Potty Training

From LoveToKnow Baby

Most toddlers are extremely proud of themselves once they've mastered potty training. In fact, they may be so proud that they want to talk about it...a lot! Don't worry, however; this phase of discussing bodily functions will soon pass. In the meantime, celebrate your baby's success!

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Potty Training Time!

Babies are usually ready for potty training when they're about 2 1/2 years old. Keep in mind, though, that this is the average age. Some are ready to begin potty training at eighteen months, while others may be well over three years old before they show signs of readiness.

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Your Attitude

Your attitude will play a major role in helping your child with her potty training progress. If you scold or punish your child when she has an accident, you are not helping her to learn the responsibility of using the toilet. Instead, you are teaching her to fear everything about the act.

You should take a positive reinforcement approach when potty training your child. If you praise her lavishly whenever she is able to use the potty, you will reinforce her efforts, and she will look forward to eagerly pleasing you.

When you first begin introducing your child to the potty, go ahead and give her plenty of compliments for simply sitting on the potty for short periods of time. Yes, potty training can be frustrating for you both, but try and make it as pleasant as possible.

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Rewards

Should you reward your child with candy? Well, there are many differing opinions about this method. While you may get instant results at first, what happens if your child will only use the potty based on the fact that she gets candy?

Of course, each child is different. Candy may be a great incentive for your child, and once he is using the potty regularly, you may be able to wean him off of this sweet treat. However, other children may continue to insist on having candy after they use the potty, resulting in a new battle for you.

An alternative to sweets might be a special book or journal that you let your child fill with stickers representing each successful use of the potty. You could even let her trade in so many stickers for a small prize, such as bubbles, coloring books, or a trip to a favorite ice cream shop.

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Potty to Toilet

Once your child has begun using the potty regularly, and he doesn't seem to have any problem watching you flush the contents of the potty down the toilet, you might want to consider moving him to the toilet instead. If it is difficult for him to reach the toilet, there are many adorable children's step stools that would be great for just this purpose. Let him help you search for that perfect step stool that he can call his own.

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Keep Up the Training

Finally, you need to keep in mind that your child's potty training will continue for some time even after she seems quite adept at handling the whole issue. There may be circumstances in her life that cause a setback or regression. These could be anything from a new daycare situation to a move to a new home. Try not to make a big deal out of her regression, and continue to give her positive reinforcement. Eventually, she will begin using the potty regularly again.

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