How to Potty Train an Active Toddler
Training an active toddler to use the bathroom is a process that needs to start at the right time. According to Baby Center, children may potty train as early as 18 months and as late as three years old or older. When working with an active toddler, it is important to ensure that your child is ready to potty rain prior to starting the process as starting before this can cause potty training to take longer.
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Things You'll Need
- Child size potty seat or small potty
- Underwear
- Candy
- Stickers
- Small toy
Instructions
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Determine if your child is ready for potty training. The signs that a child is ready to potty train include having regular bowel movements, having dry diapers for stretches of time and asking for his diaper to be removed promptly after going to the bathroom in it. These are signs that he is physically ready for potty training. Additional signs of readiness include a child who will inform you that he is going to the bathroom or that he needs to go to the bathroom or a child who asks to use the potty or to wear underwear instead of a diaper.
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Purchase big kid underwear. You may consider purchasing underwear that has a design that will appeal to your child and be sure to make a big deal about the privilege of wearing big kid underwear. Always provide lots of praise for keeping the underwear dry. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should also remain positive when accidents happen instead of becoming upset.
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Purchase a child size potty or potty seat. The goal here is for the child to be comfortable sitting on the toilet. If your child wishes to use the big potty, that is okay as well.
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Take your child to use the bathroom often. You will need to take your child to the bathroom at regular intervals, according to FamilyDoctor.org but also watch for signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, as the more active a child is, the less likely he may be to stop playing in time to make it to the bathroom. Some signs include a pause in active play, holding himself or dancing in place. In time, even your active toddler will learn to stop what he is doing and go to the bathroom.
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Provide incentives for your active child. Always provide lots of praise for keeping the underwear or diaper dry. In addition to verbal praise, you can offer your child a small piece of candy, a sticker or a small toy in exchange for potty training success.
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Tips & Warnings
When accidents happen, clean your child up without getting upset.
References
- Photo Credit toddler in the park image by cat from Fotolia.com
