Toddler Potty Training Tips

So you've got what you need, the timing is good so how do you go about starting your toddler potty training? Here's some help to get you started with potty training your toddler.

• Leave his potty in the play area and see how he reacts to it (be warned, he might just want to use it as a hat...). He might be totally uninterested in it or he may be really keen to use it, especially if you've read stories about potty use or if he has seen his friends use a potty. If he is interested in it you find it helpful for him to put personalised stickers on it (on the sides, where it won't get wet) so that he has a feeling of ownership.


• When you begin toddler potty training change from using nappies to pull-ups. This will help your toddler get used to having to pull his pants up and down and allows for accidents so you'll minimise on the clean-ups. After your toddler is successful with pull-ups go on to toddler training pants.




• By now you've probably got your own words for the contents of a nappy - keep using the same words whilst you do toddler toilet trainingso that your toddler knows what you are talking about and doesn't get confused thinking that a different word means a different thing.


• Be aware that your toddler needs to be able to easily undress himself. Tights or dungarees are too difficult for your toddler to undo himself. Keep the clothing easy - elasticated trousers/pants, skirts and dresses with socks.


• Your toddler won't know always when he needs to go to the potty or toilet so you can ask him - do you need to go? Or let's go and see if a little widdle comes out?


• Make a habit of gently taking your toddler to the toilet or potty when your toddler wakes, after meal times and before going out. Your toddler will need to practice just going to the potty or toilet to get used to it. Make going to the toilet or potty a nice time. Stay with him, read a story and take some time. Time! Yes, be prepared potty training toddlers will take YOUR time.
  Nappies are easy in a way as you can change the nappy when it suits you to some extent, but with a potty training toddler it will take more of your time. Stay calm and be patient (the continual mantra of parenting!)


• Never force your toddler to sit on the potty or toilet. It simply doesn't help and it creates more resistence to the idea of potty training.


• If you have a potty training doll then park their potty next to your toddlers - doing most things together is more fun than doing it on your own. "Let the doll do a wee and then you can do a wee too! Or are you going to do one first?"


• The trick of turning the tap on and hearing the trickle really can work. It's definitely worth trying. It can help relax your toddler and your toddler needs to be relaxed in order to relax the muscles that control the bladder and bowel.


• Congratulate every success. And as for accidents, simply clean up and move on. You don't want to dent your toddler's motivation or confidence so no scolding, punshing or shaming. It simply won't help and everyone will feel worse for it.
  Be warned - expect the following at some point: a wet floor just when you're about to serve supper or when a visitor is coming, a wet car seat (put a cover on it for safety), an empty potty and a wet patch just next to it...


• When your toddler has a success be careful with your wording: instead of saying "What a good girl", say, "Good job, well done!" - because she won't be a bad girl for having an accident.


• Some parents like to give rewards for potty training and they work a treat. Small rewards such as stickers on a chart can be great but can also be demoralising if then he doesn't get any because he has accidents.
  

  Ideally your toddler needs to be motivated to potty train because that is the stage he is at, rather than so that he can have a particular sticker or an extra sweet. But it can work really well - just be careful not to overdo it.



• When you go to a friend's house or a new care setting show your toddler where the toilet is. He needs to see what he will need to do: Is there a step? Is it clean? Let him know how to get there (even if you are there too). If you are bringing his potty check where you should place the potty.


• When your toddler is well into his toddler potty training and is secure in using the potty you might want to suggest that he uses the big toilet. You can encourage this with a lovely toilet seat with a seperate stepstool or a toilet seat with an attached ladder.



Good luck with your toddler potty training regime!

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