"Potty training"—just the thought can evoke a sense of apprehension and overwhelm for many parents in Western culture. Yet, as we embarked on this milestone with my son, We were determined to approach it with a different perspective—one rooted in curiosity and connection.
Like many parents, once I decided I had to face the inevitability of potty training my son, I looked for references with friends and in the library. In San Francisco, there is a great place called “Natural Resources,” whose mission is “To nurture families.” They provide classes for new parents, a great selection of the most sustainable and organic products for babies, toddlers, and moms, and a community that supports each other. At Natural Resources, At Natural Resources, I also found out about Sacred Body Midwifery who would become the midwife of my two boys.. They have a great space with a selection of free books to read. Some of them are about potty training, and I especially connected with one book called “Oh Crap, Potty Training.”
Thanks to this book, I was inspired by the diverse approaches the author shared of the potty training process found in cultures around the world. With that in mind, I decided to also learn about my indigenous roots in the Venezuelan mountains and felt curious about how my own culture faced this milestone while at the same time feeling silly that I did not start this journey from there.
Growing up, my mother served as the bridge, passing down traditions and values that emphasized interdependency and connection to the natural world. It was through her that I learned the importance of being present, attuned to the rhythms of life, and open to learning from every experience. So finally, after reading a lot of books and blogs, I turned to my mother for her teachings. What a humbling experience it was to learn with her, she was a fantastic teacher about this topic.
I know we are not all the same, so our approach can be different. I approached potty training not as a challenge to conquer but as an opportunity to deepen my bond with my son and rely on our natural tendency to be together. With this mindset, I embarked on our potty training journey with openness and curiosity. Rather than imposing rigid expectations, I embraced flexibility, encouraging him to explore at his own pace, knowing that he is capable of learning everything.
This shift in perspective transformed the entire experience. Instead of stress and frustration, we had laughter, learning, and moments of connection that enriched our relationship, not only with my son, his brother and my husband but also with my mother.
Reflecting on our journey, I am reminded of the power of shifting perspective. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for the most sustainable products for potty training or looking for quick tips to implement with your little ones. All this journey starts with the mindset that we use to start the process. It can be daunting and stressful, or it can be a new opportunity to be amazed by your child. Potty training, like many aspects of parenting, is not just a milestone to be conquered but an opportunity for the family to grow, build connections, and celebrate our shared humanity.
Eliana
