While there are many different processes for getting your child potty trained, there are some tips that apply in most situations that will contribute to your child's success. According to Anne Krueger, former editor-in-chief of Parenting magazine, and author of "Parenting Guide to Toilet Training," parents can control how potty training happens, to a certain extent, but not when it happens. Success comes from a ready child, a prepared parent, a low-stress atmosphere, and a little external motivation.
Readiness Signs
Recognizing your child's readiness to begin using the potty is an important first step to starting the training process. A child forced into potty training before being ready will experience frustration and sense of failure. A child who is ready can follow directions, shows interest in using the toilet or wearing underwear, knows when he is wet or soiled, and can pull his pants up and down, Krueger says.
Disposables Versus Underwear
Elizabeth Pantley, president of a parent-education company and author of "The No-Cry Potty Training Solution," says using underwear helps your child to know immediately if she has had an accident. Using the absorbent disposable training pants does not allow her to have immediate feedback on her behavior, nor does it allow her to feel the cold discomfort of wetness.
Using underwear often serves as a strong incentive for many children, as they feel like a "big kid", can choose favorite colors or characters, and the feel of less bulk provides a constant reminder that they are doing something new and need to stay dry.
Equipment
Caroline Fertleman, a leading pediatrician, and Simone Cave, authors of "Potty Training for Boys the Easy Way," make suggestions for equipment to buy. Purchasing at least two, cheap plastic, identical (if possible) potty chairs will suffice when it comes to potties. You will want one in the play area and one in the bathroom. You may want one for the car, too. While there are many fancy potties out there, most children move on to use the toilet quickly, making potties an unnecessary expense.
A sturdy, well-fitting child toilet seat and a stable step stool will help your child feel more safe and in control when he begins using the regular toilet.
Pants with elastic waistbands allow for quick and easy on and off.
A bathroom mat with a rubber bottom will protect sofas. Your child can sit on this while watching television without you having to worry about your sofa if he has an accident.
Rewards
Pantley writes that over 80 percent of parents have used rewards during the potty training process. Most experts agree that using rewards during potty training is acceptable and effective.
Using stickers helps your child see her progress, and if more incentive becomes necessary, set it up so that your child receives a prize after earning so many stickers.
Pantley suggests using a prize box. By wrapping inexpensive prizes in colorful paper and then putting them into the box, you can let your child know that when she is "ready," she can pick a prize from the box after she does her business in the potty.
Team Approach
Children in the care of someone else, such as a day care provider, will need consistency during potty training. Pantley suggests that you talk to your care provider about how he handles potty training. It is important to have ongoing communication about the child's progress or setbacks so that the plan can be altered, if needed. Consistency among all adults will decrease confusion for your child and make it more likely that she will go along with the plan.
Times of Change
Fertleman and Cave advise parents to avoid training during a move, vacation, the arrival of a new sibling, a parent being away, or with a new caregiver. All of these situations can create grounds for a setback if they occur in the midst of training. Setbacks are normal during change and reassurance is the best response. Your child will most likely get back on track soon.
References
- "The No-Cry Potty Training Solution"; Elizabeth Pantley; 2007
- "Parenting Guide to Toilet Training"; Anne Krueger; 2001
- "Potty Training Boys the Easy Way"; Caroline Fertleman, MD and Simone Cave; 2008
