Children display interest in and readiness for the toilet training process at widely varying ages---some as early as 18 months, and others at well over 30 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. While children need to be developmentally ready before beginning the process, parents can help spur on their interest by setting the stage for successful learning and offering specific incentives to children reluctant to give up diapers.
Make Him a Partner, Not an Adversary
Improve the odds of potty training success by ensuring your child is developmentally and cognitively ready. Watch for signs that he notices when he is wet or dirty---perhaps he removes his dirty or wet diaper and brings you a fresh one. He might also imitate you and show interest in your bathroom habits. Save yourself and your child some frustration by making sure he can verbally communicate his basic needs and take his clothes off by himself.
According to pediatrician Dr. William Sears, children occasionally undergo negative developmental phases when they resist most parental interference. Hold off toilet training a few weeks if "no" is the only word you hear from your toddler. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene cautions parents never to get into a battle of wills with their toddlers, since they invariably lose.
Go on a Shopping Trip
Build excitement for toilet learning by taking your child on a special "big kid" potty shopping spree. Let her choose her own potty from the wide array of choices available. Ask her to sit on it in the store to make sure it is stable and comfortable. While at the store, let her pick out "big girl" underpants featuring favorite cartoon characters or colors.
Read Some Books
Help encourage his interest in potty training by reading books focusing on bathroom routines. Dr. Greene recommends "Toilet Learning" by Alison Mack, which features firefighters, doctors and parents using the bathroom. The "Once Upon a Potty" series features books specifically written for boys or girls. Favorite children's characters also get in on the action---you can buy, for example, an Elmo book or DVD on potty time.
Get Rid of the Diapers
While pull-ups and diapers help you avoid potty training messes, they also make children complacent about the process. Since today's diapers do such a good job preventing wetness, your child might not mind or notice when he urinates. Dr. Sears recommends prompting interest in the process by telling your child that the store is out of diapers. Let her play outdoors and indoors bare-bottomed and keep a potty nearby. Watch her carefully and when you notice she needs to go, quickly usher her to the potty chair.
Find His "Currency"
Offer small rewards tailored to the interests of the child to give him an incentive for making it to the toilet. While some children might find enough reward in the new underpants and "big kid" status, others need a little something extra to motivate them. Create a sticker chart and place it near the toilet. Give your child a sticker each time he makes it to the potty and then a small reward after he earns a few stickers, such as a small toy or trip to the candy aisle. The trick is finding a reward that motivates him---and one that you can keep up with.
