My Child Still Wears Diapers, Should I Worry?
What should you do if your child still wears diapers? In this article, we’ll take away your doubt.
When children should be potty trained is a common question among parents. If you don’t know the answer, you probably have the same concerns as others. So keep reading to find out useful information on this topic.
My child still wears diapers: Is it normal?
We could say that “normal” has more to do with social pressure than anything else. Many people think that by age three, children need to stop using diapers. However, in terms of biology, you don’t need to be so strict.
If your child is older than 3 and can’t use the toilet alone, people blame the parents. They say the parents didn’t teach him right, or they started too late.
In kindergarten, other mothers may exert somewhat annoying pressure regarding their child’s bladder control. Therefore, it’s normal for a mother to say “my child still wears diapers” with some sadness. They may even be embarrassed.
Don’t worry. It’s not worth it to traumatize your child just because other kids his age are potty trained. The same happens with other milestones related to development. For example, parents do it with walking, talking, or using silverware to eat.
It’s not a stimulus, lack of education, or parental carelessness. In fact, it’s got everything to do with biological maturation. It’s common for children between 2 and 3 years old to be ready to start potty training.
However, as we said before, it’s not a set time frame. Therefore, it’s very important to be patient. At the same time, help your child be ready for this very important time in his life.
Leaving diapers takes time
Some children have the ability to leave diapers overnight. However, most of them take a few weeks.
For kids to be able to go to the bathroom alone, their organs and nervous system need to be mature. This maturation occurs around age 3, although it varies from child to child.
You can tell when your child is ready for potty training when he announces that he’s soiled his diaper and wants to be changed. Also, if he tells you he’s urinating or defecating at that time, or that he’s about to.
These are the signs that the child understands what’s happening to his body, and that the bladder or bowel sends messages to the brain.
“It’s common for children between 2 and 3 years old to be ready to start potty training. However, as we said before, it’s not a set time frame. Therefore, it’s very important to be patient.”
Tips for potty training children
What should you keep in mind if your child still wears diapers? Here are some guidelines:
- Leaving diapers has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with biology.
- It’s not a competition with other mothers. Don’t pay attention to comments that compare your child to others.
- This is just one phase out of many. Avoid waiting for the moment to take away your child’s diaper.
- Avoid punishing your child if he can’t use the toilet.
- Imposing what you want on your child is counterproductive. Your child will stop using diapers when he feels like it.
- Keep in mind that there may be regressions. These are normal, especially when faced with certain challenges. Arrival of a sibling, a move, and more can all cause regressions.
To make the process more fun and effective, as parents, pay close attention to what your child needs. Buying a colorful training potty or inventing games can be a good idea.
You can also show them how they should sit by setting their own example. Additionally, you can read a story while he’s waiting to pee, as well as praise him when he reaches his goal. Above all, have a lot of spare underwear for accidents.
“My child still wears diapers” is a phrase that many doctors and teachers hear. However, it’s not something to be ashamed of or feel guilty about.
Many children, around three years old, can go to the bathroom alone. For this, your child needs your help and support, not pressure or impatience.
