Tips for Potty Training

I think as parents one of the biggest milestones we wait for is our child/children to be potty trained. No more diapers, the light at the end of the tunnel. Just thinking about how much money you could save is motivation for most of us, but money is not a motivator for a young child. And it is not something that happens overnight, sorry.

For successful potty training you have to wait for the child to be ready. They will give you clues such as being interested in the potty, or telling you when they are wet. Just be ready to respond to those cues and you are on your way. Some children potty train early and some potty train late, it is a major milestone and the timing is different for everyone.

If they are not ready yet, you can slowly condition them to be more comfortable with the idea of using the potty. Let them come in the bathroom with you, and buy some fun colorful underwear for yourself. They just may want to wear cool ones like you. They have to want to use the potty for it to be successful. Buy a potty chair and let them check it out. Try to stress that "Big Kids" use the potty. Most little ones really want to be big kids and this can be a suitable motivator. I also bought a few potty type DVD's and play them for the kiddos pretty regularly so they would not be afraid of the toilet. If they are scared don't rush them, it will only set the timeline back further.

When they are ready consistency is key. Whenever they ask about the potty bring them right in and let them try. Praise is also very important, even if they didn't tinkle or poop, still praise the effort and make a big deal of it. If they do use the potty, sing a song or do a dance, anything that shows them how proud you are of their accomplishment. Little ones love praise and it can go a long way in speeding up the process.

Set a routine while trying to potty, and have something for them to do while on the potty chair. They can color, sing or read a book. After they use (or try to use) the potty, teach them the proper way to wipe (front to back) and the importance of washing your hands afterwards.

Learning to use the potty will take some time, and a lot of practice. Accidents will happen, and that's ok. Encourage them to keep trying and be patient. Praise them for their success, and buy them some fun new big kid underwear to celebrate their accomplishment.