By 3 years of age, most children have the physical and mental skills needed for potty training. When your child can stay dry for at least three hours, follow simple instructions, tell you when he needs to go potty, walk to the potty and undress himself, he is likely ready to begin using the toilet. For successful potty training, keep a regular routine and choose one or two motivation tricks.
Musical Tunes
Music can be used in different ways to motivate your 3-year-old to use the potty. Sing a "potty song" every time she uses her potty. Buy a potty song CD from an online retailer, customized with your child's name in the lyrics, or make up your own lyrics that praise her for potty success and sing the song to a common child's tune. Alternately, buy a musical potty that plays a tune every time the potty is flushed.
Small Rewards
Create a treasure chest or grab bag filled with small, inexpensive toys. Each time your 3-year-old uses the potty, he gets a small reward. Buy rewards similar to the ones dentists give out at the end of each visit: rubber balls, coloring books, stickers and small stuffed animals. If your child has a favorite type of toy such as trains or a favorite cartoon character, let him earn his themed collection through potty training.
Praise and Patience
Praise and patience are the keys to success in potty training. Each time your child uses the potty, reward her with verbal praise such as "Way to Go!" and "Wow! You're using the potty just like the big kids!" Parallel to the importance of praise is patience when accidents happen. Don't punish accidents, but instead let your child know accidents are part of the learning process and everyone has them. Try a simple, "That's OK. Accidents happen. Keep practicing and soon you can wear big girl pants!"
Ditch the Diapers
The transition from diapers to "big boy" training pants or underwear is also a potty training motivation for your little one. When your child has successfully used the potty and kept his diaper dry for at least a week, you can switch to big boy pants, although some experts recommend waiting a few weeks before ditching the diapers. Celebrate the transition like a promotion. Let your child announce the promotion to his grandparents and child-care providers. Honor the occasion with a card and a shopping trip for those big boy pants.
