Potty Training Older Toddlers

Everyday I see toddlers and parents struggle with potty training issues. There seems to be a trend of toddlers approaching their third, and occasionally even their fourth birthday still in diapers. While this isn't necessarily earth-shaking, it is rather puzzling.

Potty training has long been one of the two key developments of the 15 - 36 month age group (the other being language development). With the price of diapers, one would think parents would be eager to have their child graduate to washable underwear. If your toddler is approaching 3 and still in diapers, and you are waiting for the child to "tell you" when he or she is ready, chances are they already tried.

Toddlers usually begin to communicate their desire to use the potty shortly after their first birthday. By the time they are two, they are running and playing and much too busy to bother with the potty unless they already have a feel for it.

Not to worry! If you are ready to train your toddler to use the potty, my experience shows me ... just do it!

Talk with your toddler again (presumably, you have talked with them about pottying before this time), and express your desire for her or him to use the "big girl/boy potty." Children want to please those they love. Potty training is no exception.

Purchase a dozen or more pairs of real underwear. Most Early Education professionals do not support pull-ups as a transitionary tool. Convenience is important for both parent and child, so purchase one of the many toddler potties or an adapter seat for the big potty - don't forget a little step stool. Be sure to have several seasonal outfits handy. Understand that extra laundry will be part of the process for a time.

Commit yourself to the task! No going back! Dress your toddler in underwear ... no diapers! If they get wet or soiled, wipe them off and change them. Try again, as many times as necessary! Yes, it may mean an extra load of laundry, but your child will quickly realize that being wet or soiled is unpleasant. (*I do not recommend allowing the child to run nude since that defeats the purpose! This method may save mom or dad the extra laundry, but doesn't help the child make the transition.)

Diapers pull wetness away from the skin, so the toddler isn't exposed to the wetness. When they realize that underwear doesn't do that and that being wet is "yucky," they will want to get to the potty!

Like most things with children, the keys are routine and consistency. If your toddler is in daycare, check with the child's teacher to see if they use any particular schedule and mimic it at home, as much as possible. Make "potty time" a fun time. Sing songs or read stories, and be sure to give them plenty of time ... 5 or even 10 minutes, especially when BM's are at issue.

It usually only takes a few days, perhaps a long weekend at home where you can take the child to the potty every couple hours. Once you decide to go for it, there is no going back to diapers! Going back simply confuses the child and will make the task that much harder. Potty training older toddlers involves parents training their child how and where to potty. They are very busy, however, playing and exploring their world with increased mobility and blossoming language skills, so don't wait for the child to tell you. This is one of those parent things!

Be patient and supportive, and not above bribes! Sticker charts are one proven reward system because the child can see her or his progress, but lots of love and affection all around is the best reward!