K.L.
As a child psychologist and special ed teacher, the idea of "elimination control" is rarely recommended as an appropriate technique for potty training. In fact, if this technique is employed when the child is very young, it will often bring potty training to a complete halt in the future when it IS appropriate to begin training, and the child may take much much longer to toilet train. Between colleagues, we like to refer to this method of training as "Mommy Training", as the parent is essentially the one that is being toilet trained as opposed to toilet training the child. Let me explain to you why.
The bladder, just like any other organ, grows in proportion to the body. It is only between 18 and 24 months of age that the bladder of a child is even large enough to hold a significant amount of urine - and the idea that one can control one's own bladder comes even later on in toddlerhood. Until the body and brain are capable of conscious control of urine, a baby and toddler will urinate and have bowel movements when their body dictates. Attempting to train a child before their body and brain are capable of handling the abstract concept of bladder control will only result in frustration of both parent and child. They just aren't capable of elimination control. Its like trying to make a child with no teeth chew and swallow a bagel - if their bodies are not physically capable, they cannot do it. This idea of elimination control results in the parent running around all day long, attempting to interpret "potty signs" before they are even possible to exist.
And remember, if you begin this too early (as in before the age of 18 months) your child may not be potty trained to the point where a preschool or kindergarten will accept them (you must be potty trained to attend preschool). Since you are having a little girl, you're in luck, as little girls tend to potty train much more quickly and easily than boys - but pushing the elimination control for your convenience is not appropriate for your child. This method of training almost never results in a positive outcome, and the parents and children that ascribe to this method early on in baby-hood or childhood are often "stunted" in the potty training area when it is appropriate.
You are the parent, and you will do what you want for your child, but as a mother and a psychologist, I would urge you not go down this road. Take your child's needs into consideration: expecting potting training before it is possible puts a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on a young child, and that is absolutely NOT healthy. Its like pushing for a goal that, realistically, does just not exist at a certain age.
If you'd like to contact me for more information, feel free.
