Step1
Watch for signs that your child is ready to begin. Any time between the end of her second year and her fourth year, your toddler may show signs that she's ready to start toilet training. Here are some indications that your child is ready to make the leap to potty training:
Regular and predictable bowel movements
Interest in wearing underpants
Squatting, grunting or telling you when a bowel movement occurs.
* But even if she's showing all of these signs, if she's still not interested in using the toilet, don't push the issue. Remember, it's got to be up to the child.
Step2
Begin when you’re both ready. Decide in advance when you’re ready to begin. For example, it’s probably not advisable to start one week before you take a road trip; it’s probably better to wait until the vacation is over and your family is settled back home. Gently talk to your toddler about the plans. For example, say: “Next week you can use the potty" or “Let’s buy some big boy pants." You could also take your toddler to the store and let him pick out cute “big boy pants." Talking about the project you're starting and preparing in advance gets both of you excited to begin.
Step3
Expect to take it slowly. Perhaps you’ve heard promises about three-day potty training techniques, and while that speed may work for some, that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. One thing I can guarantee is that potty training takes as long as it takes. The process will be successful if you stay focused on the joyful fact that your toddler will eventually be out of diapers.
Step4
Praise all effort and progress. Just like learning to tie shoelaces or learning how to ride a bicycle, potty training and patience go together. No matter what mistakes are made by you or your little one, praise the progress that each of you is making. As with any new skill, it’s a tiny step forward accompanied by a tiny mistake.
Step5
Stay positive. Don't be discouraged if your child says "no" right away. Saying "no" is a natural beginning, and if you don't scold or get frustrated the "no" will lead to "yes." Accept the "no" and respond with: "When you're ready, let me know." There will be setbacks, but don’t let those throw you off your positive approach either. There will be mistakes, but remind yourself that each tiny mistake is part of learning. For example, occasionally you might be frustrated when your child hides in the closet instead of telling you that has to go to the potty, but you and your child can move past this setback.
Step6
Celebrate small steps. Your timetable for training just might be different than your child’s timetable for learning. You’ll have an easier, happier time if you can celebrate and reward the smallest steps such as sitting on the potty, wearing pretty panties or telling you when she has to go. If your child just plain refuses to use the potty and then has an accident, don’t make it an issue. Get past it without comment. By ignoring these teeny-weeny power trips, you’re actually empowering him to do better next time.
Step7
Think instant gratification! When your child makes the smallest step forward be sure to tell her how proud you are. Some parents have had success with giving a tiny piece of chocolate. Choose a reward system that will motivate your child. Keep it simple and stress free. Rewards can be small like stickers, high fives or wild applause and kisses.
Step8
Stay calm. Don’t show frustration because your toddler will absorb your frustration and then she won’t be able to concentrate on using the potty. Potty skills are learned more easily in an atmosphere that is stress free.
Step9
Remember accidents and meltdowns are not tragedies, just tiny hitches on the learning curve.
Potty skills are learned more easily in an atmosphere that is stress free.
Comments
LaToyia78 said
on 5/11/2008 This is definitely an article I 'm going to save. My daughter just turned 1. Thank you, Happy Mother's Day.