Our Potty Training Journey at 16 Months

Lessons from Andrea Olson and Our Own Journey

Opening – Our Turning Point

We didn’t start potty training because we had a plan. We didn’t follow a schedule, read a dozen parenting books, or scroll through endless Instagram reels. Honestly, we barely ever have time for any of that.

We started because Opa Walti asked us if we had. Now my first instinct was that he at the age of 92 was just a bit confused. But that gentle question stayed with us.

We hadn’t really thought about it yet—Atalanta was just over one year, and still happily in diapers. I was raised with the belief that kids should be potty-trained before they go to kindergarten - which back when I was a kid was at the age of three.

But something in that moment opened a door. I began to wonder: Is it time? Is he right? Is there another way?

And in one of those questioning moments I came across Andrea Olson’s work and her website godiaperfree.com — and it changed everything.

Andrea Olson’s teachings on Elimination Communication (EC) feel like a breath of fresh air. They are not about enforcing control but about fostering connection.

Back to the roots.

She reminds us that there was a time before diapers, who would have thought? And that still in 2025 many families happily raise their children without the help of pampers, huggies or a ton of laundry.

But what I didn’t know is this: babies, like all mammals, are born with a deep-rooted instinct not to soil themselves. It’s primal, neurological, and sacred. And it makes complete sense—just watch how a newborn cries, squirms, or frowns when their nappy is full. That’s not discomfort—it’s communication. And slowly, as we don't listen, we train them to stop expressing it. To override the very signals that once kept them in touch with their body.

That struck me. What if diapering as we know it isn't just a convenience—but a quiet interruption in a baby's connection to their own needs? A subtle disconnect introduced too early?

And there’s something else: between 12 and 18 months, toddlers start to become aware of their bodily signals—and again no wonder they run away or start hiding in a corner if they need to go.

But if we are present, we can meet them right there. Before the distractions. Before the shame. Before the detachment. And by supporting them in re-connecting early builds trust, confidence, and independence.

What resonated most? That EC isn’t about forcing. It’s about noticing. Listening. Honoring their comfort and holding space for your child to communicate through their body.

The History of Potty Training

Before the rise of disposable diapers, most children were out of nappies by 18–24 months. My grandmother confirmed that was normal in her time. In 1957, the average age of potty training in the U.S. was just that—18 months.

But by the 1960s, the narrative began to shift. Companies like Pampers began marketing the idea of 'readiness' as something that came much later—around age 3 or beyond. Convenience and profit drove the shift, accelerated by the increase of time babies spent in thirdparty care. And while diapers brought freedom in some ways, they also disconnected many of us from our child’s early cues. And once again most parents moved into auto-pilot, following what they have experienced.

And yet, in many cultures around the world—from rural Africa to Eastern Europe—Elimination Communication was never forgotten. Babies were, and still are, supported to stay in touch with their bodies.

So why not us?

Yes, diapers can be convenient. And the right of diaper training maybe even a bit overwhelming. But does that really justify letting my daughter sit in her own sh** for any longer? I decided for a clear no and bought a potty.

Because we were about to travel for a couple of months I decided to give it a slow start and fully go for it when we come back. So I simply watched her signs for “bigger business” and introduced the idea to her to do it on the potty. Atalanta soon began showing subtle signs—we didn’t see it as a ‘readiness checklist,’ but more like the beginning of a dialogue.

Andrea’s book helped us realize that the journey doesn’t begin with confidence—it begins with curiosity. And that’s enough. We started simply: potty available, open invitations, no pressure. A rhythm, not a rule.

The Emotional and Conscious Side of Potty Learning

For us, potty training is also a conscious parenting milestone. A rite of passage—not just for her, but for us. It’s how we told our daughter: "Your body is yours. You can trust it. And we trust you."

It’s not just about avoiding accidents or saving diapers (although at that time she really needed a lot!! ;-)). It’s about supporting self-awareness. It’s about connection, responsiveness, and respect. And honestly—it’s about healing some of the disconnection we might have experienced ourselves.

Encouragement for Other Parents

If you’re wondering when to start: maybe the answer is whenever you begin to wonder. There’s no perfect method—only relationship. Andrea Olson’s resources are a beautiful starting point and certainly they encouraged me a lot and were a great guide throughout the process. But the real guide is your child, and your own intuitive connection to them. Don’t be afraid to begin imperfectly. Just begin.

Closing Reflection

Looking back it was the best decision I could have made. One morning when all the travel lied behind us, we simply made the cut: no more diapers—day or night. We told our little girl, with pride and delight: You’re a Potty Girl now. She beamed. We celebrated. And we held hands through the threshold week, gently and with trust.

And in staying the course—through tears, triumphs, and tiny accidents—I learned something about myself, too.

To trust more. To continously choose presence over convenience.

At 17 months, Atalanta is showing us how to listen more closely. Potty training, for us, isn’t just about learning a skill—it’s about returning to something simple and profound:

Presence. Rhythm. Trust.