Question
HI John, I just wanted to write to give you credit for encouraging parents to train younger, and for all the potty training advice which I have found very handy.
I have a 4.5 year old whom I started potty training at 18 months, but because I made it a big deal, hovered and micromanaged, over-reacted to accidents, she resisted greatly. On the other hand, she was the rare child who did not mind wet pants. Had I been calmer (as per your advice), I may have reached success much faster than age 3+, a year and a half of training hell!
I was determined to do it right with the second, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to teach young children this skill if one approaches it with an air of confidence, a mild response to accidents, and as though its no big deal! That's really the best advice I have got from you. My 18 month old son whom I started potty training a week ago using your methods (slightly modified), quickly caught on. He was very happy to be clean and is now telling me when he needs to go (still needs assistance with sitting down properly and removing underpants). It does help that he hates pee running down his legs, and the wet underpants.
I'd say, all children are different indeed - but I have a strong feeling they can most definitely be trained before age 2 if only the parent can be trained to approach it with ease!
Thank you for all your insights and wisdom - you and your team!
