicate they are ready to begin the process.

This method was popularized by pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton and is grounded in the belief that children will learn to use the toilet on their own timetable.

Here’s a closer look at what Child-Oriented Potty Training involves:

Key Principles:

Readiness Signs:

The process starts when the child shows signs of readiness for potty training.

These signs can include showing interest in the bathroom habits of others, staying dry for longer periods, being able to follow simple instructions, and expressing discomfort with wet or dirty diapers.

Low Pressure:

There’s no rush to remove diapers immediately.

The approach is low-pressure, aiming to create a positive and stress-free experience for the child.

Parents are encouraged to introduce the potty and explain its use but leave the decision to the child to use it when they feel ready.

Encouragement and Praise:

Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role.

When the child chooses to use the potty, they are praised and encouraged, reinforcing the behavior without making them feel pressured or stressed.

Patience and Flexibility:

Recognizing that setbacks and accidents are part of the learning process is vital.

The child-oriented approach requires patience and the understanding that progress may be gradual.

Advantages:

Emotional Readiness:

This method respects the child’s emotional and physical readiness, making the transition more natural and less stressful for both the child and the parents.

Positive Association:

By avoiding pressure and negative reinforcement, children are more likely to develop a positive association with using the toilet, which can lead to more enduring success.

Individualized Approach:

It allows the process to be tailored to each child’s unique developmental timeline, acknowledging that each child is different.

Considerations:

Time and Patience Required:

This method may take longer than more structured approaches, requiring a significant investment of time and patience from the parents.

Late Starters:

Some children may start using the potty later than their peers, which can be concerning for some parents, although it’s usually not a problem developmentally.

Readiness Cues:

Parents need to be observant and responsive to their child’s cues, which can sometimes be subtle or difficult to interpret.

Child-Oriented Potty Training is best suited for parents and caregivers who prefer a more laid-back approach and are willing to wait for their child to lead the way.

It fosters independence and confidence in children, teaching them to listen to their bodies and making the transition from diapers to the toilet a more harmonious journey.

Find T. Berry Brazelton book here: Toilet Training- The Brazelton Way