A child is potty trained when she can independently use the bathroom and control her urine and bowels. A 5-year-old who has experienced normal physical development is able to control urine and bowels, but may not be ready to leave behind the convenience of using diapers or training pants. By implementing simple training methods and combining them with motivation and encouragement, you can train a 5-year-old to use the bathroom.
Step 1
Make sure your child is ready for potty training. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, signs of readiness include an interest in "big kid" underwear, discomfort in soiled diapers, the ability to dress and undress independently and the ability to understand simple direction. If your 5-year-old has not yet shown these signs, discuss it with his pediatrician.
Step 2
Purchase books or videos that are designed to prepare your child for potty training. These should be child-friendly materials that teach her the basics of potty training and ultimately make her interested in using the potty.
Step 3
Gather potty training materials. If you are planning to use a child-sized potty seat, take your child to the store so he can pick out his own. If you are training on the adult toilet, let him pick out his own seat adapter and stool so that he can use the toilet safely.
Step 4
Watch your child to learn her potty cues. When she needs to use the potty, she may jump up and down, squat or try to hide. When you begin to recognize these cues, take her to the bathroom whenever you see them and have her sit on the potty.
Step 5
Take regular trips to the bathroom when you notice a pattern. For instance, your child may have regular bowel movements in the morning. Take him to sit on the potty at this time.
Step 6
Let your child choose special underwear at the store. This will make her more excited about potty training and more motivated to avoid soiling the underwear.
Step 7
Offer a special reward or privilege for using the potty. You may choose to offer a small reward, like a sticker, after each successful potty trip. Since 5-year-olds are able to understand long-term goals much better than toddlers can, you can offer a reward for when the potty training is complete.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that children develop at different paces. Although many children are ready to potty train before three years of age, some children may take longer to become interested. Remember that accidents are normal with potty training. It may take a while before your child stays dry all day, and even longer to stay dry at night. You can protect your child's mattress from accidents by putting a plastic mattress cover beneath the sheet.
- Avoid criticizing your child for not going on the potty. This could give him an unpleasant association with potty training.
Things You'll Need
- Potty training books or videos
- Child-sized potty seat
- "Grown-up" underwear
