Tammy's Ten: Potty Training Tips
1. Watch for cues- Look for signs that your child is ready. Are they able to dress by themselves? Do they let you know when their diaper needs changing? Showing an interest in the potty is a sign they are ready!
2. Let them watch- Children learn many things by observing their parents. Let them watch when you use the bathroom. This helps them to see what the toilet is for. They may even ask you to try!
3. Potty seat- Small children can be afraid to use an adult sized toilet. They may be scared they will slip and fall in. Purchase a potty seat or chair to make them feel comfortable. You won't have to hold them and you can buy fun designs!
4. Use underwear- Whenever possible use underwear at home. It helps your child to know they have peed. Any accidents with poop you should dump in the toilet. It shows your child what the bathroom is for!
5. Appropriate clothing- When you are potty training your child use appropriate clothing. Dress them in pants with no zippers or buttons. Overalls are definitely a bad choice of outfit. Undressing quickly is important for toddlers!
6. Frequent attempts- Place your child on the potty frequently throughout the day. Especially after eating or sleeping. Having positive experiences will aid in their training. Try to remember their regular times!
7. Limit liquids- Limit the amount of drinks your child is having after dinner until they sleep. Children have small bladders and sleep really soundly. Using the bathroom at night takes practice!
8. Use rewards- Don't punish your child for making mistakes. Use rewards for making an effort. The prize doesn't have to be anything big. A sticker or candy works well. Don't bribe!
9. Nightlight- Use a nightlight in the hallway and your child's bathroom. It helps them get to the potty at night. Use a monitor in your bedroom to listen for noise. Teach your child to call you for help!
10. Extras-When you are training your child give them the tools they will need. Show them what is required in the bathroom. They may need a stool to reach sinks and towels. Stock your bathroom with wipes for their hands!
Using the potty is your child's choice. You don't have control of their bladder. You need to relax and be patient with your child. Offer tools that will help them to learn. Good luck!
Published by Tammy White
Tammy is a freelance writer from Canada with a degree from U.W.O. She has achieved level eight writing status with AC and three writing stars with Helium. A mom of two, welfare caseworker and house flipper... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI have the problem where my son, who is 3, goes for a few weeks really great on the potty and then all of a sudden doesn't want to use the potty anymore. He hides and by the time I notice, he's already gone in his pants. He has a brother who is 7 and he didn't fully potty train til he was 4!!!!! I didn't think he would EVER potty train and then one day he just started going. Great tips though and I continue trying with my 3 year old.
I recommend M&Ms as a reward - they worked great with my three girls. I also agree with being patient - there are kids that are ready at 18 months and those that are truly not ready until they are 3. Every child is an individual!!!
MY DAUGHTER IS ALMOST 14 MONTHS SO THIS IS GREAT! oops... caps lock was on..haha!
Hey, I was getting ready to look up some info on this. Great work and I'll be book marking this one.
Thanks for the article. Potty training can be a difficult task for many parents. My eldest son started potty training at 11 months. and was in underwear by 15 months. My second son was started at 18 months and potty trained by 2. My step- son started at 18 months but because of inconsistency's at the other parents home it took him until he was three when we finally has him long enough for me to potty train him. My advice to parents is to start early, because they are not so stubborn and think its fun. My also advice would to teach them a hand sign for potty training. When I was an infant/ toddler teacher, I taught the children to use an index finger and tap the other palm to indicate they have to go potty. It worked well. You'll soon notice that while they are playing they'll stop and sign it. If you check them you will see they went to bathroom in the diaper. You'll notice how often they are urinating and can plan a potty schedule around it .We had half the class potty trained by 2, s
Great article - I totally agree about being patient! Doing all the things you mentioned can help get the process started, and in the end the child will go when they are good and ready! ;)