How to Potty Train Your Child

There comes a stage in your baby's development when he is ready to be potty trained, especially if he is bringing you a fresh diaper and asking to be changed. Potty training can be challenging for some children and a snap to others, however, sooner or later your child will get the hang of "going" like the big kids. Potty training demands consistency on the part of the parents and observant vigilence. A child may grab himself just before he needs to go potty and if you miss this, then your child will have an "accident" if not prompted to use the potty. Read on for instructions on what works.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Once you have decided to potty train your child, you must be consistent and keep up the training. It is important that your child realizes that you aren't going to quit and works with you to achieve success. At first, your child may have "accidents" but it is important you both persevere with potty training, even though it is easier just to put a diaper on your child and take it easy. Some playgroups and preschools will not take children in diapers, so the success of potty training will have its rewards and the child will gain self-esteem.

2. The method I used was to potty train my children in the summertime when the weather is warm and we don't wear layers of heavy clothing. Usually shorts and a T-shirt work well for potty training and the shorts are easy for the child to pull down all by himself. This will make him feel more in control of the situation. Part of my method for success involves moving the potty from room to room, depending on which room the child is in. This actually prevents "accidents" especially in the first stages of training when your child is getting used to not wearing a diaper and really "has" to go. This should not be embarrassing for you, as you can always place the potty behind an armchair, so it isn't obvious. As long as your child knows where his potty is, you both will achieve success. Later, when your child has learned how to control his bladder and bowels, you can set the potty permanently in the bathroom. If your child has a lot of accidents in one day, then sit him on the potty for a few minutes every hour. Nobody said this task was easy.

3. Don't buy a potty that plays tunes when the child tinkles, because real toilets don't play merry tunes. Instead, buy a regular potty chair with no frills and no tunes. When your child goes potty, you must clap your hands, smile broadly and praise the child. This method works way better than tinkle-tunes as a child is always eager to please his parents. This will boost his self-confidence and increase his self-esteem to no end. The praise, smiles and clapping must be done each time your child successfully uses his potty. If your child has an accident, just tell him never mind, they'll make it to the potty in time, next time. Never scold your child for having an accident.

4. After a few days of successful potty training, your child will be training all by himself. He will come to you and tell you what he's done in his potty or call you into the room for attention. At this time praise, smile and clap as usual, as this is what really motivates your child. By all means, diaper your child at night. However, I found that with all my children, they were so good at controlling their bladders and bowels, that they had a dry diaper in the morning. When this happens for three nights in a row, allow your child to sleep without a diaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Praise, praise, praise.

• <br>Never scold for accidents.