Toilet training is an endeavor that requires a great amount of work on the part of both parent and child. Your child's age is not always an indicator it is time to begin potty training. Instead, you should look for signs such as your child notifying you that his diaper is wet or indicates an interest in using the toilet. However, these signs do not necessarily mean your child will be easily potty trained. Use these tips to help even the most frustrating child and reduce your stress.
Step 1
Re-orient your child to the training potty at a time when you do not expect them to use the toilet. This can take away the fear or acts of retribution when your child acts as if you are forcing them to try and use a toilet. Whether it's stocking toilet paper or cleaning the toilet, make even these seemingly menial activities seem like fun and something grown-ups do.
Step 2
Purchase a doll or "pee pee" doll, and have your child engage in simulated potty training for this doll. A pee pee doll is an especially useful tool because your child can make the link between drinking fluids and needing to urinate.
Step 3
Talk to your child about the steps involved in changing her diaper and how she will soon perform these same tasks for herself while on the potty. Have her help you with parts of changing her diaper, such as selecting a new diaper and helping you to pull her pants down.
Step 4
Make potty time one your child associates as a fun activity. Whether singing a special song to your child when he does use the potty to offering a reward after successfully using the potty, making your child feel good--not pressured or as if he has done something wrong--can make for more effective potty training.
Step 5
Try taking smaller steps toward encouraging your child to use the potty if she seems especially resistant to using the potty. Start with having your child go to the bathroom in her diaper while in the actual bathroom, then transition your child into using the bathroom with her diaper on while seated. Being in close proximity to the potty may help the child associate going to the bathroom with being comfortable.
Step 6
Remove your child's diaper while in the bathroom, and encourage him to go to the bathroom on the potty. Remind him that he has accomplished a similar task while in the bathroom, and encourage him while he attempts to use the restroom.
Tips and Warnings
- After your child uses the bathroom in her diaper, do not immediately change her diaper. Instead, allow her to experience the uncomfortable sensation that can spur her on to wanting to use the toilet instead. Children have an innate desire to model the behaviors of their parents--by reminding your child that grown-up girls and boys use a potty, they are likely willing to give it a try.
- One of the chief reasons a child may be hard to potty train is that he is too young to begin in the first place. Do not follow someone else's timeline for when your child should begin potty training. Instead, carefully observe your child for signs that he is truly ready to begin.
Things You'll Need
- Potty or potty training seat
- Doll or "pee pee" doll
- Underpants
- Training pants
- Sweatpants or other easy-to-remove clothing
