How to learn potty training with the Montessori pedagogy?

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

Why choose the Montessori approach to potty training?

TheMontessori approach is based on the development of the child, respecting his natural developmental cycle, without forcing the passage to important stages. We often think that the child must be potty trained before he can go to school. Butpotty training takes time. There is no point in rushing to teach your child to be potty trained.

The Montessori approach respects the learning cycle of your baby.

When to start potty training with the Montessori method?

Potty training starts as soon as your child is born. This may sound strange, but the idea is not to put your child on the potty from birth, but rather to introduce him to potty training as soon as he is a baby. This includes simple things like not telling your child he's dirty if he pees or just gets wet.

If you start potty training your toddler at age 2 or 3, the age when they start going to school, it may be more complicated because at that age, children are in a period where they are constantly trying to say no. It's normal, they are trying to get their way. It is normal, they are trying to assert themselves as a person.

In concrete terms, how do you go about potty training from birth?

The truth is that it's a simple thing to do. For example, when you change his diaperFor example, when you change his diaper, name the different parts of his body and warn him before cleaning his private area, etc... The words used are also very important. Do not tell your child that he is dirty for example.

When your little one is older, you should make sure that baby is free in his clothes. It is also advisable to involve your baby in the choice of his clothes. This will allow him to be more independent.

Don't hesitate to show your child when you go to the bathroom: you are an example for your little one and if he sees you going to the bathroom, it will be normal and logical for him togo when the time comes.

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How to prepare your child for potty training with Montessori?

In order to potty train your child, there are several things to put in place and to consider:

First, observe your child

First, 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 will be more inclined to learn.

There are several signs that indicate that it's time to start potty training: if your child starts to look at himself in the mirror for a long time, to undress himself, but also to start asking to go to the bathroom or to report a leak, or if he shows an interest in the potty or the toilet and appears embarrassed when he does his business in his diaper.

Communicate with your child constantly

The key to getting your baby through this new stage of development is to communicate with him.

Montessori education is based on caring, so introduce potty training by discussing it with your child, for example by reading books on the subject. If your baby has difficulties, talk to him/her to tell him/her that it is not serious and to play down the situation.

Create a playful space around potty training

The Montessori pedagogy emphasizes the need to create distinct environments that the child will identify for each activity: bedtime, play sessions, mealtime, etc., and the potty.

It is recommended to place the potty in the toilet or bathroom, which will become a dedicated space for your little one, an adapted environment. Very important: the potty/changing area must be accessible for your baby to get clean.

With this environment created especially for his needs, as soon as your baby wants to go to the bathroom, he will know where to go and use the equipment by himself.

If your toilet has a removable reducer, leave it on the toilet seat at all times.

You can also place books near the potty or toilet to make it more fun and make him want to go.

Establish a routine and give her a choice

You can establish a routine with your child. Of course, the goal is not to force your toddler to use the potty or toilet. To make the potty a habit, you can start by suggesting that your child go after every diaper change.

Then, you can ask him to go regularly throughout the day. If this potty time is established, it will be more natural for him to go to the potty. During this routine, don't giveyour child a set time 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. It's likely that your little one will spend a long time sitting on the toilet at first, then getting up and sitting down again. This is normal, as it's the way your child learns the different stages of learning.

How can I create a potty training environment?

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

Potty training aids

To make potty training easier for your child, there are several accessories:

• Theadapter: It has several advantages, including the ability to 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 games for baby

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

• The potty training chart The potty training chart: to help children follow their progress. It is a fun activity to set up in a ritual;
• The potty training games Potty training games: to have fun while learning. Games help children to become aware of hygiene and to assimilate habits;
• The potty training books Potty training books: to help your baby learn more about potty training and get into a routine with his favorite characters. The visual support makes the concept of hygiene much more attractive, and the book can be read with mom or dad!

Learning Panties

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 the traditional diapers that are very polluting.

Another advantage is that your child will be able to tell if the diaper is wet if he or she has done his or her business in it.

What about night-time potty training with Montessori?

Potty training takes time for your child to become a habit. The child learns to be potty trained during the day first, then during naps and then at night. It can be difficult to know when to remove your baby's diaper. So, you should gradually beginnighttime potty training.

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

How do you deal with accidents and regression?

Accidents and regression are normal and part of your child's learning process. If your child doesn't want to go to the bathroom 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 is learning something else at the same time.

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

The FAQ of potty training

Who is behind the Montessori pedagogy?

Is the Montessori method recognized and effective?

Is the Montessori method suitable for all children?