Potty Training Help
Signs of Readiness:
- Your child can walk to and from the bathroom.
- Your child can pull their pants up and down.
- Your child stays dry for longer periods (e.g., 2 hours).
- Your child shows interest in the potty or underwear.
- Your child can understand and follow simple instructions.
Let your child get familiar with the potty by sitting on it fully clothed.
Read books or watch videos about potty training together. [e.g., Potty (Leslie Patricelli board books)]
Talk about using the potty in simple terms ("pee-pee" or "poop").
Another good book for parents is Oh Crap! Potty Training:
The Process:
- Toilet seat recommendation: one with a ladder so they can place their feet comfortably
- Start with a potty schedule: take your child to the potty every 20-30 minutes, especially after meals and naps.
- Dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing (elastic waistbands are helpful).
- Encourage your child to sit on the potty for a few minutes each time, even if they don't go.
- Offer plenty of fluids to encourage urination.
- Praise your child for their efforts, even if they don't succeed.
- Stick to a routine and be consistent with your language and approach.
- Make potty time a positive experience with praise and rewards (stickers, small toys, etc.).
- Be patient and supportive, and celebrate every success along the way.
- Consider using a visual reward chart to track progress.
- Make hand-washing a part of the potty routine.
- If you're using diapers or pull-ups, gradually decrease their usage as your child gets the hang of using the potty.
- If your child resists, take a break and try again later