Time to Use the Potty

Potty training your little one can really be a chore. It takes time and a whole lot of patience. For many parents, once we begin to potty train our little ones, it feels like a task that will never end. Thankfully though, with patience, perseverance, and kindness, our child is potty trained before we know it, and diapers are only a memory.

It is easy to tell when a child is ready to become potty trained. When you notice that your child seems to realize when he or she needs to go to the bathroom, and show great discomfort in a diaper, it is time to begin the process of potty training.

When you begin this journey, remember to be encouraging of your child. Praise, if not reward your child for staying dry and clean, as well as using the potty rather than his or her pants. I have found that the best approach is to ask your child every few minutes if he or she is dry and if he or she needs to go to the potty. It may feel like a needless question at times, but the constant reminder will help your child remember when it is time to go. The approach I took was to praise my child for being dry and clean, then reward him with a small treat each time he used the potty.

Do not scold your child for having an accident. Inevitably, he or she will. When this happens, just help your child get cleaned up and into dry pants. The less fuss you make, the easier it is for your child to get past it too. Chances are, he or she feels bad enough without any additional criticism.

The clothing that your child wears can effect their ability to potty train too. You want your child to wear clothes that are easy for him or her to pull up and down for potty purposes. Potty training time is not a good time to have your son wearing those cute overalls, or your pretty little girl wearing that pretty little dress and tights. Pants with and elastic waistband, such as sweat pants, are a good choice.

If you have a little boy, you may consider taking several pieces of toilet paper and drawing bulls-eyes one them. When he is ready to use the potty, place one of these "targets" in the toilet for him to aim at This can help your little boy learn how to properly use the potty like a big boy, and have a little fun at the same time.

For your little girl, you may have to help her sit on the potty, even get her a little seat of her own. Some little girls get scared of the potty when they have trouble sitting on the seat.

Another good thing to do when potty training, and for a while after your little one is potty trained, is to limit the amount of fluid they drink before bed time. If you stop allowing them to drink an hour before it is time for them to go to bed, and then have them use the potty right before going to bed, the chances of your child having a nighttime accident will be greatly reduced. It can take quite a while for any child to understand the feeling of the need to go to the potty when they are asleep.

When you are in a public place, and you are in the process of potty training, try to stick to the same routine of asking your child if he or she is dry, and if he or she needs to use the potty. If you forget to ask, and your child says he or she needs to go, get to the bathroom as soon as you can, and be sure to praise him or her for telling you, even if you do not make it in time. I recommend taking an extra pair of pants with you wherever you go during the potty training process. This will help alleviate the need to leave the store because of an accident, thus making your child feel bad about it. Any negativity at all can cause your child to actually fear potty training.

Let your child brag to others in your family about wearing big kid underpants. It gives your child a sense of pride to let others know of their accomplishment.

Not all potty training techniques work for every child. These are simply the best ones I have found. Praise, patience, and perseverance.

Praise a child for staying clean and dry, as well as for using the potty. Praise efforts to get to the potty when needed, even if the child does not quite get there in time. Never shame your child for an accident, simply praise their efforts.

Have patience with your child. Remember, accidents will happen. Also remember that they will not become completely potty trained over night. It can take weeks to reach your goal.

Remain constant in your method and persevere to help you child reach the goal of becoming potty trained. Do not give up thinking you will try again at a later time. This will only confuse your child, and make it more difficult the next time around.

Once you reach the point of completion with potty training, do something with your child to celebrate the victory. I had my children help me to get rid of all baby diapers in the house. To them, it signified the end of diapers forever. You will find your own way to celebrate, but rest assured, you and your child will be happy to see those diapers gone.

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