I've been potty training girls - and boys - for the last three decades I can tell you with great confidence that there is very little significant difference between the two. In fact, the approach is exactly the same.
For instance, you'll need to make sure that your daughter is chronologically and developmentally ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most normal, healthy toddlers are ready for potty training between 16 and 27 months (18 months is the average).
However, experts are also careful to point out that developmental maturity is a much better indicator of readiness than is chronological age.
Following are several signs that your daughter is ready.
She might:
* Recognize simple words and phrases such as, "pee pee," "poop," "potty," etc. * Demonstrate awareness of her body parts (and others') - especially genitals * Imitate others - especially Mom, Dad and siblings
* Dress or undress herself
* Express her need for independence - For instance, I knew my granddaughter, Sevy, was "there" as soon as she starting saying, "Sevy can do it!" many times a day. (As a matter of fact, she said it so often I told her that her name should be "Sevy-Can-Do-It"!
As I indicated, these are just a few of the many clues you're likely to witness. However, if you have questions regarding this, I suggest that you consult with your pediatrician or take one of the many potty training assessment quizzes found on the Internet.
Once you're sure that it time to potty train your little girl, you'll want to arm yourself with a solid plan of action - in other words, a potty training system that will help you achieve your goal (no diapers!) successfully, joyfully, and completely.
Fortunately, achieving great results with any potty training system is not dependent on fancy potty chairs, toys, or dolls. They're simply not necessary. However, there's certainly no harm in providing a few extras, if you'd like.
Here are a few "nice-to-have" tips specifically for little girls.
1. Outfit your daughter in dresses during training. Why pull down pants, undo buttons, or unzip zippers when your little one has to use the potty? Instead, use potty training as an opportunity to make your little girl feel pretty and make it easier on you to get them to the potty on time!
2. Allow your daughter to choose her "big girl" underwear. Why not celebrate this wonderful rite of passage with a shopping trip to your local department store for pretty underwear? Your little girl will love picking out her favorites and you'll have a natural opportunity to talk with her about potty training. Everyone wins...
3. Consider purchasing potty books specifically developed for little girls. There are many great potty books and DVDs available on the Internet and in stores - some are quite general, while others are strictly for girls. Are these books mandatory? No - at least not in my opinion. However, if you're set on purchasing one, it makes sense to buy one that comes closest to what your child will experience.
Bottom line - Potty training girls is identical in methodology to toilet training boys. Yes, there are several minor differences, but the approach, support, timing, and need for consistency are all the same. I wish you great success and joyful potty training!
Mary E. Eule, BA, MS is a professional writer and researcher who has spent the last three decades helping parents toilet train their children quickly and joyfully. She is the developer of the BRIEFS toilet training system and author of the e-book, "The Official BRIEFS Toilet Training Guide." Visit her website http://askthepottytrainer.com to purchase her e-book, download her free toilet e-course or to get more free tips for potty training girls.
No comments:
Post a Comment