We've had several questions on potty training and were looking for the right person to help with the answers. We found Dr. Linda Sonna who has written three books on potty training. We hope this interview helps those who are starting to train. We also have a section open for discussion in our forum to discuss the topic.
You have written three books on potty training, why was this such an important topic for you to write about? 
When my foster son came to live with me at age 7 he was not trained, due to a combination of physical and emotional problems. While investigating potty training problems, I discovered that the methods modern experts recommend (including the American Academy of Pediatrics!) run contrary to what the research shows works best. As a result, the average age for completing training has risen dramatically, and many families really struggle.
When do you think parents should start potty training?
Waiting to do anything about potty training until kids are 2 or 2 ½ really complicates the process. Simply getting toddlers to sit on the potty can be very difficult. It is best to introduce the potty soon after babies can sit up by themselves. There are lots of things for little ones to learn that can ease training down the road. And many youngsters end up trained by the time they can walk!
What are some common mistakes first time mom’s make when potty training their children?
Common mistakes include using a potty seat rather than a potty chair, and not switching to cloth diapers when training begins. Children need to feel the wetness to understand what is happening and what they are expected to do.
What advice would you give to a first time potty trainer?
One, two, and three year olds are very different. Select a method according to your child’s age.
What are three ways parents can get their children ready for potty training?
Let your child see you, an older sibling, or an older pal use the toilet. Let your child spend time without diapers so he can learn how his body works. Cut down on the mess by taking our child into the backyard in warm weather, or spend time in the kitchen.
Do you have any advice for mom’s training twins or multiples?
To simplify your life, potty train sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for the so-called “readiness signs.” Many children never do show them.
One of our readers has a request with the following question: "My son likes to take off his pants and diaper and then put only his pants back on. After he puts his pants on, he urinates with his pants still on (wetting his pants). I put his diaper on backwards when he goes to bed so that it's harder for him to take off. If I didn't, he would wet the bed.
This is common among children that dislike diapers very much. Since he is removing his pants before urinating, he recognizes the signals. He is definitely ready to move to the next step: take him to the potty as soon as he removes his pants. During the training period, try cloth pull-ups. They won’t eliminate all of the mess, but they help.
What advice do you have for a mom of a toddler who loves to undress all the time?
Some children are very bothered by clothing that restricts their movements or simply touches their skin. Avoid bulky clothes and stiff fabrics. Instead, go for loose fits and soft material. Move forward with potty training so she won’t have to w
ear diapers.
Dr. Sonna is a psychologist and author of three potty training books. Early Start Potty Training describes methods for working with infants, babies, toddlers, and older children that are having troubles progressing. See www.DrSonna.org.
