How to Introduce Potty Training
Potty training is a big developmental milestone that many parents look forward to with relish; after all, not many moms and dads love diaper duty. This time may be exciting for your toddler but many small children are disinterested or fearful of the new experience. You can make these big changes more interesting and fun rather than boring or scary by tuning into what he is attracted to and is comfortable with.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Potty seat
- Flushable wipes
- Favorite book
- Small stickers
- Chocolates, cookies or other treats
- Underwear or cloth training pants
Instructions
-
-
1
Shop with your toddler for a potty seat. Giving him a choice in color or design should heighten his interest.
-
2
Place the potty seat in the bathroom. Make sure your toddler is with you and talk about what you are doing. Show him your toilet and his and be sure to use the word you want him to use. Show him his wipes and tell him what they are used for.
-
-
3
Bring him with you if you are using your toilet. Toddlers learn by example and showing him how you wipe, flush and wash hands may make him eager to try.
-
4
Sit him on the potty seat with clothes on at first. A potty seat can seem intimidating, even if he is excited about it, and toddlers may balk at using one. Keeping his clothes on will make it seem less scary. Read to him from his favorite book while he is sitting on it.
-
5
Have him try the potty with no pants on. He may be a little nervous at first so read to him again from the same book to help ease his fears. If he uses it, give him a small treat or a sticker.
-
6
Offer "big boy" or "big girl" underwear to your child as possible incentive. Alternatively, you can try cloth training pants which have a few extra layers of protection in the crotch area which can help if he doesn't quite make it to the potty in time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If he doesn't want anything to do with the potty seat, consider moving it to his bedroom and gradually moving it into the bathroom when he is older.
Potty training takes time so be sure to be patient and avoid coercion or shaming him if he has accidents or outright refusal.
In the warm months, let him be naked. This will allow him to see and hear it when he pees or poops and may help him remember to try his potty seat.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
