Potty Training

There are a million and one methods out there for potty training your toddler or preschooler. We teach Non-coercive Potty Training for any child 18mth and up (for babies and toddlers 0-18mth, visit Elimination Communication). It is a gentle practice that works with a toddler’s desire for clear boundaries and drive for mastering new skills, capitalizing on their own intrinsic sense of accomplishment and empowerment, rather than relying on external rewards or coercive methods.

Non-Coercive Potty Training is not child-led but parent-led, so that children can thrive within a clear set of boundaries and expectations, rather than floundering as they constantly seek their limits. It honours a child’s ability to communicate when they need to eliminate and relies on parents taking the lead to gently and kindly teach children the skills they require in order to take control of their own hygiene needs.

There are many potty training myths that prevent families from potty training their children at a young age, but one has become so pervasive that it has stunted the toilet learning journeys of three generations of North American children:

• You do not need to wait until your child has ticked all the boxes on any given list of “signs of readiness.” Children all over the world are potty independent between 12-18mth. Your child is not physiologically different or less capable. “Signs of readiness” is a myth created and perpetuated by diaper companies who want to sell you more diapers, and it’s the biggest potty training myth out there. This myth is hindering most North American children from taking control of their toileting needs earlier. For more information, visit the Readiness Myth.

“Gentle” does not mean slow-paced or child-led. Instead, the most gentle methods are parent-led, direct, work through active teaching, focus on moving forward, and set out clear boundaries that children can learn and feel comfortable within.

If you are looking for community in your Non-Coercive Potty Training journey (whether you are already in the process or just looking at it with interest), come and join the Go Diaper Free of Toronto Facebook Group. It’s a private support group I just started for anyone practicing EC or Non-Coercive Potty Training who needs a little community. While it’s geared towards Toronto, anyone with interest and in need of support is welcome!