Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem While Potty Training

Moms and Dads want to help their child feel good about themselves, whether it’s praise on a good grade or going for ice cream after a soccer game. However, your child’s self-esteem begins developing during the toddler years, before he or she starts school or joins a team. In fact, the potty training process might be one of the first and more crucial opportunities to build your child’s self-esteem.

The PULL-UPS Potty Training Partners offer the following tips to help you positively affect your child’s self-esteem throughout the potty training process.

Encouragement Key to Potty Success

Making the switch from diapers to PULL-UPS Training Pants and eventually into underwear is no small task. Your child will likely take baby steps as he or she moves throughout the stages of potty training, but it’s important to call attention to and praise all the small accomplishments along the way.

“Going on the toilet is a developmental milestone just like learning to walk and talk, but there’s no need for banners and fireworks, said Jan Faull, Potty Training Partner. “Subtle encouragement in the form of, ‘good for you, I’m proud of you,’ or ‘I bet you’re proud of yourself’ is often all it takes to keep your child’s self-esteem high.”

Steer Clear of Potty Competition

Some toddlers are potty trained by age two, while others can take a bit longer. Don’t get frustrated if your little one is not progressing as fast as others. You might think that comparing your child to other children will motivate him or her to potty train faster, but that might have the reverse effect.

“Understand that every child potty trains differently and at their own pace,” says Bernie Dorsey, Potty Training Partner. “Instead of comparing one child to another – try using older siblings as role models. Through role modeling, children learn how to imitate actions, such as sitting on the toilet or putting their hands in the sink. Attempting to be just like their big brother or big sister often accelerates a child’s interest in potty training.”

Be a Supportive Coach

Just when you think your child has mastered potty training, he or she has a setback. It might seem instinctual to tell your child that they’re “not a baby anymore,” but criticism won’t make the potty training process easier for you or your child. Worse, it may negatively affect your child’s self esteem.

"Parents should always remain positive and patient - potty training takes time and setbacks will occur,” said Jen Singer, Potty Training Partner. “But remember that children thrive on positive reinforcement. By using praise and rewards, parents can help tots feel more comfortable with new tasks and keep them motivated during potty training."