Honestbaby's Top Ten Toilet Training Tips
You can be sure that toilet training your toddler is on no one's list of favorite things to do. Some children will make the process excruciating while others will take to it immediately. Just like anything else in parenting, there’s no guarantees. But you can increase your odds of success by approaching it in the right way.
1. READY. Make sure your child is ready to start using the potty by looking for the tell tale signs: Are they uncomfortable in their dirty diaper? Have they started using words that reflect understanding of how it all works? And do they show an interest in or curiosity about using the bathroom? (Children’s books about going on the potty are also a helpful tool.)
2. SET. Get set up with the right equipment. Choose a potty that sits on the floor or a mini toilet seat that fits into the regular toilet seat. Comfort with the process will be a key issue for encouraging repeated use. Underwear emblazoned with their favorite cartoon character will go a long way in building excitement.
3. GO. Be aware of your child’s natural schedule and put them on the potty at the same time each day. As the day goes on, keep an eye out for signs that they might be ready to go again. And ask them if they need to go. If you have to go, chances are they do too, so take them with you.
4. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Making your child relaxed is important so be willing to move location if it will make them happy. Do they want to be in the regular bathroom in order to feel like a grown up? If things might take a while, do they want to be in front of the television or in the kitchen while your do the dishes? If you toilet train in the summer, bring the potty outside and let them run around without a diaper.
5. OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND. Once the training has been initiated with a certain degree of success, try removing all the diapers from your home. You can tell your child (without lying) "Sorry, no more diapers! We have no choice but to use the potty." Make diapers no longer an option and success a foregone conclusion. Once you take this step, don't give in.
6. AIM FOR SUCCESS. Make the process fun. Floating targets for boys can make it a little more goal oriented. Let them be the ones to flush if that makes it a little more fun. A radio in the bathroom to add some music can change the training from a chore to playtime. Make up some songs!
7. REWARDS. Good behavior should be rewarded so if they do well, give them a little gift. And if they need some encouragement to do better, offer up a present after they perform well or show improvement. Make a chart of their bathroom success and set a goal for a prize: three times on the potty and they get candy or stickers or a small toy.
8. PRAISE. Words of encouragement are important in all aspects of raising your little ones. Give constant reminders that you are proud of them and so happy that they are training on the potty (even if the latest attempt was not exactly a complete success). Applaud! Cheer! Make it a celebration. Everyone likes to hear they are doing a great job. When friends or relatives visit, make sure to complement your child on this matter in front of your visitors. And if there are older siblings, encourage them to offer praise — positive reinforcement from big brother or sis can go a long way.
9. ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN. Allow for a learning curve and don’t let a few messy accidents throw you off track. Setbacks are natural. Just stick with the training and have extra clothes and baby wipes on hand.
10. PATIENCE. Keep the faith. Some kids will take to it more easily than others and some will fight every step of the way but they all learn in the end. Don't worry, they won't go to college in their diapers...
Courtesy of HonestBaby
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