What if your child doesn't seem interested?

Sometimes children don’t seem interested in potty training. They’d rather keep playing and are perfectly happy with their diapers. How can you still get started? In this article, we’ll tell you more about it. We’ll also give you tips on how to start in a playful way.

Isyour child much younger than 2 years old? Take it easy.

Is your child under 2 years old? If so, you might be getting a head start. For now, stick to reading books and taking your child to the bathroom. They’ll start showing interest in a few weeks or months. Keep asking questions or telling them stories every now and then.

Build on what your child can already do

Is your child between 2 and 4 years old? And do you feel they’re not interested? Then it’s important to build on what your child can already do. Keep it playful and don’t turn it into a battle. Start with the first step and don’t rush things. So don’t take the diaper off all at once. Often, the steps of showing interest and using the potty for the first time happen a bit faster for children aged 2.5 years or older than for younger children. But it doesn’t have to. Take your time and follow your child’s lead, but do keep at it.

The child doesn't want to stop playing

Many children aged 2½ and older are very used to wearing diapers. They think it’s silly that they have to stop playing to go to the potty or the toilet. That actually makes sense, because they didn’t have to do that before! So let your child know that they’ll be able to go back to playing right away. Have your child put the toy in a safe place so another child can’t grab it. Or let your child take a toy with them to the toilet. It often helps if your child knows: playtime isn’t over yet!

The child wants to decide for themselves

Children aged 2½ and older often already feel like big kids. They can do a lot of things on their own and are often allowed to make their own decisions. That’s exactly why it’s important to offer them smart choices while still staying in control. After all, if you ask an open-ended question, your child might say no. Instead of asking, “Do you want to come with me to the bathroom?” it’s better to say: “We’re going to check out the bathroom. Do you want to do that right now, or do you want to finish eating your apple first?” You can also say: “Before dinner, we’re going to check out the bathroom. You can come with me. Come on, let’s flush the toilet together!” That way, you’re being clear. It’s not a question, but something we’re just going to do. But it’s something really fun!