1. It’s Potty Time! How to know if you child is ready to begin potty training.
2. Explain the process! If your child is just being told what to do, then they don’t understand why they have to begin using a potty, here are some ways to prepare them for the journey. Discuss with your child how the toilet works and how to use the toilet. Talk with them about what “pee” and “poop” are by using both correct language, ie: bowel movement and urinate, and also slang, ie: pee and poop. Explain to them that they will be able to wear big boy/girl underwear when they use toilet and discuss with them that this means no more diapers. (“Toilet Training,” 2009)
3. ABC’s of Potty Training Assess readiness Buy equipment Create routine Demonstrate for your child Explain the process Foster the habit Grab some training pants Handle setbacks gracefully Introduce night training Jump for joy! (“The ABC’s,” 2006) http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-abcs-of-potty-training_4399.bc
5. Introduce night training When he/she has managed to stay dry throughout a few consecutive days it’s possibly a good time to start night training. Although, they aren’t quite mature enough to understand the sensation of needing to use the bathroom at night, they will gradually catch on. Setting their toilet next to the bed is an option. Also, it’s best to put them to sleep with plastic under their sheets to protect the mattress. Place them in bed wearing underwear or nothing at all (at first). Be patient!
6. Grab some training pants This is a step that most people do, but some choose not to use training pants because it could cause their children to prolong training. However, a lot of people find using training pants to be useful, so… Purchase some fun, kid-friendly training pants Allow your child to help pick them out. Purchasing the plastic, over the underwear training pants may be useful when your child begins wearing big-kid underwear.
7. Handle Setbacks Gracefully As with anything new, we can expect to find ourselves fighting a battle on occasions, but remember, that’s okay! When you see that your child is regressing it’s best to just put the process on hold for a few weeks. If and when your child has an accident, that’s okay too. They are learning to use muscles they haven’t used before this process. Don’t get angry with your little one for having an accident either, they truly are learning a new skill.
8. Foster the habit Encourage your little one to sit on the potty whenever they feel the urge to go. Allow them to run around with no underpants on, but be sure the potty’s nearby. Praise them for going potty in the potty. Relax them while they patiently wait on the potty for something to happen (this is when a book or song comes in good use). (“The ABC’s,” 2006)
9. Demonstrate Let your child see their stool from their diaper go into the toilet and be flushed (“Toilet,” 2009). Allow your child to watch you or an older sibling go through the motions of using the bathroom (“The ABC’s,” 2006).
10. Create a routine A daily routine can be versatile depending on what you have time for or are comfortable with. A few ideas are… Allow your child to sit on the potty chair with his/her clothes on at the same time each morning (usually when they would seemingly need to potty.) Once, they have cooperated with this idea, try having them sit with no pants on.If they resist then possibly wait a few days. When a child feels rushed or pressured they could begin to throw out the whole idea. Reward them by placing stickers on a chart when they embrace the idea.
11. Assess Readiness… I’m ready to use the potty when… I tell you I need a new diaper I ask to wear big kid underwear My diaper stays dry for about 2-4 hour intervals I can follow instructions I can pull my pants up and down I’m at a cooperative stage I have words for urine and stool I probably need more time if… I’m showing lack of success My lack of success is associated with constipation If I’m resisting using the potty If it doesn’t seem like my idea yet It’s a struggle I’m still working on my motor skills
12. Now that we have an idea as to when to start potty training, let’s learn what we need to buy. Setting up the environment a. Make the toilet child friendly by getting a potty chair. If your child seems excited about using the big toilet then just get a padded seat. b. Show them how using the potty is a fun and exciting thing by reading them potty books, using a potty training doll, and watching potty training videos. Make the transition fun a. Allow them to decorate their potty chair with stickers etc. , watch TV while sitting on their chair, let using the toilet be their idea, make up a potty song, use picture books, etc.
13. Tracking success by using some sort of chart! Remember, the more your child is involved and the process seems fun, the more they are willing to give it a try. A good way to track the progress is by making a fun chart for them to visually see what they have done.
19. Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical, volume number(issue number if available). Retrieved from http://www.someaddress.com/full/url//
20. References BabyCenter LLC. (2006). The ABC’s of potty training. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-abcs-of-potty-training_4399.bc WebMD LLC. (2009). Toilet training-topic overview. Retrieved from http://children.webmd.com/tc/toilet-training-topic-overview Iannelli MD, V. Potty training. Retrieved from http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/parenting_tips/potty_training/ind ex.html Familydoctor.org editorial staff (2009). Toilet training your child. Retrieved from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/paren ts/toilet/179.html