How and when children get dry

Getting dry is a process

Even if you, as a parent, sometimes wish that your child was better dry today than tomorrow and that you would not have to change diapers in the future: becoming dry is a maturing process that is individual for each child and for which you should have a lot of patience . It is important to avoid putting pressure on your child, because this does not accelerate the learning process, but rather delays it.

Many children show signs of being ready for the diaper-to-potty transition between the ages of two and three. Others remain uninterested in the potty or toilet until the age of five and enjoy the comfort of diapers. Both developments are completely normal and harmless. There is therefore no universally “right” time to get dry.

You should also keep in mind that an early start does not mean that your child will dry out particularly quickly. For most children, complete control of the urinary bladder and sphincters is not possible until the age of three at the earliest, which is why it can take longer for early starters until they are really completely dry. So give your child the time they need and don’t push them. However, you should still actively participate in the development process of your child.

This is how you can help your child to get dry

It is your job as a parent to consistently support your child in their learning process. However, it is particularly important that you do not impose your own pace on your child, but instead adjust to the individual development of your child. So you shouldn’t accelerate this by anticipating individual steps, but only accompany your child and create an optimal environment for his or her learning process. This means:

• Praise your child as often as possible. Praise encourages your child to stay on the ball and to inspire you with new things in the future. When it comes to praise, it is less important whether your child has actually used the potty successfully. Also, the fact that they let you know when they need to should be rewarded with recognition so that your child continues to enjoy getting sober.
• Never scold your child. It’s especially important that you don’t make him feel like a failure if something goes wrong, especially before he has full control of his bladder and bowels. Your child should under no circumstances perceive going to the toilet as a stressful situation in which they “have to do something”. Studies have shown that such pressure can significantly increase the time it takes your child to dry out.
• Pay attention to practical clothing. During the learning phase, dress your child in clothes that they can easily take off themselves if they realize that they need to use the potty. Normal underwear instead of a bodysuit is a good place to start, but pants with a simple elastic waistband can also be of great help to your child. Instead of underpants, you can also try training diapers. If you are at home, you can let your child run around without a diaper during the day. However, the potty should then be easily accessible at all times. You should also be prepared to dress your child freshly several times a day.
• Think for your child. During the practice phase, it doesn’t hurt to remind your child from time to time that the potty can be used at any time. Monitor your child closely and offer to use the potty if you notice the urge to urinate. But: if your child does not want to accept the offer, you should definitely accept it. Just try again next time undeterred.
• Be a role model. If you don’t have any problems with that, you can also take your child with you to the toilet so that they can watch and learn from you. This can help your child understand the connection between the toilet and defecation and may reduce their fear of the new process.
• Accept your child’s pace. Every child develops individually. Therefore, do not compare the development of your child with the development of other children, for example from your circle of acquaintances or relatives. Such indirect pressure can also burden your child.
• Try different options. If your child doesn’t like using the potty, try a special toilet attachment for children. Perhaps he prefers to do his business on such a device. A small change in “hardware” can often work wonders, especially if your child is allowed to have a say in color and design.

As with all other learning processes, when trying to become sober, stress and pressure will not work. Give your child the time it needs. Sooner or later every child will become dry. And even if your child is not dry at the age of five, it does not necessarily mean that it is ill. Some children just need a little longer. However, if your child continues to wet itself regularly after the fifth birthday, you should consult your pediatrician to be on the safe side to clarify whether it is a form of child incontinence .