As a parent of four, I dream of the day when I won't have to purchase diapers. I have succeeded three times and I am currently in the process of administering the "Potty Training Academy" to my youngest who is twenty four months. I want to be a help and encouragement to parents who share my quest. Lots of patience and understanding is required on the parent's part but it's really no problem when you consider the big picture of parenting.
All four of my kids started potty training between 22 months and 32 months of age. It is a gradual process that requires lots of patience on the parent's part along with understanding. It doesn't take forever though and usually within about three weeks your child will be well on their way to throwing the diapers away forever.
It is important that the child be ready to begin potty training. Usually when they begin expressing interest in the toilet they are ready. Your child may act curious when you or siblings use the potty and try to see what you are doing. They may try to imitate you or siblings. Also, a child will begin to realize on their own that being in a wet or dirty diaper is not comfortable. When they begin telling you or expressing to you that they need to be changed, they are ready to begin the potty training quest. The most important thing to remember is that there is no set age at which to begin potty training. If your child is not receptive, don't force the issue, it may delay the learning process if you do. Be sure that your child is able to adequately communicate with you before embarking on the potty training process. If you don't think they are ready, give it a little longer.
The first thing to do is to buy training pants for your child. Get the kind with cartoon characters or something similar and make it into a game or something fun for the child. Show your child how to pull them up and down, again, making a game out of it.
Also, books and DVD's about potty training are helpful. By that I mean books and DVD's for the child to watch. There are many products out there that your child will love and it helps tremendously. Many popular cartoon characters have media available on this topic.
You will also need a potty chair. Make it a fun one. Again, cartoon characters are always good. Let your child have a say in which chair he gets. Remember, its all about fun, turn it into a game. This whole process should be fun and positive for your child.
At random times ask the child if they need to go to the potty. Sit them down and encourage them to "tee tee" or "doo doo". Encourage them not to "tee tee" in their new pants. Believe it or not, children are smart and will know or at least have an idea what you mean. They probably won't do anything the first few times but is important to be consistent. Some children may be afraid to use the potty at first. They may believe that they are losing a part of themselves down the toilet. That's ok, just remember, constant encouragement, praise and repetition is very, very important.
When your child finally does use the potty, make a huge deal out of it. Clap, cheer, dance, laugh, and jump up and down, literally. Make a huge show out of it. This is the single most important part of potty training. It reassures the child and lets them know that they did something good. Also, reward your child with candy, preferably M&M's or fruit snacks because they are handy and easily dispensable. If not use whatever your child loves to reward them. The key to this is to reward them immediately, don't wait. You want them to know that they did a good thing. Some children like their privacy and may want to be in a semi secluded area when they use the potty. That's ok, just remember, the potty chair doesn't necessarily have to be in the bathroom. It doesn't hurt to place it in the living room or a bedroom at first. You want the child to feel comfortable.
As your child progresses, they need closer monitoring to avoid accidents. Accidents are okay though and are to be expected. That's where the training pants come into play. Also, if you have other children they should also be an encouragement to your little trainee. Siblings can be a great help and should be utilized if they are available. In my experience after two or three days your child will begin to tell you or express to you that they need to use the potty. If not, they may not be ready yet. It takes a little work but nothing that you can't handle as a parent. When your child is ready, the process will become easier each day. Below are some key points to remember.
There is no set age to begin potty training. If your child isn't receptive, stop and try again later
over exaggerated praise and reward are very, very important
the potty can be placed anywhere, not just in the bathroom
encourage siblings to help
patience, patience, patience
accidents will happen, its okay
For boys, consider placing a napkin in the toilet with a target drawn on it. Have them hit the target or sink small pieces of floating toilet paper.
