Potty Training: Two Parenting Styles in Taking Care of Business

Potty Training starts  - image via Firefly AI

                                             

Potty training can be approached in various ways, and both Adlerian parenting (often associated with Positive Parenting) and Attachment parenting offer philosophies and techniques that parents may find helpful. Let's break down each approach:

Adlerian Parenting (Positive Parenting):

Philosophy: Adlerian parenting focuses on understanding the child's perspective, fostering a sense of belonging and significance, and encouraging cooperation rather than coercion or punishment.

Techniques:

Encouragement: Positive reinforcement is a key aspect. Instead of focusing on punishment for accidents, parents emphasize praise and encouragement for successes.

Routine and Consistency: Establishing a consistent routine around bathroom breaks and praising the child for following it helps create habits.

Involvement: Involving the child in the process, from choosing their potty to celebrating milestones, fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Books by Adlerians:  Adlerian approaches to potty training, are likely referred to in Jane Nelson's "Positive Discipline," which offers insights into how Adlerian principles can be applied to various aspects of parenting. 

Pros:

Focuses on building the child's self-esteem and sense of competence.

Emphasizes positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

Encourages cooperation and mutual respect between parent and child.

Cons:

Requires patience and consistency from parents.

May take longer for some children to fully grasp the concept without the use of stricter methods.

Attachment Parenting:

Philosophy: Attachment parenting emphasizes creating strong emotional bonds between parent and child, meeting the child's needs with sensitivity and responsiveness.

Techniques:

Baby-Led Approach: Parents often wait for signs of readiness from the child before starting potty training.

Closeness and Connection: Maintaining close physical and emotional proximity during the process helps the child feel secure.

Gentle Guidance: Instead of pressure or coercion, parents gently guide the child through the process, respecting their pace and preferences.

Books by Attachment Parenting Advocates: Authors like Dr. William Sears, who wrote "The Attachment Parenting Book," offer guidance on various aspects of attachment parenting, though not exclusively focused on potty training.

Pros:

Prioritizes the emotional well-being of the child.

Supports a gentle and responsive approach to meeting the child's needs.

Can strengthen the parent-child bond through shared experiences.

Cons:

May take longer for some children to independently master potty training.

Requires a high level of parental involvement and responsiveness, which can be challenging for some families.

Parental Perspectives:

Adlerian Parenting:

Pros: Parents often appreciate the emphasis on building their child's confidence and cooperation. Many find that the positive reinforcement approach fosters a healthier parent-child relationship.

Cons: Some parents may find it challenging to maintain consistency and patience, especially if their child takes longer to grasp the concept.

Attachment Parenting:

Pros: Parents value the emphasis on emotional connection and responsiveness, which can strengthen the bond with their child. Many find that the gentle approach aligns well with their parenting values.

Cons: Some parents may find it difficult to balance their child's emotional needs with practical considerations, such as time constraints or social expectations regarding potty training readiness.

In summary, both Adlerian parenting and Attachment parenting offer valuable approaches to potty training, each with its own strengths and challenges. Ultimately, the effectiveness of either method may vary depending on the child's temperament, the family's dynamics, and the parent's ability to implement the techniques consistently and compassionately.