Potty Training Ideas

Every parent looks forward to the day of his or her last diaper purchase. They are expensive, smelly, and most are horrible burdens on the environment. The day a child is successfully potty trained is a true day to celebrate for both parent and child.

However, not all toddlers are enthusiastic about the process of getting to that great day. Some children maybe afraid of the toilet and others may be too distracted to stop playing to use the potty. The important thing to remember that potty training is in the child's control alone. Moms and dads can encourage, bribe or coerce their little ones into trying the potty, but like leading a horse to water there is no way to make a toddler use the potty if they do not want to. The sooner a parent understands this the less frustrating the process will be.

Once a toddler has shown interest in using the potty, it is time for the fun to begin. If potty training has not become a struggle of wills between parent and child there are ways to make potty training.

Use a Comfortable Potty

Children are different, and so are their potty preferences. Some children may be right at home using a full size adult toilet, but most likely they will feel more comfortable with a seat made for them. Several toddler size seats available fit on top of the adult seat. Other children may refuse to go near an adult size toilet for any reason, right size seat or not. For these children take them shopping for their own potty. Let them pick it out chances are they will be more excited to use something they chose. Also, do not assume a second child will be comfortable using a little potty just because their older brother or sister used it. Give younger siblings the same opportunity to find the best seat for them.

Offer Rewards and Lots of Praise

There is no need to punish a child for accidents or their reluctance. It will not help the process and could make your toddler completely reluctant to use the potty. On the other hand, enthusiastic silly praises can go along way to making potty time fun. Sing a silly song if the toddler is successful. Depending on the age of the toddler or preschooler rewards can help with motivation. One or two small candies like jellybeans or M&Ms can be given for each attempt, and more for a successful visit. Stickers and charts work well for older toddlers and young preschoolers.

Use Potty Time for Reading Time

Toddlers love to read and a good story can keep them sitting for a longer time. Buy a special book or two and keep them next to their potty or in the bathroom. While they are sitting, use the time to read their special books or allow them to flip through magazines with interesting pictures. Some parenting magazines have advertisements for products with favorite TV show characters from Sesame Street and other popular kids programs. Create a game of "Where's Elmo" or whichever character they like that may be in the magazine. It makes the time they spend sitting still a little more enjoyable and may keep them on their potty a little longer.

Every child reaches milestones on their own time frame so be patient. The same way a baby cannot be forced to learn to crawl, there is no way to force a toddler to use the potty. The more encouragement they receive the easier the process will be, but they will train only when they are ready. Hang in there and one day your little one will be ready to say goodbye to those yucky diapers too.