Tips for Potty Training Success
As with most developmental milestones, every child is different. When it comes to potty training, what works for one kiddo may not work at all for another. As a parent, the most important thing you can do is stay patient and watch for signs that your child is ready before even starting the process. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario, but through our tips for potty training success, we hope to help make the goal as achievable as possible!
When to Start
The time to start potty training has less to do with age, it’s more about where they’re at with their physical, developmental, and behavioral milestones. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they’re three years old. There’s no rush. If you start too early, it might take longer to train your child.”
It’s a walk, not a sprint! When beginning potty training, look for the signs. Excitement about potty training, asking to use the potty, or noticing you are changing fewer diapers are just a few. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself:
- Can your child walk to and sit on a toilet?
- Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
- Can your child stay dry for up to two hours?
- Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
- Can your child communicate when he or she needs to go?
- Does your child seem interested in using the toilet or wearing “big-kid” underwear?”
Try your best not to rush your child or the process. They will let you know when they’re ready!
Ready, Get Set, Go!
In the midst of preparation for potty training, it’s a good idea to let your child explore the bathroom and all its features. Show them how it’s done, let them experiment with flushing the toilet, and encourage them to speak about the toilet. All of this will help grow your child’s interest and help them feel supported.
What to Expect, a popular parenting books, says, “Get into the habit of dressing your toddler in the right potty-training clothes (pants that pull up and down without any fiddling — no overalls or tricky buttons), and then practice the all-important pull-down maneuver.” This way your child will be prepared for any sudden bathroom runs.
If possible, it helps to place a potty chair in every bathroom of your home and even in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies. Involving your child in picking out the potty will make them feel enthusiastic about the activity.
KidsHealth recommends that when you’re starting out, you only put children on the potty for a few minutes a couple of times a day. Try not to force them to sit or stay because that could cause them to dislike “potty time”. Creating a solid routine will allow your child to get accustomed to their new potty practice.
As far as night-time toilet training goes, a trip to the potty before bedtime and after waking up is essential. This also helps build positive habits and will eventually prevent accidents overnight.
Prepare for Accidents, and Be Patient
Accidents will happen, and when they do, be careful not to punish your child or make them feel overly ashamed. Any additional pressure isn’t going to speed up the process. In fact, if you do not make a fuss when they have an accident, they’ll be less likely to feel anxious or worried, which means they’ll be more likely to be successful the next time. Remember – this is a learning process!
It takes time! Instead of criticism, shower them with praise when they make any attempt to use the potty. This will help them feel proud of their efforts and confident to try again next time. Using a sticker system is a great way for your child to visually experience their success daily!
More Useful Potty Training Tips
- Go shopping together for big-kid underwear! This will give them an incentive and make them want to potty train.
- Create a potty-training song to relax your child.
- Ensure that all caregivers, such as grandparents or babysitters, follow the same potty training plan so your kiddo doesn’t get confused!
- Read books about it – for kids and adults!
Join Kiddi Kollege and Watch Your Child Grow
At Kiddi Kollege, children and families are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we strive to act as a “home away from home”, which includes your potty training routines. Even during the school day, you can feel comfortable knowing that your child is sticking to their schedule.
Interested in Kiddi Kollege? For more information on how we can best serve your family, visit our website or call us at 913.239.8882.