How do you learn potty training with Montessori teaching methods?

In collaboration with Rokiyah Hosen Professional proofreading

 

Montessori principles are based on caring parenting, positive education and respect for baby's developmental cycle. These periods principles can be applied to all areas of a child's development: when learning to walk, to talk, during food diversification... and even when using the toilet.

 


Why choose the Montessori approach to potty training?

TheMontessori approach is based on the child's natural development cycle, without forcing the child to reach important milestones. We often think that children need to be potty-trained before they can go to school. Butpotty training takes time. There's no point in rushing to potty train your child on the eve of the new school year.

The Montessori approach respects baby's learning cycle.

When to start potty training with the Montessori method?

Potty training begins as soon as a child is born. This may sound strange, but the idea is not to put your little one on the potty from birth, but rather to familiarize him with potty training as soon as he's a baby. This involves simple things, such as not telling your child he's dirty if he pees or simply gets wet.

If you start potty training your toddler at the age of 2 or 3, the age when they start going to school, it's likely to be more complicated, because at this age, children are in a period when they're constantly trying to say no. It's normal, they're trying to assert themselves as a person. It's normal, they're trying to assert themselves as individuals.

How do you go about potty training from birth?

The truth is, s't's all about simple things. For example, when you change his diaperThe words you use are also very important. Don't tell your child he's dirty, for example.

When your little one is older, you'll need to make sure that baby can wear his or her own clothes. It's also a good idea to involve baby in choosing his own clothes. This will enable him to be more independent.

Don't hesitate to show your child when you're going to the toilet: you're an example to your little one and s'he'll see you going to the toilet, so it'll be normal and logical for him togo when the time comes.

How to prepare your child for potty training with Montessori?

To teach your child to potty train, there are several things to put in place and take into consideration:

Observe your child first

First of all, observe your child to detect sensitive periods. Sensitive periods are times when your baby will be particularly sensitive to the world around him, to his environment and more inclined to learn.

There are a number of signs that may indicate it's time to start potty training: if your child begins to take a long look at himself in the mirror, to undress by himself, but also to start asking to go to the toilet or, failing that, to report a leak, or if he shows an interest in the potty or toilet and appears embarrassed when relieving himself in his diaper.

Communicate constantly with your child

To help your baby make the most of this new stage in his development, the most important thing is to communicate with him.

Montessori education is based on kindness, and potty training should be introduced by discussing it with your child, for example, by reading books on the subject. If your baby encounters difficulties, talk to him/her to tell him/her that it's not serious and to play down the situation.

Creating a playful space around cleanliness

Montessori pedagogy emphasizes the need to create distinct environments that the child identifies for each activity: bedtime, playtime, mealtime, etc., and potty time.

We recommend placing the potty in the toilet or bathroom, which will become a dedicated space for your little one, a suitable environment. Very important: the potty/changing area must be accessible to your baby, so that he or she can become potty-trained.

With this specially designed environment, as soon as your baby needs to go to the toilet, he'll know where to go and be able to use the equipment on his own.

If your toilet has a removable reducer, leave it on the toilet seat at all times. The same applies to the step for accessing the toilet.

You can also place books near the potty or toilet to make the moment more playful and make her want to go.

Establish a routine and give him a choice

You can establish a routine with your child. The aim, of course, is not to force your toddler to relieve himself on the potty or toilet. To make the potty a habit, you can start by suggesting that he goes after every diaper change.

Then, you can ask him regularly throughout the day. If this potty or toilet time is established, it will be more natural for him to go to the potty. During this routine, don't set atime limit for your child to relieve himself: it's important that he doesn't have to hold back his sphincters or force himself.

Children have a different concept of time. Your little one will probably spend a long time sitting on the toilet at first, then getting up and sitting down again. This is perfectly normal, as it's the way he learns the different stages of learning.

How do you create an environment conducive to cleanliness?

For your child to feel comfortable going potty, his environment needs to be well prepared. Here are some techniques to help you do just that:

Potty accessories

Several accessories are available to help your child potty train:

  • Theadapter: this has several advantages, not least of which is that you can use your own toilet.
  • The potty: it gives your toddler the advantage of having his feet on the ground, which is very reassuring for him.

Interactive baby games

To make the moment more enjoyable and facilitate learning the Montessori pedagogy, you can provide your child with several accessories to help him or her:

  • The potty training chart The potty-training chart: to help children keep track of their progress. It's a fun activity to set up as part of a ritual;
  • The potty training games Fun and learning at the same time. Games help children develop hygiene awareness and habits;
  • Les potty training books Potty training books are a great way for babies to learn about potty training and get into a routine with their favorite characters. The visual support makes the concept of hygiene much more attractive, and the book can be read with mom or dad!

Training pants

To help with potty training, you can provide your child with training pants. These are washable pants with a layer of fabric dedicated to absorption, making it possible to replace conventional diapers that pollute the environment.

Another advantage: your blonde head will be better able to spot if the diaper is wet s'he's done his business in it.

What about night-time cleanliness with Montessori?

Potty training takes time to become a habit. The child first learns to be clean during the day, then during naps, and then at night. It can be difficult to pinpoint the moment when you can remove your baby's diapers. So you need to gradually starttoilet training at night.

But there are a few things that can tip you off: if you notice that your child is able to hold it in longer than before, and when he comes back from naptime with a dry diaper. Of course: ask your child if he feels ready to take off the diaper during naptime, and then again at night.

How to deal with accidents and regression?

Accidents and regression are completely normal and part of your child's learning process. SIf your child doesn't want to go to the toilet or potty from one day to the next: don't worry, he'll come back on his own when he's fit again. This often happens when he's learning something else at the same time.

If your child has an "accident", instead of telling him that he's dirty or that it's not a good idea, you shouldencourage and console him, and suggest that he get changed on his own by inviting him to clean up the puddle on the floor, for example.


Potty training FAQs

Who's behind Montessori pedagogy?

Pedagogy was invented by Maria Montessori, and aims to support the child's development cycle lby giving him the means to learn on his own.

Is the Montessori method recognized and effective?

The Montessori method is the best known worldwide l.

Is Montessori teaching suitable for all children?

Montessori can be used for all children, as the method is based on supporting each child's individual rhythm. The speed of learning depends on your baby's motor and psychomotor skills.