Most parents anticipate the day when their toddler will be out of diapers and using the toilet, just like the rest of the family. As prepared as a parent can be, by buying a potty chair, underwear, books on how to potty train, DVDs on the subject and establishing a reward system, those are all nothing more than spinning your wheels unless your child is prepared for what is ahead. Help them understand what changes are coming, and they will be much more cooperative.
First, establish the language or lingo your family will use to describe urinating and defecating with your toddler. It can be the formal terminology or something simple, like “poop” or “pee pee.” Whatever it is, make sure that everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa and any extended family members, know the words so they can also help with the potty process.
Begin by allowing your child to see you use the facilities. Showing them how it is done is much better than just explaining how to potty train. If your child is curious, then have him or her flush the toilet. If it is possible, have someone of the same-sex show your child how to use the potty. Kids learn by imitation, even in the restroom. To potty train boys, it is a great help to have someone who looks like them anatomically to show them what to do.
Give your child a potty chair and make a production of how it is his or her very own big kid chair. Initially, allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty seat, like it is a regular chair. Let your child to leave the potty chair at any time they want and remember to never force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.
Take your child to the potty chair whenever he or she gives you the signal that they need to evacuate. You will usually have a good idea when they need to go as their facial expressions may change. You may also need to act as a reminder since toddlers tend to get absorbed in what they are doing and only realize they need to go when it is too late.
Refrain from expressing disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Never punish your child for potty accidents or for their refusal to sit and use the potty, if he or she is resistant. You put your child at risk for regression by doing so. Try working on building positive toddler behavior by seeking out good advice from family, friends, your doctor, or by researching online. This will lead to toilet training success.
There are a couple of quick potty training tips to remember when teaching your child how to potty. Try not to give your child any liquids a few hours before bedtime and never use pull-up type training pants. Liquids at night mean one of two things. They will either have an accident or you will need to get up with them to go to the potty. Pull-ups are very similar to the diapers you are trying to get them out of and can be confusing for your child.
