How to Reward Your Child for Potty Training

Potty training can be a challenge for both you and your child. This is why it is important to keep potty chair training fun. Using rewards will help motivate and encourage your child. Here are some great potty training ideas:

Movie

If your child doesn't watch many movies or cartoons on television, you may consider offering a movie as a reward for going "big potty".

Activity

Instead of a movie, you may decide to substitute another idea your child likes a lot.

Candy

Candy is a great motivator. However for awhile I used Jelly Bellys and they weren't working well. My mom recommended changing the candy to something my daughter liked better and Skittles ended up working like a charm. A small candy is appropriate because the better they get you won't worry about the candy making them sick. Some candy suggestions are: M&M's, Skittles, Nerds, Chocolate Candy Covered Kisses, and others.

Cookie

You may want to substitute a small cookie in place of candy or a piece of fruit your child adores. The important thing is that it is something your child will be motivated to work for.

Game

You may consider playing a favorite game with your child every time he or she goes. Offering to play Candy Land everytime your child has a success may be a terrific motivator.

A Song

Some people sing a Congratulations song they make up or....

Dance

Some people do a dance for their child.

Praise

Whatever you do, it is important to praise your child. Praise is a terrific motivator.

Money

If your child likes money, you may consider offering a penny or a nickel every time they decide to go. Remember a child may go 5-10 times a day so consider the denomination you offer. One dollar per time could get pricey. You may want to do a higher increment for "big potty".

Smile

If you smile when your child has a success, it will encourage them to go more.

Excitement

Laughter and excitement everytime your child goes are additional motivators.

A Small Toy or Book

A small toy may be an additional motivator. Buy from the dollar store or use happy meal toys to encourage success.

Stickers

My favorite is stickers. My daughter loves stickers and although initially they don't prove to be as of interest as the candy, they last longer. The sticker reminds her of her success for longer (usually I stick it on her hand). When I use stickers alongside candy I have a greater success.

Rubber Stamp

Use a rubber stamper to stamp their hand everytime they go potty. If you have different rubber stampers and different inks, you can mix it up or allow them to choose what they want for additional fun!

Combination

The most important thing I have found is that a combination of items is most effective. I use stickers and candy for small potty. For big potty I offer additional rewards: a sticker, candy, a marshmallow star and she can watch a movie. See what combination works best for your child!