You want your toddler to go to preschool, but the school won't admit him until he's potty trained. While you've begun to think that it might be nice to not have to change all of those diapers, you also want to make sure your toddler is ready to learn. If he has begun to exhibit signs of toilet training readiness, such as telling you when he has soiled his diaper, read some tips that may help ease the transition between diapers and potty.
Straightforward Terminology
Be straightforward about describing body parts and body processes with your child, even before she uses the words herself. There is no need to bring about a sense of discomfort about private areas, or else your toddler may shy away from toilet training. While Ask Dr. Sears online recommends using the proper terminology for body parts (e.g. penis and vagina), you may want to use words such as "pee-pee" and "poo-poo" so that she may easily say them when she feels the urge to go. As much as you can, use phrases such as "Go to the potty," when you notice that your toddler may be about to soil her diaper, to remind her that what she feels means "potty time."
Potty Training Books
Read potty books with your toddler to encourage restroom use as a matter-of-fact way of life. The book "Toilet Learning: The Picture Book Technique for Children and Parents," written by Alison Mack, is a book that depicts, in a toddler-friendly manner, everyone from parents to doctors using the restroom. The book "Everyone Poops," by Taro Gomi, explains in good humor that all creatures, big and small, go to the bathroom in their own ways.
Positivity
Keep the dialogue positive, even when he has accidents. Brush off accidents rather than getting upset about your soiled couch. Your positive tone will encourage your toddler to continue to try to use the toilet rather than withhold normal bodily functions in fear of negative reactions. Also abstain from using negative words such as "dirty diaper," "yucky" and "stinky."
Letting Her Have a Say
Let your toddler experience the enjoyment of choosing her own potty at the store. If she finds a pink princess potty that she loves, her chances of wanting to use it are greater than if you were to pick out a random potty from the shelves. Be sure that the potty chair meets standards for a toddler her size.
Easy Clothes
Dress your toddler in clothes that he can remove on his own. The window of time between when he realizes he needs to use the potty and when he actually goes is very small. Overall clasps, thick buttons, belt buckles and zippers will take too long for you to undo and will be near impossible for him to undo. Pants with elastic waistbands and fabric hook-and-loop fasteners are much quicker and easier to navigate.
