If your child shows cognitive and physical signs of readiness, including the ability to stay dry for periods of two or more hours and the ability to communicate through words or gestures that she needs to go to the bathroom, she might be ready to begin the potty training process. While some kids need little encouragement beyond positive words to master the toilet, others might need tangible rewards and more overt encouragement.
Step 1
Teach him about the process. Read books and watch videos about potty training to help give your child a solid idea of what you expect from him. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises letting him sit on the chair fully clothed at first so he can get comfortable with it. After he becomes accustomed to it, let him sit on it without wearing his pants and diaper.
Step 2
Set the stage for a successful experience. Pediatrician and child development expert Dr. William Sears, suggests taking your child shopping for a new “big kid” potty. He also recommends teaching your child the correct words for her body parts and their actions.
Step 3
Help him make a connection between feeling and going. Let him spend some naked time to help him understand that the pressure he feels means that he needs to go to the bathroom. When you notice that he shows signs of needing to go, quickly take him to his potty chair.
Step 4
Offer the right incentives. Sears advises parents to turn potty training into a fun game with special rewards customized to fit your child. You can give her a sticker each time she uses the potty and a special reward, such as a new toy or special outing, after she collects several stickers.
Step 5
Get rid of the diapers. While diapers and disposable pull-ups can prevent a big mess, they can hinder the process by masking your child’s sensation of wetness. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, suggests moving to regular “big girl” underpants during the potty training process.
Tips and Warnings
- Dress your child in loose, easy-to-remove clothing to make it easier for her to take off her clothing to use the toilet. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests it can take six to eight months to day-train a child, and months or years more for a child to stay dry at night. Stay patient and view the endeavor as a process.
- Don't put too much pressure on an unwilling or reluctant child to potty train. This can backfire and make the process more difficult. If your child seems unready or unwilling to use the toilet, consider backing off and trying again in a few weeks.
Things You'll Need
- Child-sized potty chair
- Potty-training books and videos
- Stickers
- Potty-training chart
