subject: The Potty Training Plan - A Tips Guide [print this page] If your toddler is showing signs that he or she is ready to use the potty, it's important to have a plan in place that entails your goals and methods for potty training. Making sure that you, as well as anyone who will be involved in the potty training, are comfortable and prepared is just as important as the readiness of your child. Here are some things to consider before beginning the toilet training process.
Be Positive: When you talk about using the potty with your toddler, be excited. Kids feed off your emotions so chances are, if you're excited, they will be, too. When your tot uses the potty, cheer like there's no tomorrow. Dance, clap, do whatever it is you need to do to let your child know what a fabulous thing they have accomplished. In the beginning, do this every time. It will increase your toddler's desire to use the potty again. Most importantly, never punish your child for having an accident. This will only develop negative feelings toward potty training and delay your training efforts.
Be Consistent: Potty training demands a big commitment on your part. In the beginning stages, you have to make it your priority to be sure your toddler uses the potty as much as possible. This may mean scheduling the training when you can be at home for an extended block of time. Use the potty first thing in the morning and consistently ask your child if they need to go throughout the day. Even if your toddler says no, sit them on the potty every half hour to an hour. This will help them to make the connection between using the bathroom and using the potty. It also gives you plenty of opportunities to praise your toddler, building both confidence and self-esteem.
Establish a Routine: Make sure your child has a routine when it comes to potty training. Keep the potty in the same place so you're toddler knows exactly where to go. Teach them the routine of using the potty, wiping, and then washing hands.
Stay in Tune: Pay attention to your child's signals. If your toddler tends to hide when using the bathroom in his or her diaper, look for this behavior while potty training. Immediately remind your child about the potty and sit them on it. Again, this helps make the connection of feeling they have to go and using the potty. After your toddler has used the potty for a few days, look for signs that they may be disinterested. This is common when the newness of the cheering wears off and even after your child has been trained for months. Assess for events or changes in environment that may be causing this, such as a new sibling or changes in daycare.
Remember that every child is different. What may work for one toddler may not work for another, and what worked last week may not work today. Tailor the potty training to suit your child's personality (independent, needs a lot of encouragement, etc.). If you find that your child isn't as ready as you first thought, take a break and come back to the training later. Training before your toddler is physically and mentally ready will only cause grief. Not to worry, though. Toddlers have been potty training long before books and articles were written on the subject. Yours will, too.
