Potty Training 101

Potty Training 101

Potty training doesn’t have to be a headache- With a few simple tried and true steps you can make it a breeze!

1) Don’t Rush It!

The #1 mistake parents make-  Starting before your child is ready.  Each child is different.  Just because barb at the salon was bragging about how her little girl was potty trained at 15 mos. DOES NOT mean your little one is behind.  Some kids are ready at 2, others may be at 3 or 3 ½.  They have to be able to communicate with you fully and understand what it feels like BEFORE they have to potty. Some 2 year olds can put a few words together, and may point indicating something is happening down there, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to lose the diaper quite yet. 

2) SHOW them HOW it’s DONE

May sounds silly, but let them watch you!  They are such little mimics.  Let them see the steps you do and follow suit, including washing their hands after they use the potty. Also, ask them constantly throughout the day if they have to “Go.”  Take the initiative and make them try before you leave the house to avoid disaster!

 

3) Make it PARTY TIME on the POTTY!

This is new and exciting for them.  Buy a fun themed little potty that talks.  Sing songs about “Potty Time.”  Blow Bubbles.  While you’re hanging out in the bathroom, make it an enjoyable experience that they’ll look forward to it! Make it a BIG DEAL when they make it to the Potty and say “Bye Bye” when flushing, kids tend to love that!

 

4) Praise them for using the Potty!

Little ones love to be acknowledged for their accomplishments.  Make a POTTY REWARD CHART and let them earn a sticker each time they make it to the potty.  Perhaps at the end of the week, if they have reached their goal, they get to go to the park or out for ice cream.  Think Incentives!  Earning M & M’s or Cheerios each time they make it to the potty works wonders.

5) Skip the Pull-ups

Pull-ups SOUND like a great idea, the go-between diapers and Big Girl or Boy underwear. But, in actuality- you will have a much quicker transition if you go cold turkey from diapers to undies.  When they have an accident, and I say WHEN because it WILL happen – Don’t make a huge deal about it or get angry.  Explain that accidents happen and next time, we need to make it to the potty.

Sidenote:  If you have the option, opt to potty train during warmer mos.  Your kiddo will be wearing fewer layers = Less clean-up for you when accidents happen.

*Let them pick out their own Big Girl/ Big Boy undies with their favorite characters.  They will want to wear them 24/7 and won’t want to get them dirty.

6) Potty on the Brain

Load them up with fun books and movies pertaining to potty training. 

We Recommend:

DVDS: “The Potty Movie” and “The Potty Power” 

BOOKS- “Once Upon a Potty”

7) Lastly, Consistency is KEY!  BE PATIENT.  Yes, you may get frustrated when you’re up at 3 am sitting and waiting for them to go potty.  Stick with it – and they’ll get it down in no-time!!!  GOOD LUCK!!!

 

You kind find more tips and lots of great information on the website www.indyhotmoms.com