Charlie O'Brien Blog: Is it time to start potty training?

by Charlie O'Brien

So I find myself with a parenting dilemma – to start potty training with my son next week or to leave it…

Noah is two and a half and shows some interest in the toilet and potty. He always does a wee standing up to the loo before bathtime, but the rest of the day he’s pretty reliant on nappies.

I’m not the sort of parent who wants to rush everything and I’m definitely not pushy or competitive in the slightest (you know the sort!) but I’m wondering if now’s a good time - eight weeks before our second baby comes.

Potty-training readiness occurs at a different age for every child
Potty-training readiness occurs at a different age for every child

The Pros...

It’s the summer and warm weather means we can be at home, nappy free in the garden without too much trauma

We now have a four week break from childcare

It would be great if we could crack it before baby comes

Spending time with Noah
Spending time with Noah

The Cons...

It means staying in the house when I’ve already got no childcare for a few weeks which means I won’t get any work done and may lose my mind!

It’s very close to his baby sister arriving so even if Noah cracks it he may regress when she’s here which I’ve heard is common

Most children gain the skills they need to start training when they are between 18 months and three years old although girls tend to be ready a few months earlier than boys.
Most children gain the skills they need to start training when they are between 18 months and three years old although girls tend to be ready a few months earlier than boys.

I’ve been watching a few potty training videos from other mums over on Channel Mum and top tips seem to be; letting them choose some pants themselves, reward charts, patience, and not pushing if they’re not ready.

So I’ve ordered a potty training sticker book and I’m off out tomorrow to buy bits for a reward chart as well as pants and a portable potty for out and about. But if he’s really not keen I think I’ll leave it and try again in a few months.

What are your top potty training tips? I’d love to hear them.

Charlie X

There's now just eight weeks until Noah's sister comes along
There's now just eight weeks until Noah's sister comes along

Follow Charlie’s second pregnancy journey here

Click here for Channel Mum's potty training tips

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