Potty-training a toddler is a huge milestone requiring time, practice and patience both on your part and your child. There’s no one correct way to do it. Parents have successfully used a number of methods. Here are some tips that can help ease the process along.
Knowing When They’re Ready
The first step in successfully potty-training your toddler is to understand when they’re ready to learn. Your child may already be showing signs like:
- Showing curiosity about the toilet. Unfortunately, this can also include flushing their toys or random objects down it, which can leave you in need of a plumber or drain cleaning.
- An ability to comprehend and carry out basic instructions.
- Displaying signals of needing to go like wriggling, grimacing or holding their genital area.
- Verbally expressing displeasure with soiled diapers.
- An ability to pull their pants up and down.
- Showing an interest in big-kid underwear or resisting using diapers.
If your toddler shows most of these signs, it’s probably the right time to begin potty training.
The Right Tools
The first step in teaching your child to properly use the potty is to get the perfect tools for learning. That means getting a potty chair, and if needed, a stool to help them get up there.
It’s also important to familiarize your child with proper bathroom terms to help ease communication. Teaching by example is another useful tool at your disposal. Let your child see other members of the household use the toilet or empty their dirty diapers into the toilet to demonstrate the intended purpose.
Make Time for Potty Training
If your child shows an interest, have him or her sit on their potty chair for a several minutes at a time each day. During this time, you can keep them from getting bored by reading them a book about potty training or offer them a toy to play with.
Even if they don’t go, show approval for their effort. This lets them know you’re pleased with them which serves as positive reinforcement. Because consistency is key, consider taking a portable potty with you when you’re not at home.
Be Hasty
Keep an eye on your child for signs he or she needs to use the toilet, and react with urgency by taking them to the bathroom or their potty chair. This enforces these signals in your child’s mind as cues they need to get to the toilet. When they let you know they have to use the bathroom, give them praise.
Reward Successes
Even the simplest reward can be a huge motivator to a child. Consider giving them stickers or putting starts on a chart when they successfully use the bathroom. Other reward ideas include longer stories at bedtime or a trip to the zoo.
You should also offer them vocal encouragement by saying things like, “Great job! You’re using the toilet like a big kid!” Do this even if they didn’t go that time, otherwise they might think you’re disappointed in them.
Going Diaper-Free
Once your child has been successful at using the toilet for a few weeks, it may be time to transition away from diapers and into training underpants. Make this milestone a big deal for your child by celebrating. Plan a special day and take them shopping to let them choose the underpants they want.
Their difficulty in removing these outfits could prevent them from using the bathroom quickly enough.
Teaching your toddler to use the potty is a gradual process. Bumps in the road are normal, and there will be accidents.
Let them know that these things happen, and to try again. In time and with your love and assistance, your child will be able to use the potty all by themselves.
