Let’s face it, as a parent you don’t want to change diapers forever, but the thought of potty training can seem daunting.
You realize introducing this new routine will be met with some amount of challenge and frustration to you and your child, and yet it has to happen at some point. The good news is that there are so many good tips and ideas out there. The bad news is that no child is the same, so not all ideas will work with your child. The best thing you can do as a parent is to be prepared and keep trying.
Pre-toilet training
Pre-toilet training is the process of getting ready for potty training. You and your child can prepare mentally and physically for the time she is ready to begin training. Here are some suggestions to get you on the path of preparedness.
Potty Chair Visual
At around 15-18 months, purchase and place the potty chair (or the potty seat) in the bathroom where your toddler will see it. You can talk about what it’s used for. She can see it in the bathroom, sit on it (with no expectations). The potty chair will become familiar, seen and known. Have her take practice sits. Again, normalize it and keep it light.
Potty Language
Begin using body part words, potty associated words, and gestures, so that you both become comfortable with the language used to verbalize the process. There are plenty of good toddler-friendly books to make this language easier, even fun.
Model and Narrate
This can perhaps seem awkward, but having an open-door policy when using the toilet and talking about what’s happening as you go removes the mystery. Your toddler will see that using the toilet is natural and common.
Practice Flush
When you’ve changed a dirty diaper, put the poo in the toilet and allow your child to flush so she can learn where the poo should go, and how the toilet works. Flushing the toilet will seem like a reward to her.
Watch for Readiness
How do you know when your toddler is ready to begin her training? Muscle control for children begins between 18 months and 3 years of age, and on average, most children are potty trained between 2.5 and 4 years of age. This differs in each child, so understanding your child’s readiness is imperative. Look for clues like the following: she has regular, predictable bowel movements; she is able to follow simple instructions; she can verbalize that she has to go potty before it happens; she has dry diapers for 2-3 hour spans; she can walk and sit down easily. If she has mastered these, it may be an appropriate time to start.
Get Supplies
As your toddler is closer to being ready for potty training, gather the supplies you may need. These supplies may include: potty chair, stool or step (for toilet seat and/or handwashing), potty prize (a small incentive such as candy or stickers), flushable wipes, Pull-Ups, favorite juice, and loose fitting pants (think sweats not leggings or jeans).
Choose your date
Once she is ready to begin potty training, and you are set on helping her on this journey, circle a date on the calendar. This gives you the time you need to gather those supplies, figure out a game plan, and allows for time to mentally prepare. Talk about the date with your toddler. Say, “Look here, in three more days, we will start using the potty! Isn’t that exciting?” Your enthusiasm can be contagious and go a long way in setting the stage for a better attitude for both of you.
Do your Research
There are all kinds of tips, blogs, suggestions, and books on potty training. Check into a few of these and be sure to ask within your circle of parent friends what they did that was successful. You know your child best and will eventually land on what will work for her.
P Day (Potty Day)
Hold on tight, Potty Day is here! Be okay with the setbacks and keep the course. Your daily routine will be different, harder perhaps, but it will all eventually pay off. As with most things in life, consistency is key. Keep trying and encourage your toddler along the way. A few ideas that almost all potty training resources suggest are as follows:
- Hydration- Give your child more to drink the days you work on potty training. (Do not force drinks.) Offering a favorite juice may make it more appealing to keep hydrated, thus providing more opportunities for using the potty. Hydration along with fruits and fibers will also keep bowel movements soft and easy.
- Activities- If it’s a challenge to get your toddler to sit for a period of time on the potty, try letting her read a book, color, or you could sing songs together, or paint her nails. A time period of no longer than 5 minutes is recommended.
- Celebrate- A small candy treat or sticker can be a great incentive. Even the simplicity of clapping, dancing, singing, or a high-five can be a way to mark the progress. Be sure to praise your toddler for the times she tries, but no potty was made. When you make a big deal about potty success, it is positive reinforcement.
- Accidents- Potty training is a process, so there will be accidents. Don’t be discouraged. Say something like, “Oops, you’re wet. Let’s change your pants.” Keep your voice calm and do not punish your child. Remind her that she can try on the potty again soon.
- Repeat- Every new skill takes repetition to fully establish. Toddlers thrive on routine and consistency, so keep at it. Day by day there will be little success stories.
The PLC Health Clinic offers video classes on potty training and as a bonus, we have a staff of moms who have walked the road you are traveling. Please contact us for more information on our classes and services. Our contact information is on our website at www.plchealthclinic.org or call us at 419-238-9177.
Other potty training information can be found at www.made4kids.org and https://busytoddler.com/potty-training/
*References available upon request
