How to Potty train your toddler (and make it fun!)

By Jess

Rate: (5 Ratings)

Is your little one ready to graduate to a training potty? Here's a few tips to make the transition easier on both mommy and child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • A training potty
  • Training diapers such as Pullups
  • "Big kid" underwear
  • Potty training cartoon video or book
  • Patience and creativity

Step1
There are all kinds of training potties out there. Get excited about potty shopping and take your child along to pick one out (this is optional). While you're there, pick up some "big kid" underwears and a video or book about potty training. Children love to copy others.
Step2
Have your child practice sitting on the potty with the diaper on. Then encourage your child to sit with diaper off. Let him/her know that this is where they go pee pee from now on. Read the potty training book to your child or watch the video together.
Step3
When you and your child are home, let him/her run around in regular underwears. This will encourage your child to use the potty because wetting regular undies are much more uncomfortable for them than wetting training diapers.
Step4
When your child do go in the potty, praise him/her and clap. Maybe create a little celebratory dance together!

Be encouraging and start out slow because changes can be traumatic and stressful for a child. If your child doesn't want to go, be patient. Also accidents will happen, especially if you go the underwear route. And remember, never yell or punish your child for accidents as that can be damaging to his/her psyche.

Tips & Warnings

  • Let your child pick out the "big kid" underwear. They're more likely to want to wear them if it's something they like
  • A friend said creating a chart and awarding gold stars every time your child go also helps

Comments

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grouch said

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on 12/7/2007 Great tips. The underware way is the way to go no matter how painful for the parent. When I would switch to training pants it confused more then helped.

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eHow Article:  How to Potty train your toddler (and make it fun!)

eHow Member: Jess

Jess

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Category: Parenting

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