Hi Everyone! Welcome we have a new article for our Pottiagogo’s ‘Potty Talk’ Series.
In this series, we interview influential parents to have an open conversation on the topic of potty training. We at Pottiagogo are thrilled to say that this topic has brought about lots of chat amongst influencers and there is plenty of truthful, open and frank conversations going on about the highs and lows of potty training. We hope it will help you all to talk a bit more about your worries and frustrations around potty training and allow parents to start feeling more comfortable when talking about their child’s potty training journey.
We would like to introduce Natasha to our ‘Potty Talk’ series. Tasha is a Mum to 2 year old Rosalie and Remmy who is 1. She is an honest parenting influencer, who can be found on Instagram @rosalie_remmy. She gives her honest and frank advice to her followers about kids products. She also has her views on potty training and the psychological impact this can have. She has agreed to share her potty training experiences with us.
Q1 How many children do you have?
I have two children, Rosalie who is 2 and Remmy who is 1
Q2 Where abouts do you live?
We live in Dorset, South West
Q3 What baby or toddler presents would you recommend that helped your children reach developmental milestones?
For babies I love musical toys, both of my girls have such a love for music and would play with instruments for hours, even now, I may sometimes need to stand in another room with my hands over my ears whilst they plays the drums, but as long as they're having fun!
I also think that sensory play is so important, I love the sensory boxes you can get that include ribbons, foil blankets, bubbles etc. They are mesmerising for little ones and combine all their senses so are amazing for cognitive development.
I love Montessori and open-ended toys for development as they grow, building blocks and stackers are great for fine motor skills and problem solving.
Ulanik have a great range of wooden toys that are great for toddler development.
Q4 How old was your child when you first started potty training and how did you know they were ready?
We have recently started with Rosalie, I'd say for about 4 weeks now. My mum was the first to say she is ready, which was shortly followed by nursery also recommending us to start, so we did! Rosalie was taking her nappy off as soon as she had done a wee, she was also telling us when she had. When she was at nursery she was asking to use the toilet/potty, I think seeing other children also doing it really encouraged her.
Q5 What were the biggest potty training challenges?
The biggest challenge for me has probably been my lack of knowledge, I really expected it to be quite a straightforward process and it's really not! Sometimes Rosalie has no accidents and sometimes she has 10. It's really hard to know whether you are actually progressing and/or doing the right thing.
Also, when they need to go it's very immediate. Rosalie literally says I need a poo and then it's coming out I think you half try and work out by their face when they need it and put them on the potty quickly!
Q6 Do you have any funny stories to share with us?
There was one time when Rosalie and Remmy were watching TV dancing along to cocomelon, Remmy (my youngest) was sat and down and Rosalie was stood up right next to her and she basically just pee'd all over her head, it was like a shower, Remmy was laughing her head off and trying to splash in it
Q7. What do you love about your Pottiagogo?
I love how convenient the Pottiagogo is, it's really quite small and easy to fit in a bag when you are going somewhere. It also makes it a lot easier for them, trying to understand that they need to hold it in can sometimes be detrimental and I think the ease of being able to go when they need to is super important, it takes away any anxieties!!
I also love that it has disposable bags so all's you need to is give it a quick wipe and your good to go!!
Q8 How often do you take your Pottiagogo on your travels?
We take it everywhere!! Even to friends and family, just so it is familiar and consistent for Rosalie. To the supermarket, road trips, days out. You name it, the Pottiagogo is coming too!
Q9. What are your top potty training tips to advise other parents?
The most important is make sure they are ready! It's impossible to potty train a child who isn't ready to do so, and it can have lasting effects. On the other hand, if they are showing signs, don't delay as they may lose interest and you may miss the chance.
Reassurance and praise is helpful, really encourage them and make them feel like they have done something amazing when they use the toilet/potty. But also don't show any signs of annoyance if they have an accident, just use reassurance.
Take extra pants, EVERYWHERE. And when I say extra, I mean at least 10!
If your child attends a nursery or preschool, seek advice from them and get them involved.. they have really helped us with Rosalie!
We hope you have enjoyed our ‘Potty Talk’ series with Tasha.
If you’re ready to take the plunge with potty training, browse our Pottiagogo Travel Potty Range, including our Biodegradable Potty Liners.
To find out more about Natasha and her life with Rosalie and Remmya, check her out at @rosalie_remmy
Featured image from @rosalie_remmy
