If you feel like you've tried everything to potty train your toddler and he still insists on using his diaper, your child may not be ready to potty train. If you feel your toddler is old enough to make the switch from the diaper to the potty but he's still not giving in, use a few tips and tricks to help your toddler enjoy the process of potty training. This way, your toddler won't feel like he's enduring a punishment, but spending quality time with you.
Step 1
Determine if the potty chair you have purchased is comfortable for your child. Whether you have chosen a potty chair or potty insert that fits into the toilet for your child, make sure she can sit on the device on her own without feeling wobbly or unstable. To make the chair look more appealing to your child, place stickers or pictures of her favorite cartoon character on the potty.
Step 2
Read a potty-training book to your child. If your child understands potty training as a calming and enjoyable activity, he will be less likely to rebel.
Step 3
Let your toddler sit on the potty chair several times a day, advises the Mayo Clinic. This way, she will become comfortable with the idea of sitting in the chair, rather than feeling afraid or unsure about it.
Step 4
Stay calm about accidents and potty-training tantrums. Both you and your child may be feeling frustrated about the idea of potty training, but if you stay calm and speak with gentle tones, your toddler will be less likely to feel exasperated.
Step 5
Give your child a small reward for using the potty correctly. By giving your child a sticker or a hug after he uses the potty, he may be more excited to use the potty in the future. Consider creating a sticker chart, where your child can accumulate stickers. Once he reaches 10 stickers, give him a bigger prize or the chance to do a special activity, like going to the park or seeing a movie. A sticker chart will give your child an additional incentive to use the potty correctly.
Step 6
Take a break for several weeks. If your child still hasn't mastered the potty chair, switch back to diapers for a few weeks, then try the potty-training process again.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid giving your child food or candy as a reward for using the potty.
- Consult a doctor if your child is still not potty trained at the age of four or older.
Things You'll Need
- Potty-training book
- Potty chair or insert
- Stickers
