Potty training is about so much more than ditching diapers! It’s an opportunity to teach kids healthy bathroom habits and how to listen to their bodies for years to come. In this episode of Expecting & Empowered, Krystle sits down with Sarah Mechling, mom of four, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and founder of Tinkle & Toot, who has been helping families navigate potty training since 2010. With her background in behavior analysis and years of experience helping children learn this important skill, Sarah brings a flexible and evidence-based perspective to a milestone that can feel overwhelming for parents.
Krystle and Sarah dive into some of the biggest pieces of healthy potty training, including preventing and managing constipation, supporting regular bowel habits, recognizing the connection between stress and pelvic floor tension, and using breathing to help kids relax enough to pee and poop comfortably. They also talk about the importance of optimal potty posture and how parents can help children recognize the sensations that tell them it’s time to use the bathroom. Sarah explains how motivation and positive reinforcement can be powerful tools too! One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is that there is no single potty training method that works perfectly for every child or every family. Sarah explains the different potty training methods and how parents can adjust their expectations based on their child. They also discuss nighttime potty training, bedwetting, and how factors like constipation and breathing can affect nighttime bladder function. Whether potty training is right around the corner or you’re already in the trenches, this episode is packed with practical potty training tips and a reminder that low pressure, realistic expectations, and understanding your child can make all the difference!
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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.
